A geochemical assessment of terrestrial gamma-ray absorbed dose rates.
A survey of the geochemical literature and unpublished data has resulted in the classification of the concentrations of the naturally occurring radioelements U, Th, and K by their associated rock types. A data base of over 2500 entries has been compiled, permitting calculation of terrestrial gamma-ray absorbed dose rates. The general lithology of terrains may be distinguished by their radioelement ratios, relative abundances, and total gamma radioactivities. The gamma-ray absorbed dose rates in air above igneous rocks generally vary with their silica contents, and with the exception of shale, sedimentary rocks have lower K:U and K:Th ratios than most igneous rocks. The appreciable difference between the overall mean terrestrial gamma-ray dose rate for rock of the continental surface (approximately 7 X 10(-8) Gy h-1) and the mean dose rate from field measurements over soil (approximately 5 X 10(-8) Gy h-1) is explained by the substantial differences between radioelement concentrations of soil and rock, differences that may vary markedly with rock type.
Wollenberg
H A
HA
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California 94720.
Smith
A R
AR
D005720:Gamma Rays; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D013910:Thorium; D014501:Uranium
D011197:Potassium Radioisotopes; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D014501:Uranium; D013910:Thorium