Geologic investigations of radioactive deposits, semiannual progress report for June 1 to November 30, 1955

This report is a statement of progress during the six-months period from June 1 to November 30, 1955 on investigations of radioactive materials in the United States and Alaska, undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey under the sponsorship of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

During the period the Geological Survey's program has been
directed to an increasing extent toward the understanding of geologic conditions favorable for the concentration of uranium, rather than the search for minable deposits as such. This shift in emphasis
is reflected in the decreased amount of exploration drilling during
the period, and the accompanying increase in geologic programs of a
long-range nature.

The program is now directed toward a comprehensive understanding
of the many factors involved in uranium geology, and the publication
of reports that will make available information on all phases of the
uranium program. Many investigations have progressed to the point
where final reports are in preparation for future publication with the
permission of the Atomic Energy Commission; for other investigations of
a continuing nature it will be several years before final reports can
be prepared. Formal publications (as distinguished from administrative
Trace Elements Reports) published during the period include 10 Geological
Survey Bulletins or Bulletin Chapters; 116 Geological Survey maps; 15
reports published in scientific journals; seven Trace Elements Reports
sent to the Technical Information Service of the Atomic Energy Commission
for distribution and sale to the public; and four Trace Elements
reports placed on open file. In addition, a large number •of papers by
geologists in the program were presented before scientific societies,
and the 61 papers prepared for the United Nations International Conference
.on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy during the preceding report
period were published by the United Nations.