Time series data from routine in situ gamma spectroscopy measurements

Time series of in situ gamma spectroscopy data from 6 sites, obtained over a period of 13 years as part of a routine surveillance program, have been investigated for variability, reproducibility and occurrence of trends. Natural isotopes ((40)K, (208)Tl, (212)Pb and (214)Pb) show variability up to a factor of 2, with time patterns varying from site to site. At five (level) sites (137)Cs values decreased at a rate higher than given by the physical half-life, consistent with literature data on migration of Cs. At one (downhill) site, an increase of (137)Cs with time was observed. The finding can be explained by erosion processes from uphill territories. The observed variations were larger than the experimental uncertainty, and the equipment long-term stability appeared to be satisfactory. It can be concluded that the obtained routine in situ data provide a valuable data pool with potential usefulness for scientific work.