Portable Gamma-ray Spectrometer Research Articles

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels and hazard indicators in Tarakeshwor Municipality, Nepal through in-situ technique and multivariate analysis

The evaluation of primordial radionuclide concentrations in rapidly urbanized and concrete-laden areas through the importation of construction materials from various regions of Nepal is both important and essential. This study utilized a portable gamma-ray spectrometer (PGIS 2) to analyze the distribution of three natural radionuclides: uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), and potassium (40K) in Tarakeshwor Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal. The measured dose rates ranged from 70.22 nSv hr−1 to 163.66 nSv hr−1, with an average of 124.65±20.29 nSv hr−1, surpassing the global average of 59 nSv hr−1. The activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th exceeded global averages, indicating relatively higher natural radioactivity concentrations in the region. Specifically, the average values for 40K, 238U, and 232Th were 935.26±172.30 Bq kg−1, 80.47±15.53 Bq kg−1, and 80.44±18.58 Bq kg−1, respectively. The calculated radium equivalent (Raeq) ranged from 132.26 to 351.22 Bq kg−1, and the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) varied from 372.61 to 1028.81 μSv yr−1. The annual effective dose rates for indoor and outdoor environments were 0.54±0.09 mSv yr−1 and 0.15±0.03 mSv yr−1, respectively, both exceeding the global average. The representative level index (RLI) within the study area averaged 1.96±0.32, indicating an elevated radiation risk. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values for outdoor and indoor environments were 0.52×10−3 ±0.09 ×10−3 and 1.87 ×10−3 ±0.31×10−3, respectively, surpassing the world average. Additionally, external hazard indices (Hex) ranged from 0.36 to 0.59, while internal hazard indices (Hin) ranged from 0.38 to 1.20, both indicating values higher than UNSCEAR recommendations. These findings underscore the necessity for further experimental analysis employing ex-situ equipment. The data generated in this study can provide a valuable baseline for future assessments and interventions in radiation risk management guidelines within the country.

Assessment of <sup>137</sup>Cs in the Environment of Hetauda City, Nepal by In-Situ Gamma Ray Spectrometry

A significant amount of 137Cs radioactive fallout have been spread in the atmosphere due to nuclear weapon testing and nuclear reactor disasters. This fallout eventually settles on the Earth's surface, and because 137Cs has a long half-life, it remains in the environment for an extended period. Mapping the distribution of 137Cs is crucial, and this study aims to assess the radioactive deposition of 137Cs in the ground to establish baseline data for its distribution in the environment of Hetauda City, Nepal. Recently, Hetauda City has been designated as the capital city of the Bagmati province. To measure 137Cs deposition, portable (backpack) gamma ray spectrometer was used with a 0.347-liter NaI(Tl) detector. Rapid measurement was carried out while walking at a pace of less than 2 km/h, and the distance between the detector and the ground was maintained at less than 1 m with the detector pointing downward. The surface activity of 137Cs was measured in the range of 0.003 to 2.382 kBq/m2, with an average value of 0.581 ± 0.343 kBq/m2. The spatial variability of 137Cs was found to be smooth in the area, and the mean annual effective dose calculated was 0.379 ± 0.224 µSv. The low dose rates and smooth spatial distribution of 137Cs in the environment indicate no contamination, and the trace amount present could be due to global fallout from weapons testing and nuclear accidents. The results were compared with previously reported values worldwide.

An Approach to Determine of the Formation Stages of Volcanism Using Natural Gamma-Ray Spectrometer from Geophysical Methods (Example of Gölcük Volcanism)

