The Application of Airborne Gamma-Ray Spectrometric Multi-Element Composite Parameters in the Prediction of Uranium Prospecting Areas in Qinling Region, China

Progress in the exploration of uranium deposits in the Qinling region is impacted by a number of factors, including extensive forest distribution, large-scale terrain segmentation, and hidden ore bodies. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry measurement is a direct method for uranium exploration, with data containing rich uranium mineralization information. In addition to surface mineralization information, such measurements also contain some information on deep uranium mineralization. Based on the geological characteristics of a specific area in the Qinling region, conventional data processing methods of airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (such as total elemental content, uranium, potassium and thorium content, and elemental ratios), the overall spectral characteristics obtained were analyzed. By utilizing the geochemical differences among K, U, and Th element contents, a model of four multi-element combination parameters of airborne gamma-ray spectrometry was constructed, including ancient uranium content, uranium activation migration coefficient, uranium abundance degree coefficient, and uranium migration enrichment coefficient, together with their geological significance. The model enhances the weak anomaly information of airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and provides a detailed analysis of key areas within the study area. Lastly, based on the extraction of multi-element anomaly information from airborne gamma-ray spectrometry data and optimal selection, combined with favorable geological information for exploration, a method for rapidly delineating prospective uranium ore areas is proposed, with three uranium ore prospective areas being predicted within the study area.