『Abstract
The Al-Hisa Phosphorite Formation (AHP) in the Eshidiyya basin
of south Jordan consists of three members, the lower member accommodates
the main high grade commercial phosphorite deposits, followed
upwards by the coquinoidal limestone member which is overlain
by the uppermost member, the A0 member. The phosphorites in both
member are granular (peloidal) type deposits. Uranium (U) and
Vanadium (V), in the main phosphorites of the lower member, are
75 and 70 ppm respectively as analyzed in a previous work.
The distribution of the analyzed elements in this work is governed
by three factors: the phosphorite (P, Ca, Na, U, V, Cd, Zn, and
Sr) decreasing upwards from the lower A0 unit to the topsoil,
detritals (Al, Si, Fe, Mg, K, Ga, Hf, Nb, Rb, Th, and Zr) increasing
upwards, and minor carbonates (Ca, and Sr) with no obvious trend.
Uranium is three times more enriched in the upper phosphorite
member, the A0, relative to the lower or main phosphorite member,
234 ppm versus 75 ppm respectively. Vanadium is likewise enriched
several times in the A0. Both elements, U and V are worth further
exploration in the A0 in northern Eshidiyya basin. Thorium, Zr
and Hf are relatively low.
Keywords: Jordan; Eshidiyya; Phosphorite; Upper Cretaceous; Uranium;
Vanadium』
1. Introduction
2. Geological setting
3. Methodology
4. Results
5. Geochemistry
5.1. General
5.2. Uranium
5.3. Thorium, zirconium and hafnium
5.4. Vanadium
6. Discussion
7. Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References