STRONTIUM-90 CONTENT OF THE STRATOSPHERE. A LOW CONCENTRATION OF STRONTIUM- 90 IN THE STRATOSPHERE INDICATES A SHORT STRATOSPHERIC RESIDENCE TIME
Since August 1957, long-range, high-altitude aircraft have been systematicaliy sampling the radioactive debris in the stratosphere. Results from the radiochemical analysis of a large number of samples and meteorological interpretation of the data are presented. The strontium-90 content of the stratosphere was found to vary markedly with latitude and altitude. The total stratospheric inventory of strontium-90 was calculated by integrating the specific activities over the entire stratosphere. The residence half-time of nuclear debris in the stratosphere was calculated by comparing the measured stratospheric inventory of strontium-90 with estimates of the total quantity injected into the stratosphere since the testing of nuclear weapons began. A calculation was also made of the strontium-90 concentrations in human bones to be expected in the future if the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere is not resumed. Data from the highaltitude sampling program have also shed some light on the rates of mixing of stratospheric air. Findings are summarized briefly. (C.H.)
- Research Organization:
- Isotopes Inc., Westwood, N.J.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-009297
- OSTI ID:
- 4175950
- Journal Information:
- Science See Saiensu, Vol. Vol: 131; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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