Masters Theses

Abstract

"Geologic, stratigraphic, and mineralogic characteristics of the Eocene Wind River and Oligocene White River Formations were determined for the southern portion of the Poison Spider District, Natrona County, Wyoming. Sieve analysis and heavy mineral techniques were used to recognize stratigraphic units, determine their environment of deposition, obtain a better knowledge of the grain size distribution, and to identify a possible source area for the sediments. Particular emphasis was concentrated on the evaluation and interpretation of the available geophysical data (gamma ray and resistivity logs), and geological information which had led to the establishment of several relationships between the local geology and the uraniferous mineralization. This mineralization is present in close association with carbonaceous material enclosed in the coarse, unconsolidated, arkosic sediments of the Wind River Formation. The uranium deposits are most likely epigenetic, with the carbonaceous material acting as one of the major precipitants of the uranyl ion from the mineralized ground water solutions. The uranium is believed to have been concentrated and brought to the area by meteoric waters which derived the metal from terrigenous sediments resulting from disintegration of Precambrian rocks (Granite Mountains), and/or Tertiary tuffaceous sediments (White River and Arikaree Formations). The mineralization found in the Wind River Formation has no economic value at present, due to its low grade character. Structural and tectonic features in Pliocene time is believed to have reversed the direction of the mineralized ground water flow coming to the area. This drainage change not only prevented the mineralization from reaching the Poison Spider area, but may also have caused leaching of some pre-existing uranium within the Wind River Formation"--Abstract, pages ii-iii.

Advisor(s)

Spreng, Alfred C., 1923-2012

Committee Member(s)

Kisvarsanyi, Geza
Vaughn, George E., Jr., 1925-1997

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1969

Pagination

x, 198 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 45-48).

Geographic Coverage

Wyoming
Natrona County (Wyo.)

Rights

© 1969 Carlos Enrique Reijenstein d'Acierno, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Sediments (Geology) -- Wyoming -- Natrona County
Geology, Stratigraphic
Geology, Economic -- Wyoming -- Natrona County

Thesis Number

T 2217

Print OCLC #

6003913

Electronic OCLC #

862815648

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