Gölcük Caldera is in the Isparta Angle, which is an interesting tectonic structure in Southwest Anatolia. This caldera is formed as a result of back-arc volcanism associated with the northward subduction zone of the African plate under the Eurasian Plate during the Tertiary. It attracts the attention of many researchers with its tectonic and volcanic structure. In this article, the results of in situ natural gamma radiation measurements made in the caldera are evaluated. In the study, radioactive element (Potassium (%K), Uranium (eU), and Thorium (eTh)) contents of volcanics were measured in situ with the portable gamma-ray spectrometer, which is effectively used in Geophysical Engineering. The changes in natural gamma radiation of alkaline volcanic are presented with maps. When these maps are examined, it is understood that K%, U-ppm and Th-ppm concentrations of Gölcük volcanic are higher than the world average values. The high potassium concentration draws even more attention. The high potassium content indicates that the local volcanic are ultrapotassic and contain lithospheric materials. In addition, since the radioactive element concentration will reflect the magmatic development, the volcanic stages in the region have been tried to be determined. The number of these stages was determined from the curves of the radioactive data from a purely geophysical engineering (numerical) point of view, and the study area was interpreted as consisting of three different phases. This finding is supported by the results of the articles on the aging studies of the samples taken as a result of observations. In addition to these, the ranges of radioactive elements belonging to these stages were determined.

Definition of unconformities based on radiometric tool

The concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 measured with a portable gamma-ray spectrometer in cutting samples of two exploratory wells allowed the radiometric characterization of Cretaceous Rancheria sub-basin rocks and the definition of twelve (12) zones according to paleo-redox facies. The Th/Ua (authigenic uranium) and Th/U ratio greater than 7 (seven) indicates paleo-redox conditions related to oxygenation changes and detrital material input during deposition and terrestrial freshwater environment. However, the Lagunitas, Aguas Blancas, La Luna, and Molino formations characterize by facies from sub-oxic (dioxic) to anoxic redox. In the Aguas Blancas and Molino Formations, pyrite and the high uranium measurements determine an anoxic and euxinic environment. The high values of both + uranium and authigenic uranium in the La Luna and Molino formations relate to the conservation of organic matter, which is an essential factor in the generation of hydrocarbons. The abrupt changes of both K/U and Th/U identify potential sequential or genetic limit surfaces (e.g., maximum flooding surfaces), limiting such zones. Based on radiometric behavior, this research permitted identifying eight Cretaceous to Miocene unconformities in the area, three of them reported here for the first time.

Development of a high energy resolution and wide dose rate range portable gamma-ray spectrometer

In this paper, a portable gamma-ray spectrometer for real-time and in-situ gamma-ray detection applications is presented. By combining a quasi-hemispherical CdZnTe (CZT) semiconductor detector and a Geiger-Muller (GM) counter together, a wide dose rate range is achieved, ranging from 0.1 μSv/h to 100 mSv/h with a relative error of less than 10%. The GM counter is used to measure dose rate from 1 mSv/h to 100 mSv/h. With CZT, the spectrometer can provide a high energy resolution spectrum for nuclide identification and a high precision dose rate at low dose rates. The full width half maximum (FWHM) resolution is 2.2% at 662 keV below 70 μSv/h and is better than 3.3% at 3.8 mSv/h. The weight of the spectrometer is 3.2 kg for handheld and the runtime is up to 12 h without charging. For preliminary applications, the spectrometer was used to measure the gamma radiation around the Back-n white neutron beam line at China Spallation Neutron Source and around the steam generator in the nuclear power plant at Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station.

Potential Applications of Marine Deposits Assessment Using Radiometric and Geochemical Data Integration in Arewa-Jantulu NW, Nigeria

Exploration for uranium, thorium, potash, and manganese at this time can be seen as a magnitude that can settle into the immense economic benefit to the host community and the country at large. These minerals have transformed the economic landscape of many host countries and they can be mined to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy. In this study In-situ measurements using Radiometric and trace element analysis of intercontinental deposits discovered by the paleomagnetic analysis were carried out in Arewa-Jantulu part of the Gwandu formation northwestern Nigeria. The present study was aim to measure and characterize the concentration of radioactive anomalies using radiometric and geochemical measurements. Uranium (U), Thorium (Th), and Potassium (%K) as well as the total count (TOT) gamma-ray concentration was measured with a portable Gamma-ray spectrometer. The results of the gamma-ray measurements shows spatial distribution plots of different levels of radioactivity over the studied area, which reflect contrasting radioelements contents for exposures to various rock types. The phase identification of marine soil sediment samples was determined from Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). While the study has shown the correlation plots of various trace elements versus radioelements concentration as well as the total concentration of some profiles of the study area. This study identified the need for the interpretation of geochemical data in this location to confirm the results obtained are meaningful. The study has also revealed the computed mean and standard deviation for trace elements analysis for ease assessment. For radioelements occurrences, the spatial distribution plots of activity of uranium (eU), thorium (eTh), and (K %) give an indication where high concentrations of thorium and uranium occur.

