Estimating terrestrial uranium and thorium by antineutrino flux measurements

TL;DR

This paper discusses how measuring antineutrino fluxes can help determine the distribution of uranium and thorium in Earth's interior, offering a new approach to geophysical modeling.

Contribution

It proposes experimental methods for direct, model-independent measurement of uranium and thorium concentrations using antineutrino detectors at specific Earth sites.

Findings

Potential for improved understanding of Earth's interior

Necessity for large-scale antineutrino detection projects

Enhanced accuracy over geochemical models

Abstract

Uranium and thorium within the Earth produce a major portion of terrestrial heat along with a measurable flux of electron antineutrinos. These elements are key components in geophysical and geochemical models. Their quantity and distribution drive the dynamics, define the thermal history, and are a consequence of the differentiation of the Earth. Knowledge of uranium and thorium concentrations in geological reservoirs relies largely on geochemical model calculations. This research report describes the methods and criteria to experimentally determine average concentrations of uranium and thorium in the continental crust and in the mantle using site-specific measurements of the terrestrial antineutrino flux. Optimal, model-independent determinations involve significant exposures of antineutrino detectors remote from nuclear reactors at both a mid-continental and a mid-oceanic site. This would require major, new antineutrino detection projects. The results of such projects could yield a greatly improved understanding of the deep interior of the Earth.