INCREASE IN RADIOCARBON FROM THE MOST RECENT SERIES OF THERMONUCLEAR TESTS
The recent increase in radiocarbon content of the troposphere and biosphere was investigated in order to obtain exact data on terrestrial C/sup 14/ activity for estimating the human hazard and to examine transport processes in the atmosphere. A graph of the percentage increase ( DELTA C/sup 14/) in radiocarbon versus time shows a curve that is mainly the result of nuclear tests carried out in 1961 and 1962. The curve shows the typical seasonal variation, with increase in activity between Jan. and Aug. and a decrease the rest of the year. In Aug. 1963 a doubling of the normal C/sup 14/ level in the troposphere was observed in high northern latitudes. In the last four months of 1963 a decrease in activity up to 10% is predicted because of the transfer of radiocarbon to the ocean and the southern hemisphere. It is also assumed that in the future the amount of C/sup 14/ in the human population will rise to a maximum value, close to that of the final tropospheric level. (P.C.H.)
- Research Organization:
- Norwegian Inst. of Tech., Trondheim, Norway
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-18-001974
- OSTI ID:
- 4152614
- Journal Information:
- Nature, Vol. Vol: 200; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-64
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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