Exploring the unusual uranium enrichment zones in the Thar Desert, India, using remote sensing, GIS and gamma-ray spectroscopy

In this work, unusual enrichment of uranium and thorium in duricrusts associated with palaeochannels, palaeo alluvial plains and delta of the Thar Desert, India, is investigated. Optical and microwave satellite data, digital elevation model and 3D geographic information system were used to identify exposed, buried channels and associated duricrusts. It is evident from field radiometric surveys, geochemistry of soil and groundwater samples that zones of higher uranium (max 190 ppm) and thorium (max 142 ppm) concentration exist in the Thar. These enrichments are unusual and could be of economic significance.