Gamma-ray Spectrometry in Geothermal Exploration: State of the Art Techniques

Alistair T. McCay, Thomas L. Harley, Paul L. Younger, David C. W. Sanderson and Alan J. Cresswell
Additional contact information
Alistair T. McCay: School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, James Watt (South) Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
Thomas L. Harley: School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, James Watt (South) Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
Paul L. Younger: School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, James Watt (South) Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
David C. W. Sanderson: The Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), Rankine Avenue, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, East Kilbride G7 0QF, UK
Alan J. Cresswell: The Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), Rankine Avenue, Scottish Enterprise Technology Park, East Kilbride G7 0QF, UK

Energies, 2014, vol. 7, issue 8, 1-24

Abstract: Gamma-ray spectrometry is a surveying technique that allows the calculation of the heat produced during radioactive decay of potassium, uranium, and thorium within rock. Radiogenic heat producing rocks are often targets for geothermal exploration and production. Hence, refinements in gamma-ray spectrometry surveying will allow better constraint of resources estimation and help to target drilling. Gamma-rays have long half-lengths compared to other radiation produced during radiogenic decay. This property allows the gamma-rays to penetrate far enough through media to be detected by airborne or ground based surveying. A recent example of ground-based surveying in Scotland shows the ability of gamma-ray spectrometry to quickly and efficiently categorize granite plutons as low or high heat producing. Some sedimentary rocks (e.g., black shales) also have high radiogenic heat production properties and could be future geothermal targets. Topographical, atmospheric and spatial distribution factors (among others) can complicate the collection of accurate gamma-ray data in the field. Quantifying and dealing with such inaccuracies represents an area for further improvement of these techniques for geothermal applications.

Keywords: energy; geothermal; gamma; radiation; resource; spectroscopy; granite; Scotland; survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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