The objective of this study is the characterization of pegmatitic granites located in the southern region of the Borborema Pegmatitic Province (BPP) with aerial and ground gamma ray data. Ground gamma ray data, radiometric and ICP-MS laboratory analysis showed that these granites have uranium concentrations varying between 0.4 ppm and 7.8 ppm, thorium concentrations varying between 0.1 ppm and 21 ppm and potassium concentrations varying between 2% and 5.2%. Based on these radiometric characteristics and using individual, ratios and ternary images of radioelements of aerial gamma ray data it was possible to distinguish from others country rocks a group of granitic pegmatitic bodies and also to individualize quartzitic formations from the northern and southern portions of the area, based on their different thorium (Th) contents. Ground gamma ray data, acquired for one of these pegmatitic granites, called Galo Branco granite, reveals an irregular spatial distribution of radioelements, indicating mineralogical changes in contents and concentrations of accessory minerals during magmatic crystalization. Pegmatites intruding quartzites in the south portion of the granite were also distinguished using eU/eTh and eU/K ratios images. The results indicated the potential of these methods for the characterization and mapping of pegmatitic granites and associated pegmatites of the Borborema Pegmatitic Province (BPP).
gamma ray spectrometry; remote sensing; granites; pegmatites; Borborema Pegmatitic Province
