Geological sources variability

U = unknown and variable depending on geological source. Doped with Pr and Mg. 

That the atomic weight of uranium lead is extremely variable has already been shown. In order to interpret this variability its sources must be studied both geologically and mineralogically. On the geologic side of the question the uranium ore can be divided in to three principal classes, which are sharply distinct. The definitely crystallized varieties of uraninite occur in coarse pegmatites, associated with feldspar, quartz, mica, beryl, and other minor accessories. The massive pitchblende is found in metalliferous veins, together with sulphide ores of copper, lead, iron, zinc, and so forth. As for camotite, that is a secondary mineral, found commonly as an incrustation on sandstone, and often, also upon fossil wood. There may be other modes of occurrence, but these are the most distinctive. 

The concentrations of zinc in air, water, and soil are highly variable depending on geological considerations and the influences of point sources in the area. The natural bacl ound concentrations of total zinc range from <0.1 50 /ig/L in fresh water, 0.002—0.1 pg/L in seawater, 10—300 mg/1 dry weight in soil, and up to 300 ng/m in air. 

Soil structure, geologic strata, and topography influence the location and movement of variable source areas of surface runoff in a watershed. Eragipans or other layers, such as clay pans of distinct permeability changes, can determine when and where perched water tables occur. Shale or sandstone strata also influence soil moisture content and location of saturated zones. For example, water will perch on less permeable layers in the subsurface profile and become evident as surface flow or springs at specific locations in a watershed. Converging topography in vertical or horizontal planes, slope breaks, and hill slope depressions or spurs, also influence... 

Arsenic is ubiquitous in nature and is found in detectable concentrations in all environmental matrices. The occurrence of As in the continental crust of Earth is usually given as 1.5 to 2.0 mg/1. The distribution of arsenic in nature is extremely variable, showing little correlation with geological formation, climate, or soil. Numerous minerals, rocks, sediments and soils contain arsenic partly as constituent of sulfide minerals or complex sulfides of metal cations and partly as a constituent retained by soils and/or sediments in occluded or adsorbed forms. The latter is manifested primarily by the adsorption or occlusion of As on hydrous A1 and Fe oxides, but these are not necessarily the only source. Arsenic is also adsorbed on clay colloid, is bound to organic matter and may form slightly water soluble compounds with Al, Fe, Ca and Mg in the soil matrix. Some of the more common minerals in soils are arsenopyrite (FeAsS), Orpiment (AsgSg) etc. 

---