Hydrogen generation during the radiolysis of crystallization water in carnallite and possible consequences of this process

Newly obtained data on hydrogen generation during the radiolysis of crystallization water in carnallite from the Verkhnekamskoe salt deposit indicate that microinclusions of hydrogen and free hydrogen are generated in carnallite-bearing rocks spatially restricted to the carnallite zone of the unit of potassic salts at the deposit. The radiolysis of crystallization water in carnallite is thought to proceed under the effect of ⁴⁰K and ⁸⁷Rb. The extensive fracturing of the carnallite rocks compared to that of sylvinite- and halite-bearing ones is a consequence of radiolysis. Other consequences of this processes are analyzed.