Authors / CoAuthors
Abstract
This data collection is comprised of radiometric (gamma-ray spectrometric) surveys acquired across Australia by Commonwealth, State and Northern Territory governments and the private sector with project management and quality control undertaken by Geoscience Australia. The radiometric method measures naturally occurring radioactivity arising from gamma-rays. In particular, the method is able to identify the presence of the radioactive isotopes potassium (K), uranium (U) and thorium (Th). The measured radioactivity is then converted into concentrations of the radioelements K, U and Th in the ground. Radiometric surveys have a limited ability to see into the subsurface with the measured radioactivity originating from top few centimetres of the ground. These surveys are primarily used as a geological mapping tool as changes in rock and soil type are often accompanied by changes in the concentrations of the radioactive isotopes of K, U and Th. The method is also capable of directly detecting mineral deposits. For example, K alteration can be detected using the radiometric method and is often associated with hydrothermal ore deposits. Similarly, the method is also used for U and Th exploration, heat flow studies, and environmental mapping purposes such as characterising surface drainage features. The instrument used in radiometric surveys is a gamma-ray spectrometer. This instrument measures the number of radioactive emissions (measured in counts per second) and their energies (measured in electron volts (eV)). Radiometric data are simultaneously acquired with magnetic data during airborne surveys and are a non-invasive method for investigating near-surface geology and regolith.
Product Type
collection
eCat Id
144636
Contact for the resource
Point of contact
Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
ACT
2601
Australia
Resource provider
Point of contact
- Contact instructions
- MEG
Keywords
- theme.ANZRC Fields of Research.rdf
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- GEOPHYSICS
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- HVC_144636
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- HVC - High Value Collection
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- radiometrics
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- gamma-ray
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- spectrometry
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- spectrometer
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- uranium
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- thorium
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- potassium
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- airborne
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- geophysics
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- Australia-Wide Airborne Geophysical Survey (AWAGS)
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- radioactive
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- radioisotope
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- HVC
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- Published_External
Publication Date
2022-09-28T05:09:32
Creation Date
Security Constraints
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Status
onGoing
Purpose
Radiometric surveys measure the radioactivity originating from top few centimetres of the ground. These surveys are primarily used as a geological mapping tool but also have uses in U and Th exploration, heat flow studies, and environmental mapping.
Maintenance Information
annually
Topic Category
geoscientificInformation
Series Information
Lineage
<b>Source: </b>The data in this collection are airborne surveys conducted from the 1980's onwards by Commonwealth, State and Northern Territory governments and the private sector.<br /> <br /> <b>Form: </b>The data are point-located (line) or gridded and include metadata and supporting documentation such as operations and processing reports.
Parent Information
Extents
[-44.00, -9.00, 112.00, 154.00]
Reference System
Spatial Resolution
Service Information
Associations
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Source Information