Geiger counter determinations of the gamma ray intensity of 510 rock samples have been made to determine the average radioactivity and frequency distribution of radioactivities of the various types of sedimentary rocks. The results, expressed in units of gamma ray intensity, show that limestones, sandstones and dolomites are of relatively low radioactivity, shales much higher, and black bituminous shales highest of all. The new data on the gamma radiation of the sediments may be used to improve the interpretation of radioactivity logs and to determine the value of surface radioactivity surveys.
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