The Response Of Gamma-ray Spectrum Detection To Weathering

Ground gamma spectrometry detection is a radioactive application in geophysical prospecting. As the processes of natural radionuclide ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K decayed, the contents of U, Th and K could be acquired indirectly by measuring gamma ray’s intensities of rocks, ores or soils. And anomaly delineation can be set as the prospecting marks.In this study, granites and altered sandstone of Kamusite area in Xinjiang were chosen as the research objects, and rocks were sampled by the degrees of weathering. Meanwhile, ground gamma spectrometry data were acquired where corresponding to the weathering crust of sampling positions. Additionally, whole-rock major and trace elements are analyzed to make a corroborative evidence. Integrate data of ground gamma spectrometry and whole-rock elements were analyzed to compare U/Th/K values and U/Th, K/Th ratios, combined with analysis of major and trace elements data, it can be concluded that ground gamma-ray spectrometric data can effectively and distinctly correspond to the degrees of weathering in arid or semiarid areas. But it is important the effects can not disturb the regional characteristics.