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Geologic Interpretation of an Airborne Gamma Radiometric Survey, Salmon River Mountains, Idaho

Citation

Knudsen, Liam D. (2023-05). Geologic Interpretation of an Airborne Gamma Radiometric Survey, Salmon River Mountains, Idaho. Theses and Dissertations Collection, University of Idaho Library Digital Collections. https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/etd/items/knudsen_idaho_0089n_12576.html

Title:
Geologic Interpretation of an Airborne Gamma Radiometric Survey, Salmon River Mountains, Idaho
Author:
Knudsen, Liam D
ORCID:
0000-0003-3691-5475
Date:
2023-05
Keywords:
Airborne Gamma Radiation Survey Critical Minerals Economic Geology Geologic mapping Geology Remote Sensing
Program:
Geography & Geological Science
Subject Category:
Geology
Abstract:

An airborne gamma radiation survey was recently published for a region of the Salmon River Mountains which hosts deposits of cobalt and rare earth elements, both of which are listed as critical minerals. The airborne gamma radiation survey was collected due to the prospect for undiscovered critical mineral deposits within the region. Airborne gamma radiation surveys measure the concentrations of potassium, uranium, and thorium in the top 30 centimeters of the Earth’s surface. Because individual rock lithologies typically have unique concentrations of potassium, uranium, and thorium, airborne gamma radiation data is used to delineate the distribution of geologic map units and to identify areas of anomalous gamma radiation signals, which may be related to alteration or mineralization.

Analyses of the survey were carried out to provide information for the improvement of the geologic framework and to identify areas where the gamma radiation data is anomalous for the mapped rock lithology. K-means clustering, principal component analysis, Kohonen self-organizing maps, and band ratios were used to analyze the airborne gamma radiation data. The clustering techniques were largely successful in delineating lithologies within the study area. Band ratios highlighted areas which may be altered. Through the clustering techniques, anomalous areas were identified, including both areas known to be mineral deposits and areas which warrant further investigation for the refinement of the geologic framework and for the possibility of mineralization.

Description:
masters, M.S., Geography & Geological Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-05
Major Professor:
Humes, Karen
Committee:
Lewis, Reed; Smith, Bob; Smith, Alistair
Defense Date:
2023-05
Identifier:
Knudsen_idaho_0089N_12576
Type:
Text
Format Original:
PDF
Format:
application/pdf

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