GLODEP2: a computer model for estimating gamma dose due to worldwide fallout of radioactive debris

Technical Report · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5245564· OSTI ID:5245564

Edwards, L L; Harvey, T F; Peterson, K R

The GLODEP2 computer code provides estimates of the surface deposition of worldwide radioactivity and the gamma-ray dose to man from intermediate and long-term fallout. The code is based on empirical models derived primarily from injection-deposition experience gained from the US and USSR nuclear tests in 1958. Under the assumption that a nuclear power facility is destroyed and that its debris behaves in the same manner as the radioactive cloud produced by the nuclear weapon that attached the facility, predictions are made for the gamma does from this source of radioactivity. As a comparison study the gamma dose due to the atmospheric nuclear tests from the period of 1951 to 1962 has been computed. The computed and measured values from Grove, UK and Chiba, Japan agree to within a few percent. The global deposition of radioactivity and resultant gamma dose from a hypothetical strategic nuclear exchange between the US and the USSR is reported. Of the assumed 5300 Mton in the exchange, 2031 Mton of radioactive debris is injected in the atmosphere. The highest estimated average whole body total integrated dose over 50 years (assuming no reduction by sheltering or weathering) is 23 rem in the 30 to 50 degree latitude band. If the attack included a 100 GW(e) nuclear power industry as targets in the US, this dose is increased to 84.6 rem. Hotspots due to rainfall could increase these values by factors of 10 to 50.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5245564
• Report Number(s): UCID-20033; ON: DE84009347
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450202* -- Explosions & Explosives-- Nuclear-- Weaponry-- (-1989)
560151 -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
COMPUTER CODES
DOSE COMMITMENTS
DOSES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EXTERNAL IRRADIATION
FALLOUT
G CODES
GAMMA RADIATION
GLOBAL ASPECTS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
MAMMALS
MAN
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PRIMATES
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATIONS
VERTEBRATES
WEAPONS
WHOLE-BODY IRRADIATION