QUADRATIC CORRECTIONS FOR THE Z-EFFECT APPLIED TO THE INVERSION OF BROADBAND GAMMA RAY LOGS FROM URANIFEROUS ZONES*

Nonlinear correction parameters have been determined to correct broadband gamma ray logs for the effects of photoelectric absorption in zones of high-grade uranium mineralization. These corrections have been determined empirically by logging artificial test pits. The corrections are a function of grade of mineralization, hole casing thickness, hole medium, and probe energy thresholds. Comparisons between core assays from a high-grade mineralized zone and corrected log inversions recorded with both low-threshold and high-threshold filtered probes are made. The best correlations were obtained between assays and inversion solutions for the low-threshold probe. This reflects the superior counting statistics of this type of probe. Filtered probes reduce z-effect errors but do not eliminate them, and have poorer counting statistics than unfiltered probes.     

松科2井东孔营城组高放射性异常层测井响应特征及成因初探

松科2井东孔是松辽盆地科学钻探工程的主体钻孔,按照计划在全井段进行地球物理测井资料采集,为深部资源勘探及白垩纪古气候、古环境研究提供准确和全面的地球物理信息.在诸多测井方法中,自然伽马测井和自然伽马能谱测井能够测量地层的天然放射性强度和铀、钍、钾元素含量等参数,被有效地应用于放射性矿床勘查,尤其是铀资源的勘查与研究;电阻率、声波、密度和中子测井等常规测井和核磁共振成像、电阻率成像、元素俘获谱测井等特殊测井能够获取地层岩性和物性参数等信息,为铀矿勘查提供有力支持.本文利用松科2井东孔自然伽马测井资料来识别高放射性异常层;基于常规测井与特殊测井资料,结合前人的地质研究成果,分析放射性异常层的特征和成因.核测井曲线指示营城组存在两段高放射性异常层,深度分别为3096.8~3102.8 m（I号层）、3168.3~3170.9 m（Ⅱ号层）.I号层自然伽马值最高达360 API,铀含量范围20.5~29.3 ppm,综合测井和岩心资料判断该层为砾岩,具有铀成矿潜力;分析表明,构造条件和后生改造作用是影响I号层铀富集的关键因素,推测断裂-火山活动和盆地抬升剥蚀为含铀地下水及油气运移至I号层提供了通道,油气的后生还原作用最终导致了I号异常层的铀富集.Ⅱ号层自然伽马值最高达250API,钍含量22.4~37.3 ppm,铀含量5.9~11.0 ppm,为集块熔岩及凝灰岩,高放射性异常可能是高钍含量的流纹质成分和粘土矿物对铀的吸附作用导致的.松科2井东孔营城组高放射性异常层具有埋藏深度深、铀含量高等特点,表明松辽盆地深部具有找铀矿前景.     

Micro-zoning of the natural radioactivity levels and seismic velocities of potential residential areas in volcanic fields: The case of Isparta (Turkey)

This study involved the analysis of the locations with the lowest earthquake risk in the Isparta province of Turkey and the radiological properties of these locations. The most convenient residential areas in the region in terms of radiology and earthquake risk were identified. The radiological characteristics of soil are an important factor in the evaluation of residential areas. Gamma ray spectrometry and multi-source seismic refraction methods were used to conduct radioactive and seismic measurements. The measured ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K activity concentrations were used to calculate the absorbed gamma dose rate, the annual effective dose rate, the radium equivalent and the external hazard index of the environment to estimate the radiological risk of natural radioactivity. The compressional and shear wave velocities were calculated based on the results of multi-source seismic refraction. The calculated parameters were used to generate micro-zone maps. The shear wave velocity was used to analyze the stiffness of looseness of the soil. The radiological risks of the area were determined. Both the seismic and radiological hazards were considered in determining the appropriate areas for residential development. In the results of this study, the best location for residential development was demonstrated to be on limestone, and the worst location was determined to be on alluvium.     

