Investigation of the geology and geochemistry of radon in shear zones.

摘要

In this study we will characterize the four principal geologic terrains that cause the highest and most extensive indoor radon problems in the United States, we will predict their national distribution, and we will define the climatic and chemical processes that affect uranium and radium siting in rocks and soils, and ultimately their emanation and radon potential. We have chosen nine sheared granite plutons from different climatic areas across the United States, two faulted carbonate terrains from an and area and a humid area, and three sites within the fractured Pierre shale and the glacial deposits derived from it in the northern Great Plains. The results of our studies for the last four years have established that in order to understand and accurately predict radon transport and availability in rocks, soils, and ground water, the factors affecting radon emanation must be quantitatively described and basic models developed to understand the processes involved. Three phases of the project were worked on this (1) Preliminary assessment of the Alleghenian granites and compilation of data for establishing the relation between heat flow and radon production and availability, (2) development of a field emanation protocol, and (3) ongoing geochemical examination of shear zone processes.