The distribution of these elements with regard to hydrocarbon exploration is significant. As with many other elements, uranium, thorium, and potassium, and their isotopes, are affected by the alteration effects of hydrocarbon microseepage. Radiometrics is a term applied to the measurement of the gamma ray spectrum at three specific windows where emissions for uranium, thorium, and potassium are located. A standard interpretation for hydrocarbon exploration consists of looking for decreases in gamma emissions from all of these windows or a decrease in the total count. Changes in radiometric response can also be attributed to road surface changes, outcrops, drainages, road cuts, and road fill.
Keen observation is the key to culling the false anomalies from the seepage anomalies.
R adiometric surveys can be run as a continuous profile or as discrete points. Traverses run as continuous data can yield a considerable amount of detail with regard to signal character by showing the location of faults and fractures, radiation halos, and traditional seepage anomalies. Though the character of the signature is missing the discrete points yield a more visual interpretation of the spatial extent of the radiometric highs and lows. As with any survey, the greater the sample density the better the interpretation. R adiometrics is a first wave culling tool for reconnaissance geochemical surveys.