Ritzville 1/sup 0/ x 2/sup 0/ NTMS area, Washington: data report

This data report presents results of ground water and stream/surface sediment reconnaissance in the National Topographic Map Series (NTMS) Ritzville 1/sup 0/ x 2/sup 0/ quadrangle. Surface samples (sediment) were collected from 1063 sites. The target sampling density was one site per 20 square kilometers (eight square miles). Dry conditions contributed to the relatively small number (109) of surface water samples collected. Ground water samples were collected at 830 sites. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) results are given for uranium and 16 other elements in sediments, and for uranium and 9 other elements in ground water. Mass spectrometry results are given for helium in ground water. Field measurements and observations are reported for each site. Analytical data and field measurements are presented in tables and maps. Statistical summaries of data and a brief description of results are given. A generalized geologic map and a summary of the geology of the area are included. Data from ground water sites include: (1) water chemistry measurements (pH, conductivity, and alkalinity); (2) physical measurements where applicable (water temperature, well description, and scintillometer reading); and (3) elemental analyses (U, Al, Br, Cl, Dy, F, He, Mg, Mn, Na, and V). Data from sediment sites include: (1)more » stream water chemistry measurements where applicable (pH, conductivity, and alkalinity); and (2) elemental analyses for sediment samples (U, Th, Hf, Al,Ce, Dy, Eu, Fe, La, Lu, Mn, Sc, Sm, Na, Ti, V, and Yb). Sample site descriptors (stream characteristics, vegetation, etc.) are also tabulatd. Areal distribution maps, histograms, and cumulative frequency plots for most elements; U/Th, U/Hf, and Th/La ratios; and scintillometer readings for sediment samples are included on the microfiche.« less