Research Article| October 01, 1944 Distribution of radioactivity in ancient sediments ROLAND F. BEERS; ROLAND F. BEERS Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar CLARK GOODMAN CLARK GOODMAN Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information ROLAND F. BEERS CLARK GOODMAN Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 29 Nov 1943 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2674 Print ISSN: 0016-7606 © 1944 Geological Society of America GSA Bulletin (1944) 55 (10): 1229–1254. https://doi.org/10.1130/GSAB-55-1229 Article history Received: 29 Nov 1943 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation ROLAND F. BEERS, CLARK GOODMAN; Distribution of radioactivity in ancient sediments. GSA Bulletin 1944;; 55 (10): 1229–1254. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/GSAB-55-1229 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract By the use of beta-ray counters a method has been developed for the determination of the three radioactive constituents in ancient sediments—potassium, thorium, and uranium. Owing to the high efficiency of the counters to beta radiation only 3 grams of sample are required. The apparatus is calibrated with radioactive standards. Over 300 samples representing several distinct types of sedimentary rocks have been measured. The highest concentration of all three radioactive constituents was found in the Antrim formation, an organic black shale of Mississippian-Devonian age in Michigan. Similar characteristics were observed in the Chattanooga formation from wells in Oklahoma. These black shales show maxima of organic matter, uranium, thorium, potassium, colloidal size grades, and thorium/uranium ratio. The radioactivity measurements are complicated by the high emanating power of these shales. Logs of beta-ray activity, alpha-ray activity, and estimated per cent black shale have been made on cuttings from Pure No. 3 Gingrich, Osceola County, Michigan, between depths of 1600 and 3200 feet. These logs include the Marshall and Ellsworth formations, the Antrim shale, and the Traverse limestone. The results indicate significant variations in the distribution of radioactive elements and organic materials in these sedimentary rocks. It is concluded that the principal loci of radioactivity are (1) in heavy minerals in sands and sandstones, (2) in potassium-bearing sediments, and (3) in sediments of colloidal deposition. These relationships are of possible importance in defining the source beds of petroleum. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.
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Beers et al. (1944) studied this question.