Field gamma ray spectrometry as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of hypothetical melt rocks from the Maâdna structure (Talemzane, Algeria): Implications for the crater formation process

AbstractAmong all geophysical methods, gamma ray spectrometry is not widely used in impact cratering studies, despite its efficiency in the investigation of physical/chemical changes in rocks. The application of gamma ray spectrometry method to data from the Maâdna crater is aimed at detection and verification of the presumed impact‐derived melt rocks or breccias, as well as discussing its implications on process of formation. The resulting information also demonstrates the potential of these specific data regarding our general understanding of impact cratering, while a few case studies have been reported in the literature to date within the impact community. Maâdna crater is dated at 2.6–3.1 Ma of ~1.7 km and is emplaced in Upper‐Cretaceous to Eocene limestones of the northern part of the Algerian Saharan platform. Although originally accepted as an impact crater, its origin is still controversial. Several thousands of field measurements were taken using a field portable gamma ray spectrometer. The measurements can be equivalently expressed by up to about 42 km footpath recordings in real‐time ground acquisitions, covering the entire structure and surrounding areas beyond the crater edge. The collected data included the total count (Tc) and the concentrations of the radionuclides calculated in wt% for K and in ppm for U and Th. The spectra rates recorded inside and outside the crater did not exceed the maximum average concentrations corresponding to 75.3 Cps, 4.94 ppm, 10.5 ppm, and 1.79 wt% for Tc, U, Th, and K, respectively. The database was processed using various gridding data methods, from which the minimum curvature was adopted as it provides a powerful visualization and interpretation of the anomalous distribution of radioactive elements and their corresponding ratios maps. In addition, an improved statistical analysis was carried out in order to extract a maximum of information about the radiometric response of each rock unit. This analysis consisted of a series of multiple linear regression, mean differencing, Q–Q (quantile–quantile) plots, and ternary mapping. Maps and plots of various models allowed us to examine the background variability in the distribution of K, Th, and U concentrations at the surface of the three distinctive litho‐type zones in the surveyed area, which are the central part, the crater edge, and the outside of the crater including the wadi deposits. Observed results of different radiometric responses clearly reflect the effect of various lithological units, especially in the areas with high K concentration. Note that this positive K‐anomaly has been observed in recent deposits that fill the Maâdna depression or external wadi beds. In contrast, the surrounding limestone rocks showed lower levels of radioelement concentrations. Relevant similarities found between the radiometric signatures of the Neogene formations inside and outside the crater can be considered as a strong argument to exclude preferential radionuclides enrichment caused by an impact event. Consequently, the natural origin of radioactive sources can be easily explained. Compared to other radiometric signatures documented on proven impact structures, the Maâdna structure has been notably discussed in the context of a diapiric hypothesis rather than a meteoritic one. Moreover, the methods used here contribute to our knowledge of the regional sedimentary history in terms of natural radioactivity.

