ANALYSIS OF STRATOSPHERIC STRONTIUM-90 MEASUREMENTS
Various hypotheses advanced concerning the distribution of fall-out radioactivity in the stratosphere are reviewed. Estimated levels are compared with observed stratospheric concentrations. Project Ashcan, the program of the Atomic Energy Commission to measure the radioactive dust content or the stratosphere by means of balloon-borne filters, is discussed. The filters are analyzed for gross beta activity and for barium-140, zirconium-95, cerium-144, cesium-137, strontium-89, and strontium-90. Emphasis is placed on strontium-90 levels. An inspection of the data shows thai there is a large variability. This variability may be real and a measure of the true state of affairs in the stratosphere, or it may be a function ot thc collection or analysis techniques. Some of the variability is attributed to recent injections into the stratosphere. Problems of collection and comparisons of daia from theoretical and laboratory studies with data from collections made by aircraft and balloons are discussed. Data are tabulated from a series of measurements on filter efficiency. Data are included on the average concentration of debris in the stratosohere as a function of altitude and latitude for two six-month periods, January through June 1957 and January thnough June 1958. (C.H.)
- Research Organization:
- Weather Bureau, Washington, D.C.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-13-019074
- OSTI ID:
- 4225048
- Report Number(s):
- M-7090
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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