Electrical properties of sandstones of the Morrison Formation

The electrical properties of the Morrison formation in the Uravan mineral belt of the Colorado Plateau have been studied to determine if there are anomalous variations in these properties in and near zones of uranium-vanadium minerals which might serve as a target for geophysical prospecting. Measurements of electrical properties of the Morrison formation in place were obtained by the electric logging of 147 drill holes, and measurements were made of the resistivity and porosity of 440 drill cores in the laboratory to aid in the interpretation of the electric logs. The resistivity of the sandstone members of the Morrison formation is highest in areas that are most favorable for the occurrence of ore. This increase in resistivity is probably due to a lower water saturation or a lower salinity of the water in the favorable areas.