Origin of S-, A- and I-Type Granites: Petrogenetic Evidence from Whole Rock Th/U Ratio Variations

The origin and evolution of granites remain a matter of debate and several approaches have been made to distinguish between different granite types. Overall, granite classification schemes based on element concentrations and ratios, tectonic settings or the source rocks (I-, A-, S-type) are widely used, but so far, no systematic large-scale study on Th/U ratio variations in granites based on their source or tectonic setting has been carried out, even though these elements show very similar behavior during melting and subsequent processes. We therefore present a compiled study, demonstrating an easy approach to differentiate between S-, A- and I-type granites using Th and U concentrations and ratios measured with a portable gamma ray spectrometer. Th and U concentrations from 472 measurements in S- and I-type granites from the Variscan West-Bohemian Massif, Germany, and 78 measurements from Neoproterozoic A-type Malani granites, India, are evaluated. Our compendium shows significant differences in the average Th/U ratios of A-, I- and S-type granites and thus gives information about the source rock and can be used as an easy classification scheme. Considering all data from the studied A-, I- and S-type granites, Th/U ratios increase with rising Th concentrations. A-type granites have the highest Th/U ratios and high Th concentrations, followed by I-type granites. Th/U ratios in S- to I-type granites are lower than in A-type and I-type granites, but higher than in S-type granites. The variation of Th/U ratios in all three types of granite cannot be explained by fractional crystallization of monazite, zircon and other Th and U bearing minerals alone, but are mainly due to source heterogeneities and uranium mobilization processes.

Impact of Clay mineral type on sandstone permeability based on field investigations: case study on Labuan island, Malaysia

Permeability is a petrophysical parameter that can indicate the economical value of sandstone as a hydrocarbon reservoir. In presence of Clay minerals in sandstone composition, permeability can be affected significantly according to the Clay mineral type. Therefore, understanding the impact of Clay on the permeability of sandstone has a big importance in scientific research and industry as well. Although well-logs can provide very good data quality, it is not cost-effective as a preliminary tool. However, field investigations and observations are basic tools to collect valuable data in a short time at a very low cost. In this paper, 30 intervals from 10 outcrops in Labuan island were selected to be described and investigated in the field using air permeameter and portable gamma-ray spectrometer with no additional lab investigations except 3 thin-sections for validation. Tinyperm II was used to determine the permeability, while gamma-ray spectrometer was used for Clay minerals typing. Results of lithofacies, permeability, and gamma-ray have shown a lack of relation between facies and permeability in the selected outcrops while showing a significant impact of the authigenic Clay minerals on permeability according to their types and morphologies. This paper can provide a good reference for preliminary reservoir field studies.

Calibration of a 5x5 NaI(Tl) for Prompt In-Situ Gamma-ray Spectrometry System

Abstract in English It is important to determine the presence of different radionuclides in the environment at all times in order to control and assess the risk level they pose to the environment. Laboratory and in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry can be used for detecting, monitoring, and assessing levels of radioactivity and radiation dose rates in the environment due to both natural and artificial sources. In this study, the greatest challenge in the calibration of detectors for in-situ gamma spectrometry has been solved. Calibration factors that can be used to convert the net count rates of collected spectrum's photopeak using a portable gamma-ray spectrometer, to quantitative specific activities have been derived. Calibration pads were simulated using standard materials RGU, RGK, and RGTh from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Region of interest (ROI) were carefully determined around these photopeaks in order to obtain count rates due to each radionuclide under its reference peak. The conversion factors obtained are reliable.

Multi-scale spatial distribution of K, Th and U in an Archaean potassic granite: a case study from the Heerenveen batholith, Barberton Granite-Greenstone Terrain, South Africa

AbstractWe describe the multi-scale distribution of K, Th and U in the ca. 3.1 Ga Heerenveen batholith of the Barberton Granite-Greenstone Terrain. Data were obtained with a combination of tools, including a portable gamma-ray spectrometer from the scale of the whole batholith to the scale of outcrops, and autoradiography for the thin section scale. U is concentrated preferentially in minor phases in the border shear zones of the batholith and, within these shear zones, in late pegmatites as well as fractures. The processes responsible for the concentration of U in the Heerenveen batholith is discussed in terms of magmatism, hydrothermalism (redistribution of U in fissures associated with magmato-hydrothermal fluids), and supergene alteration. The statistical properties of K, Th and U concentrations are different. K shows spatial correlation over large distance, largely mirroring mappable rock types, with increased variability at larger scales. In contrast, U is dominated by small-scale variations (“nugget effect”) and its variability is, averaged and smoothed by large-scale integration. Spatial and statistical features thus offer useful and complementary insights on petrogenetic and metallogenic processes in granitoids in addition to standard approaches (petrography, geochemistry).

