The use of atmogeochemistry in search for uranium

Surface geophysics methods hitherto used in search for uranium are presented. Prospecting potentials of individual methods which involve recording of emmited radiation or emanations originating in the course of decay of uranium are analysed and their advantageous and disadvantageous aspects are discussed. Moreover, there is presented so-called atmogeochemical method. Prospecting potential, range of usability and disadvantageous aspects of this new method are discussed. Moreover, there is given comparison of results obtained with its use on some experimental objects and those of geochemical mapping of water creek alluvia. The atmogeochemical method is shown to be highly promising in further search for uranium deposits occuring at depths down to several hundred meters. Therefore, it deserves to be further developed and wider used in prospecting. This should be accompanied by improvement of laboratory methods, to make identification of uranium in atmogeochemical samples less time-consuming. (author)