Results derived from gamma-ray spectrometry studies of volcanic rocks in a depth interval of 3540-8150m are presented. The rocks are shown to have low concentrations of radioactive elements, which is consistent with the clarke of basic igneous rocks close to calc-alkalic series of present island-arc systems. Potassium is present in all rocks of the volcanic sequence, whereas uranium and thorium are absent in some of its beds. Maximum U and Th concentrations are 4 10-4 % and 6 10-4 %, respectively. The Mesozoic sequence was subdivided into seven groups in accordance with associations of radioactive elements. The distribution of radioactive elements and their associations along the SG-1 section can be accepted as criteria for the differentiation of the volcanic sequence. Estimates of the radiogenic heat generation calculated for rocks of the volcanic sequence point to a considerable contribution of the radiogenic heat to the total heat flow. No proportionality exists between the radiogenic heat generation in the crust and measured heat flow.
Gamma ray, spectrometry of rocks, total heat flow.
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