In-situ ground gamma spectrometry — an effective tool for geological mapping (the Male Karpaty Mts., Slovakia)

• Main Authors: Mojzeš Andrej, Porubčanová Barbara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Earth Science Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia 2016-06-01
• Series: Geologica Carpathica
• Subjects: Western Carpathians; Malé Karpaty Mts.; geological mapping; geophysical exploration; in-situ ground gamma spectrometry; concentration of 40K; 238U and 232Th in rock
• Online Access: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/geoca.2016.67.issue-3/geoca-2016-0019/geoca-2016-0019.xml?format=INT

This contribution presents the results of profile in-situ gamma spectrometry measurements that sought to determine the content of natural radionuclides 40K, 238U and 232Th in a near surface horizon of rocks, their weathering cover and soils in the area of the Malé Karpaty Mts. It is widely established that the exploration of radioactivity of bedrocks and cover rocks can be a very effective and useful tool for both geological mapping, for identifying deposits of mineral resources, and even addressing the issues of structural and tectonic geology. This assertion is equally confirmed by the ground gamma spectrometry measurements carried out as part of this case study on larger scales, seeking more detailed geological structure solutions. The results obtained provide a welcome addition to an already existing database, which monitors the content of naturally occurring radionuclides individually for every rock lithotype of the Western Carpathians, by elaborating on the data collected by previous research and by updating this database for any future needs. The presented results confirmed the low to medium radioactivity levels of rocks and soils in the studied area. The highest values were detected in granitoids and metamorfic phyllitic rocks of the Malé Karpaty Mts. core; the lowest values were detected in carbonates, arenaceous sediments and, above all, amphibolite bodies. In this way, the presented results of the interpreted profile (P5) confirm the model of local geological structure as represented on the most up-to-date edition of the geological map of the Male Karpaty Mts. (Polak et al. 2011).