Surface and Borehole Geophysical Methods in Ground Water Investigations

Ground water flow in karst terranes generally occurs in the solution channels of carbonate aquifers. A hydrogeologist may utilize borehole geophysical methods to identify these solution channels in aquifers. Two specific methods that are applicable in karst terrains are:
1. Natural gamma ray logging
2. Borehole caliper logging.
Gamma ray logging can detect the presence of inter-bedded strata in the main limestone unit, such as shale, which emit high levels of gamma radiation. Gamma ray logging can also detect clay deposits in solution channels that may act to restrict the flow of ground water. The areal extent of these rock strata or clay-filled solution channels can be determined when gamma ray logs are conducted at several borehole locations across the site of investigation.
Borehole caliper logging can be employed to determine the presences of solution channels within the aquifer when penetrated by a borehole. In addition, since shale layers and clay filling are less resistant than the surrounding limestone, the caliper log may detect both the presence and the thickness of shale or clay layers in the aquifer.
Gamma ray logs can be used in conjunction with caliper logs to provide data on the stratigraphic location and thickness of solution channels and clay and shale layers within a limestone aquifer. This information is valuable to the hydrogeologist performing investigations at sites located in limestone terranes because ground water flow preferentially occurs along solution channels.     

利用自然电位与自然伽马测井曲线划分沉积相带及储层分布

自然电位、自然伽马测井曲线形态和特征与沉积相带及其储集砂体关系密切,它们对不同岩性地层特征响应十分敏感.利用自然伽马、自然电位同步减小的较大幅度评价识别渗砂层,指示划分水下分流河道主体沉积微相带;利用自然伽马、自然电位减小的幅度差评价识别低渗砂、致密砂层,指示划分水下分流河道堤泛(侧翼)沉积微相带;并以自然电位比自然伽马减小幅度的相对细小差异识别油水层.在安塞油田沿河湾地区长6自然伽马、自然电位曲线划分沉积相带及储层的应用中,建立了自然伽马、自然电位划分储层的下限标准,有效地评价了特低渗透储层沉积微相带及储层类型,提高和扩大了测井曲线的应用及效果.     

The estuarine chemistry and isotope systematics of U in the Amazon and Fly Rivers

Natural concentrations of ²³⁸U and δ²³⁴U values were determined in estuarine surface waters and pore waters of the Amazon and Fly (Papua New Guinea) Rivers to investigate U transport phenomena across river-dominated land–sea margins. Discharge from large, tropical rivers is a major source of dissolved and solid materials transported to the oceans, and are important in defining not only oceanic mass budgets, but also terrestrial weathering rates.On the Amazon shelf, salinity-property plots of dissolved organic carbon, pH and total suspended matter revealed two vastly contrasting water masses that were energetically mixed. In this mixing zone, the distribution of uranium was highly non-conservative and exhibited extensive removal from the water column. Uranium removal was most pronounced within a salinity range of 0–16.6, and likely the result of scavenging and flocculation reactions with inorganic (i.e., Fe/Mn oxides) and organic colloids/particles. Removal of uranium may also be closely coupled to exchange and resuspension processes at the sediment/water interface. An inner-shelf pore water profile indicated the following diagenetic processes: extensive (1 m) zones of Fe(III)—and, to a lesser degree, Mn(IV)—reduction in the absence of significant S(II) concentrations appeared to facilitate the formation of various authigenic minerals (e.g., siderite, rhodocrosite and uraninite). The pore water dissolved ²³⁸U profile co-varied closely with Mn(II). Isotopic variations as evidenced in δ²³⁴U pore waters values from this site revealed information on the origin and history of particulate uranium. Only after a depth of about 1 m did the δ²³⁴U value approach unity (secular equilibrium), denoting a residual lattice bound uranium complex that is likely an upper-drainage basin weathering product. This suggests that the enriched δ²³⁴U values represent a riverine surface complexation product that is actively involved in Mn–Fe diagenetic cycles and surface complexation reactions.In the Fly River estuary, ²³⁸U appears to exhibit a reasonably conservative distribution as a function of salinity. The absence of observed U removal does not necessarily imply non-reactivity, but instead may record an integration of concurrent U removal and release processes. There is not a linear correlation between δ²³⁴U vs. 1/²³⁸U that would imply simple two component mixing. It is likely that resuspension of bottom sediments, prolonged residence times in the lower reaches of the Fly River, and energetic particle–colloid interactions contribute to the observed estuarine U distribution. The supply of uranium discharged from humid, tropical river systems to the sea appears to be foremost influenced by particle/water interactions that are ultimately governed by the particular physiographic and hydrologic characteristics of an estuary.     