Methods and Influencing Factors for the Simple and Rapid Identification of Depleted Uranium Weapon Use under Battlefield Conditions.

The purpose of this paper is to explore how to rapidly and easily identify depleted uranium (DU) samples under battlefield conditions and to study the factors that influence their measurement. The air-absorbed dose rate and surface contamination levels for DU samples of 2-330 g were measured using a patrol instrument and portable energy spectrometer. The results were analyzed in accordance with IAEA standards for judging radioactive substances. The energy spectra of 5-g quantities of DU samples were analyzed using a high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer, and the uranium content of 100 mg DU samples was determined with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to clarify the type and composition of the uranium. The same batches of DU samples were identified using a portable gamma-ray spectrometer. We added 0-5 g environmental soil powders at different proportions. After sealing, the spectra were collected with a detection distance of 1-5 cm for 10 min. The activities of U and U nuclides in the samples were detected with an NaI(TI) scintillation detector. The U and U mass abundances in samples were calculated from measured specific activities. The sample was determined to contain DU if the U to U ratio was below 0.00723. It is found that for detecting DU materials with a low activity, surface contamination level measurements are more effective than calculating the air-absorbed external irradiation dose rate. Hence, for low-activity samples suspected to be radioactive, a radiometer with a high sensitivity for surface contamination is recommended, and the optimal measurement distance is 1-3 cm. Under all detection conditions, U can be identified using a portable gamma spectrometer, whereas U can only be detected under certain conditions. If these nuclides can be detected simultaneously, a U to U ratio of below 0.00723 indicates the presence of DU. The main factors affecting this identification include the sample mass, sample purity, measurement distance, and measurement time. For the rapid identification of DU with a portable gamma-ray spectrometer, the mass of uranium in the sample must be more than 1 g, the measuring distance needs to be less than 1 cm, and the measuring time must be 1-10 min. It is feasible to use a portable gamma-ray spectrometer to rapidly identify the types and composition of nuclides in DU samples. The detection of U activity is a precondition for the identification of DU.

Design, construction and characterisation of a portable gamma-ray spectrometer for low-level natural occurring radioactive material ex-situ measurement

The activity concentrations in naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) samples are conventionally measured using a gamma-ray spectrometer with a single detector (mostly HPGe or NaI:Tl) enclosed in a lead shield. In this work, a passive water shield to reduce background radiation reaching the detectors was designed using GEANT4-toolkit Monte Carlo simulations and then constructed. This measurement system is portable and cost-effective for ex-situ measurements. IAEA-375 soil and beach sand each placed in Marinelli beakers were measured using two LaBr3:Ce detectors in singles and coin-cidence modes. A novel method of background reduction by using photon time-of-flight was employed together with the measurement of the two photons energies. These samples were also measured in singles mode using a NaI:Tl detector inside the constructed water shield and HPGe detector shielded with lead to compare and validate the results of LaBr3:Ce detectors measurement. Both the simulated and measured results show that the water shield (500 mm thick) attenuates 2614.5 keV gamma rays by 90 %. The minimum detectable activity (MDA) measured for 24 h using the NaI:Tl detector without shield and inside the water shield are; 546 Bq kg−1 and 146 Bq kg−1 at 1460.8 keV (40K), 194 Bq kg−1 and 15 Bq kg−1 at 1764.5 keV (238U series), and 131 Bq kg−1 and 15 Bq kg−1 at 911.2 keV (232Th series), respectively. The measured activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th series and 40K radionuclides inside IAEA-375 soil agree with certified values to within measurement uncertainties. The measured activity of 138La in the LaBr3:Ce detector crystal is 263.8 ± 26.8 Bq kg−1. The internal activity of the LaBr3:Ce detector increases the MDA at 1460.8 keV and 2614.5 keV, which limits the measurement of primordial radionuclides with low activity concentration in singles mode. The activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th series radionuclides in beach sand were measured using NaI:Tl and LaBr3:Ce detectors. The results are consistent with those from HPGe measurement to within uncertainties.

