Abstract
Intensely deformed and mylonitised rocks of the Almora Crystalline Zone (ACZ) have shown the potential of 238U and 232Th enrichment. 232Th, 238U and 40K are investigated by gamma-ray spectrometry in the rock samples collected along the three selected traverses across the North Almora Thrust Zone (NATZ). Obtained average values of U and Th are much higher, 7.3 and 23.9 ppm, respectively, than the average upper crustal abundances (2.8 and 10.7 ppm). The Th/Ra(eU) varies between 2.1 and 23, indicating a higher concentration of Th. The enrichment is due to the remobilisation of the radioisotopes due to the intense mylonitisation and metamorphism from the granitic protolith. The zones of enrichment, although concentrated near NATZ, show a heterogeneous distribution.
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Acknowledgements
GJ and KKA are thankful to the Head, CAS in Geology, Lucknow University, Lucknow, India for providing the working facilities. We thank the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, for the gamma-ray spectrometric analysis. GJ is also thankful to CSIR, Government of India for providing financial support in the form of SRF, (09/107(0394)/2018-EMR-I). AA is thankful to Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst for the financial support.
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Joshi, G., Agarwal, K.K., Agarwal, A. et al. Uranium enrichment at North Almora Thrust Zone, Kumaun Lesser Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. J Earth Syst Sci 128, 212 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-019-1245-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-019-1245-z