234U and238U concentration in brine from geopressured aquifers of the northern Gulf of Mexico basin

The²³⁴U and²³⁸U concentration in brine from six Gulf Coast geopressured aquifers has been determined. The results reveal very low uranium concentrations (from 0.003 to 0.03 μg/l) and uranium activity ratios slightly greater than unity (from 1.06 to 1.62). Reducing conditions within the aquifers are responsible for the low uranium concentrations. The uranium activity ratios observed are well below those calculated using theoretical considerations of alpha-particle recoil effects. This can be explained by interference with alpha-recoil nuclides entering the liquid phase as a result of quartz overgrowths on sand grains and high-temperature re-equilibration that tends to minimize the effects of the alpha-recoil process.The fact that the uranium activity ratios of the brines are slightly greater than unity instead of the equilibrium value of 1.000 indicates that either the alpha particle recoil blocking and re-equlibration effects are not complete or that another process is operative that enriches the fluid in excess²³⁴U by selectively removing uranium from radiation induced damage sites in the mineral (sand grain) matrix.     

An iron-rich deposit from the Northeast Pacific

An iron-rich deposit dredged from the upper flank of Dellwood Seamount in the Northeast Pacific has been analyzed for major and trace elements, rare-earth contents and uranium isotopic composition. In terms of mineralogy and overall chemical composition, the deposit resembles other iron-rich deposits variously attributed to volcanic hydrothermal activity. Both the relative concentrations of the rare-earth elements and the isotopic composition of uranium rule out seawater as the sole source of elements in this deposit. The rare-earth element pattern indicates that these elements were derived from the underlying basalt. The²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratio is significantly higher than in seawater and can best be explained by preferential leaching of²³⁴U generated by decay from its parent²³⁸U in the underlying rock and subsequent redeposition of the excess²³⁴U together with the Fe and minor metals. These data are consistent with a model for the origin of submarine metal-rich solutions involving mobilization of elements from the interior of slowly cooling basalts by circulating seawater.     

Electromagnetic‐Induction Logging to Monitor Changing Chloride Concentrations

Water from the San Joaquin Delta, having chloride concentrations up to 3590 mg/L, has intruded fresh water aquifers underlying Stockton, California. Changes in chloride concentrations at depth within these aquifers were evaluated using sequential electromagnetic (EM) induction logs collected during 2004 through 2007 at seven multiple‐well sites as deep as 268 m. Sequential EM logging is useful for identifying changes in groundwater quality through polyvinyl chloride‐cased wells in intervals not screened by wells. These unscreened intervals represent more than 90% of the aquifer at the sites studied. Sequential EM logging suggested degrading groundwater quality in numerous thin intervals, typically between 1 and 7 m in thickness, especially in the northern part of the study area. Some of these intervals were unscreened by wells, and would not have been identified by traditional groundwater sample collection. Sequential logging also identified intervals with improving water quality—possibly due to groundwater management practices that have limited pumping and promoted artificial recharge. EM resistivity was correlated with chloride concentrations in sampled wells and in water from core material. Natural gamma log data were used to account for the effect of aquifer lithology on EM resistivity. Results of this study show that a sequential EM logging is useful for identifying and monitoring the movement of high‐chloride water, having lower salinities and chloride concentrations than sea water, in aquifer intervals not screened by wells, and that increases in chloride in water from wells in the area are consistent with high‐chloride water originating from the San Joaquin Delta rather than from the underlying saline aquifer.     

