Reconnaissance for radioactive deposits in the vicinity of Teller and Cape Nome, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 1946-47

Abstract

Placer-mining areas and bedrock exposures near Teller on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, were investigated in June and July, 1946, for possible sources of radioactive materials. The areas that were investigated are: Dese Creek, southeast of Teller; Bluestone River basin, south and southeast of Teller; Sunset Creek and other small streams flowing south into Grantley Harbor, northeast of Teller; and, also northeast of Teller, Swanson Creek and its tributaries, which flow north into the Agiapuk River basin. No significant amount of radioactive material was found, either in the stream gravels or in the bedrock of any of the areas. A heavy-mineral fraction obtained from a granite boulder probably derived from a bench gravel on Gold Run contains 0. 017 percent equivalent uranium, but the radioactivity is due to allanite and zircon. The types of bedrock tested include schist, slate, and greenstone. Readings on fresh surfaces of rock were the same as, or only slightly above the background count. The maximum radioactivity in stream concentrates is 0. 004 percent equivalent uranium in a sluice concentrate from Sunset Creek.