Publisher's Synopsis
This book brings together different aspects of the importance of radioactivity in geology, outlining the way in which radioactivity relates to the work of the geologist. It introduces some of the more important fields in which the geologist is likely to encounter the effects of radioactivity and its measurements. After an introduction on the theoretical basis, the author considers such topics as the properties and occurrences of radioactive minerals, exploration, analytical methods such as alpha-particle and gamma-ray spectrometry, radioactivity and age dating, radioactive heat production, radioactive waters and hydrothermal circulation, and radioactivity related to hydrocarbon occurrences and exploration.;The book includes discussions on the health hazards of natural radioactivity, and the geological aspects of radioactive waste disposal. It should be of interest to the general reader, as well as serving as a preliminary source of information for the geologist who is unfamiliar with the subject.