Gamma ray spectra of some lavas from Vesuvius

The authors have carried out the gamma-ray spectrometry of some Vesuvius lavas, by means of a S.E.L.O. equipment which consists of a 100 channels analyzer joined to a photomultiplier tube annexed to aNaI(T1) phosphor. TheU ²³⁸,Th ²³²,Ra ²²⁶ andK ₂ O contents have been determined and the following conclusions have been drawn: theU ²³⁸ seems to be present in the examined lavas and the contents are fairly equal within the errors; also theTh ²³² andK ₂ O contents show no sensible variations in the different lavas. TheRa ²²⁶ content is remarkably higher than that necessary for the equilibrium with the observedU ²³⁸ content and shows a decrease with the age of the lavas. TheRa ²²⁶ content which exceeds that necessary for the equilibrium with the observedU ²³⁸ content decreases with a law similar to the natural radioactive decay ofRa ²²⁶.     

鄂尔多斯盆地延长组高自然伽马砂岩储层特征

鄂尔多斯盆地延长组岩芯分析与测井特征研究表明,相对高自然伽马砂岩具有高长石、高Th、局部高U、K含量变化不大的共同特征,Th、U含量特征与凝灰岩极为相似;相对高自然伽马砂岩具有相对高自然伽马、高声波时差、低电阻率值的测井曲线特征,与凝灰岩测井曲线特征也极其相似;再者,从长6到长4+5油层组的各亚组,凝灰岩层逐渐不发育的同时,伴随相对高自然伽马砂岩发育程度依次增强;上述3项特征预示着延长组相对高自然伽马砂岩可能为同沉积期或较先期沉积的凝灰岩经搬运后作为砂岩组成部分再沉积形成的.四性关系研究表明：（1）依据自然伽马-自然电位曲线重叠图、声波时差-自然电位曲线重叠图,可快速识别相对高自然伽马砂岩;（2）相对高自然伽马砂岩具有相对发育的次生孔隙,非均质性强,一般物性越好,声波时差-自然电位曲线重叠图幅度差越大;（3）计算自然电位-自然电位曲线重叠图的幅度差,反映相对高自然伽马砂岩含油性,幅度差越大,表明其含油性越好.     

Clinopyroxene composition as a method of identification of the magmatic affinities of paleo-volcanic series

Uranium contents and²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratios have been determined for groundwaters from the Lincolnshire Limestone artesian aquifer in eastern England. Changes in the quantitative and isotopic chemistry of the dissolved uranium are explained in terms of a mixing model involving the rapidly moving fissure water and much older water stored in the pore system of this oolitic limestone. The western part of the aquifer, closest to recharge, is dominated by oxidising groundwaters which then enter a reducing zone towards the east, where there is an abrupt decrease in Eh and the chlorinity of the groundwaters begins to increase. Uranium contents in the oxidising zone range from 0.7 to 3.4 μg kg^?1 and²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio of this dissolved uranium is close to unity, the equilibrium value. The uranium content decreases abruptly when the grounwaaters enter the reducing zone, averaging 0.04 μg kg^?1 east of the oxidation/reduction barrier. Simultaneously with the decrease in uranium content, there is an increase in²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio and this ratio increases to a maximum within 7 km of the oxidation/reduction barrier. This increase in activity ratio is attributed to enhanced²³⁴U solution due to²³⁴Th recoil from uraniferous fissure surfaces east of the oxidising zone. The activity ratio of dissolved uranium in the ancient pore waters could in principle reach high values due to²³⁴Th recoil from the oolith surfaces. However, the activity ratio actually declines further east and this can only be explained as a consequence of mixing with pore waters in which the uranium activity ratio is closer to equilibrium.²³⁴Th recoil from the oolith surfaces has probably been inhibited by sealing of the uranium-bearing surfaces in the process of oolith cementation.     

In‐situ gamma‐ray spectrometric study of weathered volcanic rocks in Hong Kong

In‐situ gamma‐ray spectrometry (GRS) measurements were conducted at 35 sites in Hong Kong where volcanic rocks with varying extent of weathering were exposed. Elemental analyses using X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry were carried out on samples collected from these 35 plus 22 other locations to assess the feasibility of using the GRS method to quantify the extent of weathering. The Parker weathering index, varying within a range of 0·0–0·8 for the samples studied, was used as a geochemically based reference scheme for correlating the gamma‐ray spectrometric results with the extent of weathering. For the former 35 sites, the concentrations of the three major radioelements, K, U and Th, determined by in‐situ GRS were compared to laboratory‐determined values from the samples. The study reveals that no significant change occurs to the contents of the three radioelements during the initial state of weathering. But once the rocks become highly weathered, further progression of weathering is accompanied by a systematic removal of K and an increased dispersion of U and Th. The results show that K content, which is indicative of the extent of weathering, can be retrieved reliably with the gamma‐ray spectrometry technique. The study has given support to the potential use of the downhole spectral gamma method for evaluation of weathering grade and the detection of subsurface clay‐rich levels. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of secular disequilibrium on (U-Th)/He systematics and dating of Quaternary volcanic zircon and apatite

