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Published on: January 30, 2020
Short-lived variations in the background gamma-radiation dose
J L Burnett1, I W Croudace, P E Warwick
1Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire, UK.
Sudden gamma-radiation dose increases linked to heavy rainfall were observed. These events, caused by radon progeny removal, occurred after stable weather periods and dissipated within hours.
Area of Science:
- Environmental radioactivity monitoring
- Atmospheric physics
Background:
- Background gamma radiation can increase due to atmospheric radon (Rn) progeny.
- Wet deposition mechanisms, like rainfall, can remove Rn progeny, impacting radiation levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and analyze sudden increases in background gamma-radiation dose.
- To investigate the relationship between these increases, radon progeny, and meteorological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Geiger-Muller detector for gamma-radiation dose measurements.
- Collected data over an extended period (July 2005-April 2006) at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, UK.
Main Results:
- Nine significant gamma-radiation dose increases (exceeding 125% of mean) were recorded.
- These events correlated with heavy rainfall but not rainfall amount, following periods of atmospheric stability and radon progeny build-up.
- Similar increases were observed at a nearby station and across the UK, linked to air mass trajectories.
Conclusions:
- Heavy rainfall can trigger temporary increases in background gamma radiation due to radon progeny deposition.
- Atmospheric stability preceding rainfall is crucial for radon progeny accumulation, leading to these observed dose rate events.
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