QUALITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE AIRBORNE RADIOMETRIC DATA OF AL-UBAIDAT AND AL-BIRREET QUADRANGLES USING GIS

Abstract

The total count radiometric data of Al-Ubaidat and Al-BirreetQuadrangles (the map area) was analyzed and separated to its residual and regional (background) maps. The regional maps showed an increase in radiometric background from northeast towards the southwest, while the residual radiometric anomaly map showed two residual radiometric anomalies distributed in the map area. Anomaly (R1)is located in the western part of the map area,andcoincides mainly with Habbariya Gravels, valley fill sediments, Tayarat and Umm Er Radhuma Formation,this anomaly is related mostly to the radioactivity of potassium and uranium element. Anomaly (R2) is located in the eastern part of the map area,and coincidesmostly with depression fill sediments, valley fill sediment, Umm-Er Radhuma and Dammam Formation., this anomaly is related mostly to the radioactivity of potassium and uranium element. Acomparison between total count radiometric map and the geological map of the study area was carried out; it showed a radioactive range of each geologic formation and Quaternary sediments. It was concluded that, in general, the structural setting of the map area, which is characterized by existence of numerous surface and subsurface structures might play an important role in forming the radiometric anomalies of the map area. .