Stratospheric radioactivity data obtained by balloon sampling
- Atmoic Energy Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
In evaluating the possible hazard from Sr/sup 90/ and other long-lived fission products, it has been established that stratospheric storage plays an important role. It then becomes necessary to know the content, distribution, and rate of removal of debris from the stratosphere. Indirect determinations of the content, based on assumed initial injections, are too uncertain and meteorological knowledge of stratospheric motions is too poor to satisfy questions on these subjects. One must rely on direct measurement of the stratosphere. It is evident that there are many uncertainties in the data collected in stratospheric sampling programs but that a potential exists for a valuable contribution by good sampling and analysis, both to the Sr 90 problem and to the meteorological problem of stratospheric transport, diffusion and removal. The basic problems of particle size and filter efficiency have to be solved. It may be that an indirect method, such as comparison with aircraft or whole air collection will be the only way to provide a solution to the calibration of the balloon sampling. In that event, a number of comparisons at various altitudes wiH be necessary to establish this calibration. It will also be necessary to perform these comparisons for each of the isotopes of interest. If the mechanical problems related to the collection of debris can be solved, the question of the quality of the radiochemical amalyses becomes even more important. The large unexplained fluctuations in the ratios of the various isotopes suggest that much of the variability arises from this source. If it turns out that the variations observed in the past data are indeed real, then the four-station network sampling each altitude once a month now in existence would be inadequate. However, information presently available concerning the stratosphere suggests that the variations are improbable, especially when viewed in light of the estimate that most of the debris injected into the stratosphere before 1958, came from the Castle series in the Spring of 1954, three to four years prior to the measurements discussed. It is also possible that the relatively low stratospheric content indicated by the balloon data, and the decrease between 1957 and 1958, represents the best estimate, and that the models of injection and stratospherictropospheric exchange that have been employed are grossly in error. This would imply a much faster exchange than has been postulated or smaller initial injections or both. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Atmoic Energy Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
- NSA Number:
- NSA-13-020031
- OSTI ID:
- 4218963
- Report Number(s):
- TID-5555
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-59
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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