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Published on: January 30, 2020
Recent gamma background measurements at high mountain altitude
1Institute for Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72 Tzarigradsko Chaussee, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria. alex_mishev@yahoo.com
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|June 5, 2012
Summary
Recent gamma radiation background measurements at high mountain altitudes reveal variations and temperature effects. A new model simulates cosmic ray contributions to air dose rates using advanced Monte Carlo techniques.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiation Physics
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- High mountain environments experience unique radiation conditions.
- Accurate measurement of gamma background is crucial for environmental monitoring.
- Galactic cosmic rays significantly contribute to atmospheric radiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Report recent gamma radiation background measurements at the Basic Environmental Observatory Moussala.
- Compare results from different gamma probes (IGS-421, MDU Liulin, SAPHYMO NaI(Tl)) and thermoluminescent dosimeters (CaSO(4):Dy TLD).
- Present and discuss a numerical model for galactic cosmic ray contribution to air dose rate.
Main Methods:
- Field measurements using IGS-421 gamma probe and MDU Liulin.
- Comparative analysis with historical SAPHYMO NaI(Tl) probe data.
- Monte Carlo simulation using CORSIKA 6.52 with FLUKA 2006b and QGSJET II models.
Main Results:
- Observed variations in gamma background radiation at high altitude.
- Identified a temperature effect on the SAPHYMO probe during winter measurements.
- Validated a numerical model for cosmic ray induced dose rate in air.
Conclusions:
- High mountain gamma background measurements provide valuable environmental data.
- Instrumental effects, like temperature sensitivity, must be considered in radiation monitoring.
- The developed Monte Carlo model accurately simulates cosmic ray contributions to atmospheric dose rates.