The (U-Th)/He dating method applied to U-rich phases such as zircon and apatite has sufficient sensitivity and precision to be of potential use for dating relatively recent geologic events such as volcanic eruptions. However, in phases with crystallization ages less than ∼1 Ma, chemical fractionation within the ²³⁸U decay series may modify the He ingrowth rate, causing He ages computed from the secular equilibrium age equation to be incorrect. The resulting systematic error depends on the [²³⁰Th/²³⁸U] activity ratio of the dated phase when it is erupted, and on the eruption age. Zircons, which exclude Th relative to U, will likely have secular equilibrium He ‘ages’ that underestimate the eruption age by up to a few tens of %, decreasing with increasing eruption age. Apatites tend to accommodate U and Th with little fractionation, so apatite secular equilibrium He ages will be nearly concordant with eruption age. If minerals are erupted immediately after crystallization, the disequilibrium effect can be reasonably accounted for based on Th/U systematics. However, crystals are likely to reside for unknown but potentially long periods in a magma chamber, such that the degree of secular disequilibrium will be reduced prior to the onset of He accumulation. (U-Th)/He analyses of co-genetic phases that fractionate the U/Th ratio differently, like apatite and zircon, can be used to better constrain eruption age, as well as to provide insights into magma chamber residence time. We illustrate this approach with (U-Th)/He analyses of zircons and apatites of the Pleistocene-age Rangitawa Tephra, New Zealand.     

新世纪第一个五年测井技术的若干进展

新世纪测井技术迅速发展,为油气勘探与开发提供了多种技术手段和丰富的地层信息．本文对新世纪第一个五年测井技术的进展进行评述,重点分析电缆测井、随钻测井、地层测试等井筒探测技术的发展状况,介绍了一些最新的测井仪器．另外,对存储测井、井下永久传感器、取芯随测等刚刚推出的测井新技术也进行了介绍。     

Isotopic evidence for uranium exchange during low-temperature alteration of oceanic basalt

Measurements of uranium concentration and the²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio in oceanic basalts which have undergone low-temperature seafloor alteration indicate that uranium uptake is a pervasive occurrence but that the various phases involved behave differently with respect to this process. Palagonite exhibits uranium contents 8–20 times higher than unaltered glass coupled with low²³⁴U/²³⁸U, suggesting ongoing preferential leaching of²³⁴U. Altered crystalline interiors of several old basalts have²³⁴U/²³⁸U > 1, indicative of recent uranium exchange with seawater. The data also provide evidence for uranium sources with²³⁴U/²³⁸U higher than the seawater value of 1.14. Manganese crusts on basalts of a variety of ages have isotopic ratios indicating that they either are recent deposits or also have experienced continuing uranium exchange with seawater.     

Radon-222 in groundwater of the Long Valley caldera,California

In the Long Valley caldera, where seismicity has continued essentially uninterrupted since mid-1980 and uplift is documented, samples of water from hot, warm, and cold springs have been collected since September, 1982, and their²²²Rn concentrations analyzed. Concurrently, rocks encompassing the hydrologic systems feeding the springs were analyzed for their radioelement contents, because their uranium is the ultimate source of the²²²Rn in the water.The²²²Rn concentration in the springs varies inversely with their temperature and specific conductance. High concentrations (1500 to 2500 picocuries per liter) occur in dilute cold springs on the margins of the caldera, while low contents (12 to 25 pCi/l) occur in hot to boiling springs. Springwater radon concentrations also correlate slightly with the uranium content of the encompassing rocks.A continuous monitoring system was installed in August, 1983, at a spring issuing from basalt, to provide hourly records of radon concentration. A gamma detector is submerged in a natural pool, and we have observed that the radioactivity measured in this manner is due almost entirely to the²²²Rn concentration of the water. Initial operation shows diurnal and semidiurnal variations in the²²²Rn concentration of the springwater that are ascribed to earth tides, suggesting that those variations are responding to small changes in stress in the rocks encompassing the hydrologic system.     

