A STUDY OF FISSION ISOTOPE RATIOS OBTAINED FROM THE ASH CAN STRATOSPHERIC SAMPLING PROGRAM
Fission isotope ratios for Sr/sup 89//Sr/sup 90/ were analyzed for 50000 ft, 65000 ft, 80000 ft, and 90000 ft elevations from October 1956 through July 1959; Ba/sup 140//Sr/sup 90/ activity ratios were analyzed from the latter pant of 1957 through 1955 for similar altitudes; and Zr/sup 95//Sr/sup 90/ activity ratios were analyzed for 6500 ft from October 1956 through July 1959. The activity ratios obtained were used to determine apparent sources of radioactive debris in Arctic and equatorial stratospheric air masses. The ratios were also used to determine approximate amounts of mixing between the initial radioactive injection and residual local stratospheric radioactivity. Some evidence was found that dilution of equatorial injections is much greater than Arctic injections. It was found from nearly simultaneous observations that latitudinal and ventical differences in concentration exist in debris from either the same or different sources. Once established in a stratosphenic circulation, radioactive clouds can maintain their identity for periods of at least eight months. Some evidence was also found that an Arctic injection may penetrate the Southern Hemisphere. (C.H.)
- Research Organization:
- General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-015863
- OSTI ID:
- 4033960
- Report Number(s):
- TID-12393
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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