Characterisation for <i>Radioelements</i> over an Escarpment Feature(S): A Case Study of the Duku-Tarasa Gwandu Ridge Area of Birnin Kebbi NW Nigeria

The paper presents results of radiometric investigations of an area (Duku-Tarasa) near the capital city of the State of Birnin Kebbi, NW Nigeria. The area of study is about 440 m × 420 m and encloses an Escarpment Feature/Structure on a sedimentary rock generally referred to as the Gwandu Formation. The Gwandu Formation (though not described in the paper) consists of continental lacustrine sediments and is the youngest Palaeogene Formation present in the Sokoto sector of the larger Iullemmeden Basin. The study measured, along some selected profiles across this escarpment feature, radiometric signatures using a Sim-Max G411 portable field gamma-ray spectrometer (giving counts for U, Th and K relative to the background values over the area), the ground total-field magnetic data (using the proton precession magnetometer) along those profiles and collected some (5) rock samples for flame photometry and AAS analyses towards the target proposition. Activity concentration levels due to potassium (K), uranium (U) and thorium (Th) were measured in the area along the five established profiles spaced at 50 metres. The results from these measurements and analyses were displayed (in Tables/histograms and gray level maps/images of concentrations of Uranium, Thorium and Potassium prospects) and interpreted (dismissing the magnetic data as seemingly passive as no filter was applied to the mapped data).

Ground follow-up of the airborne gamma-ray spectrometric survey data, ramlet HOMAYYER area, east abu-zeneima, southwestern Sinai, Egypt

Ramlet Homayyer area is located in the southwestern part of Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, to the east of Abu-Zeneima city, located on the eastern coast of Gulf of Suez, Red Sea. The Paleozoic succession in the study area (up to 300 m thick) overlies the basement complex and is covered by basaltic sheets. The lithologic nature of the Paleozoic rocks played a very important role in the localization of various mineralizations (e.g. Mn, Fe, Cu, REEs, Th … etc.)In the present study of Ramlet Homayyer area, ground spectral gamma-ray survey was conducted along N-S profiles, equally-spaced, with lengths of about 2.5 km, and the total area equals about 10 km2. The measurements were conducted using a portable gamma-ray spectrometer, model GS-512. The examination of the total-count (T.C.) radiometric contour map shows that the radioactivity values vary widely from 3.4 Ur to 101.3 Ur. The potassium (K) content in Ramlet Homayyer area ranges from 1.2% to 16.0%. The equivalent thorium (eTh) content in the study area has a maximum value reaching about 68.9 ppm. The equivalent uranium (eU) content attains its maximum value reaching about 84.0 ppm. Factor analysis technique, which provides a way of thinking about radiospectrometric elements and ratio interrelationships alltogether was carried out.The application of factor analysis technique, helped to delineate the zones of high concentrations of eU, eTh and K separately, where the first factor (F1) can delineate high eU zones, (F2) high eTh zones and (F3) high K zones. The radiometric lithologic mapping was conducted for the whole area, by testing the homogeneity of all measurements recorded indicates that the distribution of the radioactivity all over the area is not homogeneous. This indicates that the lithological cover of the study area cannot be considered as one lithologic unit, but contains different types of rock units. Each Interpreted radiometric lithologic units (IRLU) is corresponding to one geomorphological mass or features.As a result of the ground radiometric survey of the study area, chemical analyses for some selected samples were taken and conducted from the anomalous zones at G. Homayyer, G. Ghorabi and Khameila areas. These analyses showed presence of concentrations of uranium up to 147 ppm, 58 ppm, 52 ppm in addition to trace elements with high concentrations of some elements as: Y, Cr, W, Sr and Ag, which gives 6819,768,314,561 and15 ppm respectively.