234Th/238U activity ratios in Pacific Ocean bottom waters

The²³⁴Th/²³⁸U activity ratios in the near-bottom waters at a station in the South Pacific have been measured. The activity ratios are close to the secular equilibrium value, ranging between 0.9 and 1.13 (± 8%), suggesting that the rate of removal of²³⁴Th by bottom-water scavenging processes at this station is slow compared to its rate of radioactive decay. The mean²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratios in these waters is 1.14 ± 0.02, the same as the reported values for the world oceans.     

Element enrichment and U-series isotopic characteristics of the hydrothermal sulfides at Jade site in the Okinawa Trough

The geochemical and U-series isotopic characteristics of hydrothermal sulfide samples from the Jade site (127°04.5′E, 27°15′N, water depth 1300–1450 m) at Jade site in the Okinawa Trough were analyzed. In the hydrothermal sulfide samples bearing sulfate (samples HOK1 and HOK2), the LREEs are relatively enriched. All the hydrothermal sulfide samples except HOK1 belong to Zn-rich hydrothermal sulfide. In comparison with Zn-rich hydrothermal sulfides from other fields, the contents of Zn, Pb, Ag, Cd, Au and Hg are higher, the contents of Fe, Al, Cr, Co, Ni, Sr, Te, Cs, Ti and U lower, and the ²¹⁰Pb radioactivity ratios and ²¹⁰Pb/Pb ratios very low. In the hydrothermal sulfide mainly composed of sphalerite, the correlations between rare elements Hf and U, and Hf and Mn as well as that between dispersive elements Ga and Zn, are strongly positive; also the contents of Au and Ag are related to Fe-sulfide, because the low temperature promotes enrichment of Au and Ag. Meanwhile, the positive correlations between Fe and Bi and between Zn and Cd are not affected by the change of mineral assemblage. Based on the ²¹⁰Pb/Pb ratios of hydrothermal sulfide samples (3.99×10⁻⁵-5.42×10⁻⁵), their U isotopic composition (²³⁸U content 1.15–2.53 ppm, ²³⁸U activity 1.07–1.87 dpm/g, ²³⁴U activity 1.15–2.09 dpm/g and ²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratio 1.07–1.14) and their ²³²Th and ²³⁰Th contents are at base level, and the chronological age of hydrothermal sulfide at Jade site in the Okinawa Trough is between 200 and 2000 yr. Supported by the Pilot Project of Knowledge Innovation Project, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZCX2-YW-211), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40830849, 40176020), and Special Foundation for the Eleventh Five Plan of COMRA (Grant No. DYXM-115-02-1-03)     

Brunhes time scales and the interpretation of climatic change

Two new δ¹⁸O time scales have been developed for the Brunhes Epoch using equatorial Pacific core V28-238. The first is based on a constant accumulation rate of aluminum, an assumption which has been shown to be acceptable for the last 360,000 years of the record by comparison with ²³⁰Th ages determined via the continuous strip-sample technique. The aluminum scale yields an age of 138,000 years for termination II and 693,000 years for the Brunhes-Matuyama reversal. Spectral and cross spectral analysis of the δ¹⁸O records of V28-238 and a detailed composite Indian Ocean record, using the aluminum time scale as well as two earlier time scales, indicates that the Pleistocene climate has been forced by periodic fluctuations of the earth's obliquity and precession. Based on this result, the second new time scale (TWEAQ) has been derived by tuning the δ¹⁸O record of V28-238 to the record of the earth's obliquity. TWEAQ yields an age of 127,000 years for termination II and 728,000 years for the Brunhes-Matuyama reversal. Spectral analysis of the δ¹⁸O record dated by TWEAQ indicates that 30% of the variance of the ice volume record can be ascribed to linear forcing by the earth's orbital parameters, but the trend of the data is consistent with a stochastic model.