Interpolation study on ambient gamma levels in parts of Khasi Hills, Meghalaya (India): Preliminary findings for U exploration

Journal of Earth system science

Sandeep Hamilton4²  B M Kukreti1¹  G K Sharma2³  Pramod Kumar3⁴ 

[1]Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India.$$

[2]AMD Complex Nongmynsong, Shillong, Meghalaya, India.$$

[3]Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, West Block -7, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110 066, India.$$

[4]Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, AMD Complex, Tata Nagar, Jharkhand 831 002, India.$$

关键词: Uranium;    interpolation;    kriging;    Mahadek sandstone;    lithology;    primordial radio-nuclide;   

DOI  :  

学科分类：天文学(综合)

来源: Indian Academy of Sciences

【 摘 要 】

This paper discusses an experimental approach to examine uranium exploration avenue over the geologicallyextended parts of Mahadek basin in Meghalaya, amid some of the environmental constraints. Studycomprises periodic measurements of prevailing ambient gamma levels across 320 georeference points, inrelation to the major litho units of Mahadek basin, covering 673 line km of Khasi Hills. Acquired sampledata points were then analysed in geostatistical software (Surfer^{TM}) to develop analytical model of samplevariogram having bearing on the uranium exploration in the area. Study findings have given encouragingsurface indicators with mostly elevated gamma levels over the parts of West Khasi Hills. Delineatedgamma anomalous zones are lithologically well correlated including to that of existing uranium occurrencesin the basin. Identified anomalous zones over the parts of West Khasi Hills by this study work, aremainly associated with the Mahadek sandstone (Upper and Lower Mahadek) and Precambrian basementgranites. Lower Mahadek sandstone is host rock for uranium mineralisation in the basin. Initial findingssuggest with the closer spatial resolution (∼1 km) of sample data points, the approach adopted by thestudy work holds promising application in locating potential uranium exploration targets especially tothe extended and inaccessible parts of the basin.

【 授权许可】

Unknown