Multi-scale distribution of Potassium. Thorium and Uranium in Paleoproterozoic granites from eastern Senegal

Potassium (K), thorium (Th) and uranium (U) are good tracers of magmatic or alteration processes and the surface concentrations of these elements may be mapped at the regional or local scale by airborne radiometric (gamma) surveys. Geological mapping and mineral exploration are therefore often supported by airborne radiometric surveys, especially in areas of scarce outcrops (e.g., tropical regions). However, a quantitative use of these data poses a problem of scale to the petrologist. The comparison between rock sample analyses and airborne values, corresponding to average concentrations over hundreds of square meters, requires knowledge of the distribution of K-Th-U concentrations at different scales. For this purpose, we undertook a multi-scale analysis of K-Th-U concentrations on four Paleoproterozoic granitoid massifs in eastern Senegal (Balangouma, Badon, Moussala and Saraya). Our method combines geochemical bulk rock analyses, four high-resolution grids (150 m*150 m, 5 m spacing) using a Field Portable Gamma Ray Spectrometer (FPGRS), and an airborne regional survey of eastern Senegal (∼30 000 km2, 250 m line spacing). We find a large scatter of K-Th-U concentrations at the small scale, with the existence of right-skewed frequency distributions approaching a lognormal behavior. This implies that airborne concentrations may systematically differ from the most frequent values measured on the ground at the FPGRS or sample scale. The scale-dependence of K-Th-U distributions is considered to be, in part, a consequence of the central limit theorem applied on radiometric data.

Gamma-ray spectrometry in the field: Radioactive heat production in the Central Slovakian Volcanic Zone

We report 62 sets of measurements from central-southern Slovakia, obtained using a modern portable gamma-ray spectrometer, which reveal the radioactive heat production in intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks of the Late Cenozoic Central Slovakian Volcanic Zone. Sites in granodiorite of the Štiavnica pluton are thus shown to have heat production in the range~2.2–4.9μWm−3, this variability being primarily a reflection of variations in content of the trace element uranium. Sites in dioritic parts of this pluton have a lower, but overlapping, range of values, ~2.1–4.4μWm−3. Sites that have been interpreted in adjoining minor dioritic intrusions of similar age have heat production in the range~1.4–3.3μWm−3. The main Štiavnica pluton has zoned composition, with potassium and uranium content and radioactive heat production typically increasing inward from its margins, reflecting variations observed in other granodioritic plutons elsewhere. It is indeed possible that the adjoining dioritic rocks, hitherto assigned to other minor intrusions of similar age, located around the periphery of the Štiavnica pluton, in reality provide further evidence for zonation of the same pluton. The vicinity of this pluton is associated with surface heat flow~40mWm−2 above the regional background. On the basis of our heat production measurements, we thus infer that the pluton has a substantial vertical extent, our preferred estimate for the scale depth for its downward decrease in radioactive heat production being ~8km. Nonetheless, this pluton lacks any significant negative Bouguer gravity anomaly. We attribute this to the effect of the surrounding volcanic caldera, filled with relatively low-density lavas, ‘masking’ the pluton's own gravity anomaly. We envisage that emplacement occurred when the pluton was much hotter, and thus of lower density, than at present, its continued uplift, evident from the local geomorphology, being the isostatic consequence of localized erosion. The heat production in this intrusion evidently plays a significant role, hitherto unrecognized, in the regional geothermics.

