Interpretation of thermoluminescence patterns around a Wyoming roll-type uranium deposit

Thermoluminescence from quartz and feldspar grains in samples collected from the vicinity of a Wyoming roll-type uranium deposit show an increase in the importance of high-temperature thermoluminescence relative to low-temperature thermoluminescence of samples which are believed to be former positions of the migrating mineralized front. This effect is believed to be due to the increased radiation in the ore coupled with the faster rate of fading of low-temperature thermoluminescence compared to high-temperature thermoluminescence. Both the ratios of thermoluminescent responses from any of a variety of temperature ranges and glow curves (plots of intensity of thermoluminescence versus temperature) can be used to detect the increased importance of high-temperature thermoluminescence relative to low-temperature thermoluminescence of previously mineralized samples. Both ratios and glow curves present a systematic pattern around this deposit; these patterns may have application in uranium prospecting.