Genesis and timing of secondary uranium mineralization in northern Bavaria (F.R. of Germany), with special reference to geomorphology

Uranium deposits in northern Bavaria may be subdivided into two major types. Type-I deposits are hosted by black shales and contain uranous Fe-Al-phosphates with minor amounts of limonite in their near-surface parts. Supergene redeposition in type-II deposits caused 'gummites', uranophanes and uranyl phosphates which have formed as a function of pH and climate. Type-II deposits are hosted by crystalline rocks. Four stages of supergene U enrichment may be established in the study area: Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary, Late Miocene, Plio-Pleistocene and Late Pleistocene. The most important period for supergene U concentration is considered to be the Late Miocene. (orig.)