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Updated: May 31, 2026

Visualization of Low-Level Gamma Radiation Sources Using a Low-Cost, High-Sensitivity, Omnidirectional Compton Camera
Published on: January 30, 2020
Characterisation of prompt and delayed atmospheric radioactivity releases from underground nuclear tests at Nevada as
1Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker Center for Science and Peace Research, University of Hamburg, Beim Schlump 83, 20144 Hamburg, Germany. Martin.Kalinowski@uni-hamburg.de
Abstract:
A database with information on about 500 cases of atmospheric radioactivity releases from underground nuclear tests is analysed. The data are statistically evaluated and systematically aggregated in order to characterise prompt uncontrolled as well as delayed operational releases of radioactivity into the atmosphere. The focus is put on the latter. The reported data compare well with theoretically derived xenon activities for reasonable nuclear test scenarios. Conclusions are drawn on the main features of releases that can be expected from underground nuclear tests as a function of release time. These findings are relevant for developing and validating methods to be applied in global monitoring of atmospheric radioactivity with respect to indications of an underground nuclear explosion.
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