The distinct conditions of atmospheric and underground nuclear tests revealed by Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples

Torrano, Zachary Augustus; Boggs, Mark Anthony; Sanborn, Matthew Edward

doi:10.1007/s10967-023-09291-8

Title: The distinct conditions of atmospheric and underground nuclear tests revealed by Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples

Journal Article · 08 January 2024 · Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-023-09291-8 · OSTI ID:2479484

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Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

We analyzed the Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples from atmospheric and underground nuclear tests. Samples from the site of atmospheric tests exhibit a range of Zn isotopic fractionation (δ⁶⁶Zn_JMC-Lyon = 0.23–0.86 ‰) while samples from underground tests exhibit Zn isotopic compositions with minimal variation among samples and from terrestrial igneous rock standards (δ⁶⁶ZnJMC-Lyon = 0.28–0.39 ‰). In conclusion, the larger range of δ⁶⁶Zn_JMC-Lyon observed in atmospheric test samples relative to underground test samples is likely the result of the open system characteristics of atmospheric nuclear tests and the closed system characteristics of underground nuclear tests.

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Research Organization:: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program

Grant/Contract Number:: 89233218CNA000001

OSTI ID:: 2479484

Report Number(s):: LA-UR--23-30659

Journal Information:: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 333; ISSN 0236-5731

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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