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Application of natural and fallout radionuclides to studies of sedimentation in Lake Michigan

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4065314

The feasibility of using natural and artificial radionuclides, specifically $sup 210$Pb and $sup 137$Cs, for the determination of the rates of accumulation of recent sedimentary layers was studied. These two radionuclides are present in the atmosphere and are transferred to the sediments by two processes, wet deposition at the air/water interface by precipitation scavenging and removal from the water column in association with allochthonous or autochthonous sedimenting particulates. The reactions occurring in the water column may involve, among others, ion exchange with clay minerals, direct incorporation by organisms, and absorption by organic detritus. Sediment cores have been taken at many stations in Lake Michigan, and the profiles of $sup 210$Pb and $sup 137$Cs determined in each case. The interpretation of these profiles is discussed. (auth)

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL; Missouri Univ., Columbia (USA). Coll. of Engineering
NSA Number:
NSA-33-023278
OSTI ID:
4065314
Report Number(s):
CONF-740701--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English