Nuclear analyses in geochemistry and geophysics

Modern geochemical prospecting needs very sensitive and simply applicable analytical methods for determining economically important elements. A review is given of the application of nuclear analytical procedures in the field of geochemistry and geophysics including nuclear logging. Radiometric analysis of natural radioactive elements, activation analysis by neutrons and high-energy photons and X-ray fluorescence methods are discribed. Some examples show how the huge amount of analytical data obtained is used for interpreting the genesis of ore deposits in order to understand the geological history of the earth. (author)