LAUSR

Abstract Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) study of quartz grains of Athabasca basin of Wheeler river of Canada have been investigated at room temperature. EPR spectrum of WR 2522 quartz sample exhibits resonance signals at g˜ 4.24, 2.15760, 2.08503, 2.04243, 2.00933, 1.92389, and 1.87331. The resonance signal at g˜ 4.24 has been attributed to Fe3+ ions. The resonance signals at g˜ 2.15760, 2.08503, 2.04243, 2.00933, 1.92389, 1.87331have been attributed to radiation induced paramagnetic defects such as the centers C', 4,3, E1', E2' and E4'. EPR study of WR 2571 quartz sample exhibits resonance signals at g˜ 8.96, 4.25, 2.22, 2.05143, 2.03501, 2.01817, and 2.01884. The resonance signals at g˜ 8.96, 4.25, and 2.22 have been attributed to Fe3+ ions. The remaining resonance signals have been attributed to defect centers such as C', 4, 3, E1', respectively. The solid state EPR parameters have been evaluated for the two samples and implications of uranium and thorium mineralization have been explained.