This report is the second in the series of reports carried by the Geological Survey on rare or uncommon elements and their possible sources. The report discusses xenon, an element belonging in a group of elements known as the inert gases, characterized by its lack of reactivity.

The following report covers the process of field measurement of radioactivity with a limited screening process of activity equivalent to 0.005 percent of uranium in equilibrium with its disintegration products.

The following report describes findings from a reconnaissance mission in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina on radioactive trace elements in a variety of rocks.

The following report provides information and findings of trace elements recognized in a few placer concentrates from Sweepstakes and Rube Creeks in the Koyuk district of eastern Seward Peninsula, Alaska when old collections were scanned for radioactivity in the spring of 1945.

Report discussing the U.S. Geological Survey's investigation of radioactive trace elements along the highways in Tanana and upper Copper River valleys.

Report discussing examination of various trace elements by the U.S. Geological Survey in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky during October and November, 1946.

Abstract: An early report on the Cape Nome area, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, stated that granitic rocks there contain allanite as a common accessory mineral. Results of studies in 1947 indicate that very little allanite is present, and that the slight amount of radioactiity of the granitic complex is attributable to the accessory minerals zircon and sphene.

Abstract: A radiometric reconnaissance of the areas adjacent to the principal highways and secondary roads of south-central Alaska was carried out during the summer of 1947. The investigation included the examination of nine gold-placer workings, five gold lodes, a gypsum mine, and a copper prospect. Nearly all of the lithologic types outcropping in the highway belt were tested. No significant amounts of radioactive material were found.

A report regarding a Trace Elements Reconnaissance of the Southern Highway Belt, in South-Central Alaska.

Abstract: Two uranium-bearing minerals, uranothorianite and thorite (?), were found in the stream gravels of the main branch of the South Fork of Quartz Creek, a tributary of the Kiwalik River. Although the bedrock source of the minerals was not located, the radioactive material was traced in slope wash well above the stream gravel. A detailed investigation of the area with more sensitive counters might reveal the source of the minerals and localities where the minerals are sufficiently concentrated to be minable.

Abstract: "Two uranium-bearing minerals, uranothorianite and thorite(?), were found in the stream gravels of the main branch of the South Fork of Quartz Creek, a tributary of the Kiwalik River. Although the bedrock source of the minerals was not located, the radioactive material was traced in slope wash well above the stream gravel. A detailed investigation of the area with more sensitive counters might reveal the source of the minerals and localities where the minerals are sufficiently concentrated to be minable."

Report discussing the possible existence of pegmatites containing beryllium deposits in the granite stock in the vicinity of Mount Antero and White Mountain, Chaffee County, Colorado.

From abstract: "A method is presented for the distillation and photometric estimation of the oil yield of oil-bearing shales... The new method gives results similar to those obtained by the Fischer assay method in a much shorter time. The applicability of the new method to oil-bearing shale and phosphatic shale has been tested."

Report discussing the U.S. Geological Survey's investigation aimed at finding a location with an abundance of black shale, and determining the amount of uranium in the shale.

Report summarizing the research done by the Geochemistry and Petrology branch of the Trace Elements Section during the period from January 1 - March 31, 1951. Research includes mineralogic and petrologic investigations of radioactive rocks, minerals, and ores, as well as investigations of chemical, spectrographic, and radiometric methods of analysis to be applied to radioactive materials such as uranium, thorium, and their compounds.

From Abstract: "A study of the critical factors in the colorimetric determination of total iron in silicate and phosphate rocks, and in other nonmetallic materials is presented. It was desired to ascertain the wavelength of maximum absorbancy, the optimum concentration range for iron, the effect of different substances on the ferrous-o-phenanthroline system, and reproducibility of results."

Report describing a fluorimetric procedure for determining about 10^-8 percent uranium with 500-ml water samples.

Report discussing the U.S. Geological Survey's efforts to develop "equipment and techniques for rapid field measurement of radioactivity, principally portable survey counters, carborne and airborne equipment, and gamma-ray logging equipment."

From introduction: A rapid appraisal of the carnotite resources of the Salt Wash sandstone member of the Morrison formation in the Carrizo Mountains area was undertaken by the U. S. Geological Survey late in 1951 in connection with its current project of geologic mapping of the area. Though brief and preliminary, this report provides a summary of production trends and estimated reserves in the area and indicates as far as possible the total potential of the area as a source of uranium. This information may be helpful in planning new milling facilities or other measures to encourage a higher rate of production.

Report discussing the U.S. Geological Survey's investigation of various radioactive mineral deposits in gold-tin placer mines of Central Alaska.

A report regarding a reconnaissance done in 1948 in order to locate radioactive deposits in the Manley Hot Springs-Rampart District, in Central Alaska.

Report discussing a geological examination of 3,750 miles of roads in the Hudson Valley and Adirondack Mountains in eastern and Central New York state to find deposits of radioactive materials. The examination took place in August 1949.

A report regarding a reconnaissance of radioactive rock of the Hudson Valley and Adirondack Mountains, New York.

From foreword: The six papers included in this report were prepared in an attempt to summarize briefly, and make available to the public, part of the information concerning uranium deposits that is in unpublished reports of work done by the U. S. Geological Survey under the auspices of the Manhattan Engineer District, and later, the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission.