Abstract
In this paper, using the example of the Lomonosov diamond deposit, experimental studies of rocks were carried out to assess the main radiation and physical factors affecting the formation of the radon field over the kimberlite pipes of the Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province. For various types of rocks, represented by vent kimberlites, tuffaceous-sedimentary rocks of the crater and enclosing and overlying sediments, the following were studied: porosity, density, activity of radium-226, activity of radon in a free state, level of radon production, and emanation coefficient. The research results showed that the greatest amount of radon in a free state is produced by rocks of the near-pipe space, represented by the enclosing Vendian V2 deposits and characterized by high values of the emanation coefficient, radium activity, radon production level and porosity. This fact is associated with the structural and geological features of the near-pipe space, which was exposed to the impact of kimberlite magma on the host rocks. The lowest values of these parameters are characteristic of the kimberlites of the vent facies, which limits the formation of free radon in the body of the pipe. The results of the experimental studies create prospects for the development of emanation methods for searching for kimberlite pipes in the conditions of the Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province.
Highlights
Radon is part of the decay chain of the uranium-238 radioactive family and is continuously formed in natural environments during the radioactive decay of its parent isotope, radium-226, the half-life of which is about 1600 years [1,2,3,4,5]
Emanation methods are used in the search for mineral deposits, including kimberlites [16,17,18,19]
It was shown that the nature of the distribution of radon over kimberlite pipes has a subcircular structure, which is associated with the development of faults and fracturing in the enclosing rocks of the near-pipe space [19,21]
Summary
Radon is part of the decay chain of the uranium-238 radioactive family and is continuously formed in natural environments during the radioactive decay of its parent isotope, radium-226, the half-life of which is about 1600 years [1,2,3,4,5]. Being an inert gas with a relatively long half-life (3.82 days), in terms of its physical and chemical properties, it acts as an optimal indicator for studying many processes occurring in the environment [4,6,7,8], including several important geological processes [9,10] This is due to the fact that radon gas shows the ability to migrate in the geological environment in the gas phase or dissolved in pore waters [3,11,12,13], forming a radon field with the appearance of emanation anomalies in the near-surface horizons of rocks and soils [3,14,15]. Obtained data have shown high prospects for the application of emanation methods in the search for kimberlite pipes in the territory of the Arkhangelsk diamondiferous province [22]
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