Estimation of heat generation by radioactive decay of some phosphate rocks in Egypt

Radiogenic heat production data for phosphate rocks outcropping on the three main areas Eastern Desert, Western Desert and Nile Valley are presented. They were derived from uranium, thorium and potassium concentration measurements of gamma radiation originating from the decay of 214Bi (238U series), 208Tl (232Th series) and the primary decay of 40K. A low radioactive heat production rate (0.32±0.1 μW m−3) was found for Wadi Hegaza, whereas the highest value (19±4.1 μW m−3) was found for Gabel Anz, Eastern Desert of Egypt.