Hydrogeochemical and stream sediment reconnaissance basic data for Hutchinson NTMS Quadrangle, Kansas

Results of a reconnaissance geochemical survey of the Hutchinson Quadrangle, Kansas are reported. Field and laboratory data are presented for 592 groundwater and 616 stream sediment samples. Statistical and areal distributions of uranium and possible uranium-related variables are displayed. A generalized geologic map of the survey area is provided, and pertinent geologic factors which may be of significance in evaluating the potential for uranium mineralization are briefly discussed. The groundwater data indicate that the southwestern corner of the quadrangle offers some potential for uranium mineralization. Five large clusters of groundwaters with high uranium values occur here. Wells in the southwestern corner produce waters from the Permian Nippewalla Group and the overlying Kiowa Shale that often contain high concentrations of arsenic, molybdenum, selenium, and vanadium which are known to associate with uranium in sandstone deposits. The stream sediment data indicate that most of the uranium and thorium anomalies occur as placer-type concentrations associated with Quaternary deposits. There are three areas that show groups of high uranium and thorium concentrations in the stream sediments; one in the northeast in Chase, Lyon, Morris, and Wabaunsee Counties; one in Dickinson and Geary Counties; and the third, the large area west of long. 970 20' W