Radon anomalies and microearthquakes at Lake Jocassee, South Carolina

Journal Article · Tue Jun 10 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JB085iB06p03079· OSTI ID:5124968

Talwani, P; Moore, W S; Ghiang, J

Continuous low-level seismic activity was found to occur at Lake Jocassee after the impoundment of the reservoir in 1975. In addition to monitoring seismic activity we began (in January 1976) a series of geochemical measurements in an effort to search for precursors to M/sub 1/approx.2--2.5 events. Discrete water samples were collected from wells and a spring, and their radon content was determined by scintillation counting. These data were comparable to those obtained from a continuous Rn monitor in the spring using an ionization chamber. Soil Rn measurements in track etch cups were started in 1977. The results of the data collected so far indicate (1) that long-term fluctuations occur in the radon concentrations in the spring water with a period of approx.44 weeks (the radon content being 50--100% lower in summer and fall), (2) that anomalous changes in the radon concentrations have occurred both before and after earthquakes, the timing of the anomaly beign dependent on the distance of the epicenter to the radon sample site, (3) that both high and low anomalous radon values occur, and (4) that the soil randon method using track etch cups is useful in determining areas of high and low Rn concentration but not for a study of short-term temporal changes.

• Research Organization: Geology Department, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208
• OSTI ID: 5124968
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 85:B6; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520301 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- Water-- (1987)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
580201* -- Geophysics-- Seismology & Tectonics-- (1980-1989)
EARTHQUAKES
ELEMENTS
EPICENTERS
FORECASTING
MICROEARTHQUAKES
MONITORING
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOACTIVITY
RADON
RARE GASES
SEISMIC EVENTS
SEISMICITY
SOILS
SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTHEAST REGION
USA
VARIATIONS
WELLS