RADIOACTIVE TRACERS IN HYDROLOGIC STUDIES

Journal Article · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1958 · Transactions of the American Geophysical Union (U.S.) Superseded by EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/TR039i003p00434· OSTI ID:4333785

Parker, F L

Experiments were carried out in lakes and reservoirs in Massachusetts to determine eddy diffusion coefficients. The average eddy diffusion coefficient divided by the radius of the eddy was found to be 0.09 ft/sec. Experiments to determine the average velocity of streams and the dilution in streams by use of radioactive tracers were then performed. The diffusion coefficients found in the test of the streams were compared with theoretical diffusion coefficients for straight pipes and found to be larger due to the increased dispersion caused by bends and obstructions in the stream. A mathematical formulation for general use in determining dilution and dispersion in rivers and streams by radioactive tracers was established. A correction is made for the absorption and decay of the isotope depending upon its chemical and nuclear properties. Work is under way to delineate further the absorption coef ficients of important isotopes under various conditions leading to a better determination of the eddy diffusion coefficient. (auth)

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-12-013182
• OSTI ID: 4333785
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Geophysical Union (U.S.) Superseded by EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Geophysical Union (U.S.) Superseded by EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union Vol. Vol: 39; ISSN TAGUA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
CHEMICALS
DECAY
DIFFUSION
EDDY CURRENTS
EQUATIONS
ISOTOPES
MINERALOGY, METALLURGY, AND CERAMICS
PIPES
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
SOLUTIONS
TRACER TECHNIQUES
VELOCITY
WATER