Hydrogeochemical and stream sediment detailed geochemical survey for Trans-Pecos, Texas

Results of the Dryden project area of the detailed geochemical survey for Trans-Pecos, Texas are reported. Field and laboratory data are presented for 34 groundwater and 78 stream sediment samples. Statistical and areal distributions of uranium and possible uranium-related variables are given. A generalized geologic map of the project area is provided, and pertinent geologic factors which may be of significance in evaluating the potential for uranium mineralization are briefly discussed. Three groundwater samples displaying the highest concentration of uranium occur in the southwest corner of the project area. Relatively high concentrations of the variables boron, chloride, potassium, magnesium, strontium, and sulfate are associated with the uranium. Relating the hydrogeochemical data from an area south of the Dryden project area with results from the Dryden project area indicates that samples exhibiting high uranium concentrations in the Dryden area occur in a transitional zone which is between groundwaters with high values of uranium to the west and low values to the east. Significant soluble uranium concentrations (U-FL) in stream sediments occur in the southeastern corner of the project area. High concentrations of the variables arsenic, calcium, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, selenium, strontium, and vanadium are associated with the area of anomalous uranium. Stream sediment geochemical data from the Dryden project area defines the northern limit of the anomalous uranium trend identified in the south of the Dryden project area. The area of anomalous uranium values corresponds to the area of outcrop of the Lower Boquillas Formation