National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program — hydrogeochemical and stream sediment reconnaissance in the eastern United States

Abstract

A geochemical reconnaissance of twenty-five eastern states for uranium will be conducted by the Savannah River Laboratory for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. A sound technical basis for the reconnaissance is being developed by intensive studies of sampling, analysis, and data management. Results of three orientation studies in the southern Appalachian Piedmont and Blue Ridge areas indicate that multi-element analysis of minus 100-mesh (< 149 μm) stream sediments will provide adequate information for reconnaissance. Stream- and groundwater samples also provide useful information but are not considered cost-effective for regional reconnaissance in the areas studied.