ABSTRACT
Radioactive elements found in rocks, minerals, and other crustal materials (e.g., sediment, soil) form the basis for several major applications in geochemistry and geophysics. Direct use of various elements and their decay products can be grouped into three main categories: (1) geochronology and cosmochronology, (2) radioactivity surveying and well logging, and (3) radiogenic heat production. In addition, various natural and artificial radionuclides or their decay products have found wide application in geochemical analysis and as tracers in various geologic processes. The information presented here is chosen primarily to relate to the naturally occurring properties and their application.
