Aeroradioactivty Survey and Areal Geology of the Hanford Plant Area, Washington and Oregon (ARMS-I)
Abstract
A recent airborne gamma radioactivity survey in south-central Washington and north-central Oregon indicates a moderate range in the level of radioactivity and that the various levels are generally related to the geology of the region. A survey of 9000 square miles near Pasco and Yakima, Wash., was made by the U. S. Geological Survey on behalf of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission. Continuous radioactivity profiles were obtained with scintillation counting equipment at 500 ft above the ground on parallel north - south flight lines spaced 1 mile apart. Locally, the mountainous topography prevented operation of the aircraft on the planned flight lines, and in some of these areas a few substitute flights were possible along the valleys. A map of aeroradioactivity units was prepared from the profiles. Bedrock in the Hanford Plant area consists largely of basalt, a variety of unconsolidated lake- and stream-deposited strata, and loess. The lake and stream deposits are generally associated with radioactivity of 200 to 600 cps (counts per second), the basalt with radioactivity of 400 to 800 cps, and the loess with radioactivity of 500 to 800 cps. Changes in radioactivity level occur at the contact between geologic units at only a few places, however, because of the widespread redistribution of surficial material by wind action in the area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- ADA437774
Entities
People
- Robert G. Schmidt