Assessment of background gamma radiation levels using airborne gamma ray spectrometer data over uranium deposits, Cuddapah Basin, India – A comparative study of dose rates estimated by AGRS and PGRS

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has conducted high-resolution airborne gamma ray spectrometer (AGRS), magnetometer and time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) surveys for uranium exploration, along the northern margins of Cuddapah Basin. The survey area includes well known uranium deposits such as Lambapur-Peddagattu, Chitrial and Koppunuru. The AGRS data collected for uranium exploration is utilised for estimating the average absorbed rates in air due to radio-elemental (potassium in %, uranium and thorium in ppm) distribution over these known deposit areas. Further, portable gamma ray spectrometer (PGRS) was used to acquire data over two nearby locations one from Lambapur deposit, and the other from known anomalous zone and subsequently average gamma dose rates were estimated. Representative in-situ rock samples were also collected from these two areas and subjected to radio-elemental concentration analysis by gamma ray spectrometer (GRS) in the laboratory and then dose rates were estimated. Analyses of these three sets of results complement one another, thereby providing a comprehensive picture of the radiation environment over these deposits. The average absorbed area wise dose rate level is estimated to be 130 ± 47 nGy h−1 in Lambapur-Peddagattu, 186 ± 77 nGy h−1 in Chitrial and 63 ± 22 nGy h−1 in Koppunuru. The obtained average dose levels are found to be higher than the world average value of 54 nGy h−1. The gamma absorbed dose rates in nGy h−1 were converted to annual effective dose rates in mSv y−1 as proposed by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The annual average effective dose rates for the entire surveyed area is 0.12 mSv y−1, which is much lower than the recommended limit of 1 mSv y−1 by International Commission on Radiation protection (ICRP). It may be ascertained here that the present study establishes a reference data set (baseline) in these areas to assess any changes in gamma radiation levels due to mining and milling activities in future.

High resolution multispectral satellite data interpretation and limited ground checking: A proxy for geological mapping and uranium exploration in Mahakoshal Fold Belt of Son valley area, Madhya Pradesh

This research aims at integrating remote sensing data and field studies to prospect for uranium mineralisation in the Palaeoproterozoic Mahakoshal Group of rocks in the Son valley area, Central India. In present work, a revised geological map of Mahakoshal Fold Belt (MFB) bounded by Son-Narmada north fault (SNNF) and Son-Narmada south fault (SNSF) along Chorhut-Sidhi-Chitrangi sector falling in Sidhi, Rewa and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh has been prepared based on interpretation of digitally enhanced satellite images. The satellite image interpretation is supported by limited field works, radioelemental measurements (eU, eTh and % K) of in-situ rocks by four channel Portable Gamma Ray Spectrometer (PGRS) and existing published geological maps of Geological Survey of India. In search for mineral potential areas, accurate and up-to-date geological maps are essential as it represent the most basic information for carrying out further exploration activities. However, available geological maps of MFB and sedimentary formations ofVindhayan Supergroup along SNNF and Chhotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex (CGGC) and Gondwana Supergroup along SNSF available in public domain are discontinuous and multi-scaled.

Radiological characterization of the ancient Roman tuff-pozzolana underground quarry in Orvieto (Italy): A natural laboratory to revisit the interactions between radionuclides and aerosols

Orvieto (Italy) has a large network of underground tunnels quarried to extract tuff and pozzolana by Etruscans and Romans. One of these tunnels was chosen as natural laboratory to compare different radiation measurement and dose assessment methods. Indeed, tuff and pozzolana are very rich in natural radioactivity and are interesting from the radiation protection point of view since they are still used as building materials. In order to characterize this site an in situ experimental procedure was followed. It consisted in measurements carried out with different instruments: two portable gamma ray spectrometers, two gamma dose rate meters, two radon monitors and one two channel working level monitor. Samples of tuff and pozzolana stones were also collected to be measured with gamma spectrometry in laboratory. Due to the high content of 238U, 232Th (more than 200 Bq kg−1 for both radionuclides) and 40K (more than 2000 Bq kg−1) of tuff and pozzolana, elevated levels of exposure to natural radioactivity were found: indeed, with different instruments and approach, a gamma dose rate of about 1 μGy h−1 and an average radon concentration of about 10,000 Bq m−3, with a Potential Alpha Energy Concentration (PAEC) of 288 MeV cm−3, were measured. The radiological characteristics of Orvieto underground quarry make it a perfect site for “in field” intercomparisons of different measurement and dose assessment methods.