z-logo
Premium
A novel nuclear forensic tool involving deposit type normalized rare earth element signatures
Author(s) -
Spano Tyler L.,
Simonetti Antonio,
Wheeler Thomas,
Carpenter Grace,
Freet Devonee,
Balboni Enrica,
Dorais Corinne,
Burns Peter C.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
terra nova
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.353
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-3121
pISSN - 0954-4879
DOI - 10.1111/ter.12275
Subject(s) - provenance , radiogenic nuclide , geology , rare earth element , paragenesis , geochemistry , uranium , uranium ore , trace element , rare earth , mineralogy , materials science , mantle (geology) , metamorphic rock , metallurgy
Identifying the provenance of uranium‐rich materials is a critical objective of nuclear forensic analysis. Rare earth element ( REE ) distributions within uranium ores are well‐established forensic indicators, but quantifying and correlating trace element signatures for U ores to known deposits has thus far involved intricate statistical analyses. This study reports average chondrite normalized ( CN )‐ REE signatures for important U deposit types worldwide, which are then employed to evaluate U ore paragenesis using a simple linear regression analysis. This technique provides a straightforward method that can aid in determining the deposit type of U ores based on their REE abundances, and combined with other forensic indicators (e.g. radiogenic isotope signatures) can provide essential provenance information for nuclear materials.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here