NEUTRON-INDUCED RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES IN SOILS
Abstract
This report is concerned with the activities induced in the surface of the earth near ground zero by neutrons released from a nuclear detonation. Gamma-ray spectral measurements of Nevada Test Site soil obtained from the vicinity of ground zero following Shots 1, 4, and 7 have been studied. From these it is concluded that the relative quantities of observed neutron-induced activity to fission-fallout activity are functions of height, yield, and type of detonation. Ten different soil samples were exposed to the neutrons from Shot 5. While only Na24 and Mn56 activities could be definitely found in sifnificant quantities in all soils, the relative amounts of these two radio-isotopes varied over a considerable range and, within reasonable accuracy, can be said to have been activated in proportion to the amount of sodium and manganese atoms present in the soil at the time of irradiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 1958
- Accession Number
- AD0617180
Entities
People
- C. S. Cook
- L. A. Webb
- R. F. Johnson
- R. L. Mather
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory