Blog
-
Unveiling the Cheviot’s Secret Uranium & Mineral Wealth – Part 1 – The Radioactive Waterfall
This blog and Part 2 accompany the new YouTube video “Linhope Spout: The Waterfall Hiding Radioactive Secrets – The Three U’s Challenge (Part 1)” – check it out now. Meet Dr. Hugh William Haslam & his 1975 “Cheviot Scan” Dr. Hugh William Haslam (1934‑2009) was the go‑to expert on Britain’s twisted, high‑temperature rocks. After earning a PhD from
-
Where is the Uranium hiding in Weardale?
Uranium is one of the most common elements on earth. More common than tin, silver, gold and mercury – there’s probably a tiny bit of it in you. As we’ve tried to show you on the channel, Uranium is hiding in all sorts of places, from hills, rivers, antique shops and dodgy chinese imported jewellery.
-
“Uranium Fever”: The Wild, Radioactive Gold Rush That Inspired a Classic Song
Picture this: It’s the 1950s. The Cold War is heating up, America is obsessed with atomic power, and suddenly, everyone and their uncle is running around the desert with a Geiger counter, hoping to strike it rich. Enter Elton Britt’s 1955 hit “Uranium Fever” – a toe-tapping, yodel-filled anthem about the chaotic, often absurd uranium
-
The Rings of the Cheviots: Unravelling a Volcanic Mystery
The Cheviot Hills, straddling the border between England and Scotland, are the remnants of a substantial Lower Devonian volcano. Amongst the fascinating geological features of this area is the concept of ring dykes and a zoned plutonic complex, a theory that attempts to explain the structure and evolution of the Cheviot igneous rocks. But while
-
Tiny Lifeforms, Big Impact: How Microbes Shape Uranium on the Solway Coast
The Solway Coast in Southwest Scotland is a place of wild beauty – rolling mudflats, dramatic cliffs, and hidden geological secrets. But beneath its scenic surface, a microscopic drama is unfolding, one where tiny lifeforms play a surprising role in controlling the fate of uranium. A Natural Uranium Laboratory At a site called Needle’s Eye,
-
Unlocking the Secrets of Radioactive Minerals: The Role of Dykes, Granite, and Hydrothermal Activity
When it comes to exploring for radioactive minerals like uranium and thorium, understanding the geological interplay between dykes, granite, and hydrothermal activity is key. These elements – often hidden deep within the Earth – can be concentrated in specific geological settings, making them accessible to those who know where to look. In this blog post,