National Uranium Resource Evaluation Program. Regional geochemical model for groundwater associated with uranium mineralization in northwest Texas

A pilot geochemical survey was conducted in northwest Texas during April, May, and June 1976. The purpose of this work was to prepare for a subsequent reconnaissance geochemical survey of uranium in northwest Texas and western Oklahoma. Stream sediment, stream water, well water, and ash of plants were analyzed for approximately 25 parameters. The samples were collected in the outcrop area of the Blaine Formation, the Whitehorse and Cloud Chief Group, and the Quartermaster Group (all Permian); and Dockum Formation (Triassic); and the Ogallala Formation (Tertiary). The most valuable sample type for identifying potential uranium mineralization in northwest Texas was determned to be well water. Where available, it is the most reliable for outlining both uranium deposits and, at a wider spacing, a potential uranium district. Of the remaining sample types, stream sediment is more readily available than stream water and appears to be more useful in this area. The most useful determinations in groundwater from five potentially mineralized areas are uranium, sulfate, molybdenum, selenium, alkalinity, arsenic, conductivity, and vanadium. This extract of the original paper is restricted to a discussion of well water results