Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Terrestrial Ecosystems: Experiments show how ionizing radiation may alter normally stable patterns of ecosystem behavior

Journal Article · Fri Nov 02 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.138.3540.572· OSTI ID:4766460

Woodwell, G. M.

The mechanisms that appear to account for the effects of ionizing radiation on the growth of plants are reviewed. Preliminary results are reported from a systematic study of the effects of gamma radiation on a terrestrial ecosystem and its components. The ecosystem chosen for this experiment supports a stana of the Long Island pine-oak forest. A 9500 c Cs/sup 137/ source, designed so it can be shielded when desired. was centrally located. Rates of exposure vary from several thousand r/day within a few Meters to about 2 r/day at 130 meters. The source has been exposed 20 hr/day since Nov. 22, 1961 Prior to installation of the source, a detailed survey was made on the species composition of the vegetation and on the size and vigor of individual plants. The early effects of radiation exposure are described. (C.H.)

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National LAb., Upton, N.Y.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-001332
• OSTI ID: 4766460
• Journal Information: Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 3540 Vol. 138; ISSN 0036-8075
• Publisher: AAAS
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CESIUM 137
ENVIRONMENT
GAMMA RADIATION
IONIZATION
METABOLISM
PLANTS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION SOURCES
SHIELDING
TREES