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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Evaluation of the Spatial Distribution of γH2AX following Ionizing Radiation

Evaluation of the Spatial Distribution of γH2AX following Ionizing Radiation

Published on: August 8, 2010

Sydney's first terrestrial gamma-radiation map.

Tengiz Ibrayev¹, Matilda Lawton¹, Giancarlo Ciotoli²

¹The School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Physics Road, Caperdown, Sydney, 2050, NSW, Australia.

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

|January 28, 2026

Summary

This study created Sydney's first terrestrial gamma-radiation map using low-cost spectrometers. The map reveals natural radioactivity levels are consistent with global averages, influenced by geological composition.

Keywords:

(238)U (232)Th and (40)K Australia HPGe gamma spectrometry Mapping Radiacode Terrestrial gamma radiation

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Last Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Evaluation of the Spatial Distribution of γH2AX following Ionizing Radiation

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Visualization of Low-Level Gamma Radiation Sources Using a Low-Cost, High-Sensitivity, Omnidirectional Compton Camera

Published on: January 30, 2020

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Radiological Science
Geoscience

Background:

Natural background radiation stems from radioactive isotopes in rocks and soils.
Terrestrial radiation maps are crucial for environmental assessments and urban planning.
Sydney previously lacked a comprehensive map of its natural radioactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

To generate the first terrestrial gamma-radiation map for a 10x10km² area of Sydney.
To quantify radionuclide activities and establish baseline radiation levels.
To explore a reproducible, low-cost method for urban radiation mapping.

Main Methods:

Utilized portable, low-cost gamma spectrometers (Radiacodes) for in-situ measurements.
Employed high-purity germanium gamma spectroscopy for soil sample analysis.
Conducted open-water measurements to isolate cosmic radiation.
Applied regression-kriging integrating lithology and radionuclide concentrations.

Main Results:

Produced Sydney's first terrestrial gamma-radiation map.
Measured mean terrestrial and cosmic contributions at (0.24 ± 0.27) mSv/yr and (0.173 ± 0.035) mSv/yr, respectively.
Found radiation levels align with global background averages.
Explained 98% of spatial variation in radioactivity using geological composition.

Conclusions:

Geological composition is the primary driver of natural radioactivity patterns in Sydney.
The developed low-cost methodology is effective for urban radiation mapping.
This work provides a foundation for citizen-science initiatives in environmental radioactivity monitoring.