USE OF Rn/Ra RATIOS TO DETERMINE AIR/SEA GAS EXCHANGE AND VERTICAL MIXING IN THE OCEAN.
Abstract
A program to measure Rn(222)/Ra(226) ratios in the ocean surface layer as part of the BOMEX experiment has demonstrated that blanks are acceptably low--but significant; that radon collection is essentially complete; and that the gas can be transferred and counted at sea. Nine radon blanks and ten radon samples were run. One profile of radon ratios gave results much as expected. The results are consistent with a boundary film thickness of 10-15 microns. Below the uppermost water layer the vertical eddy diffusivity is approximately 5 sq cm/sec. Absolute values of radon concentration were lower than previously observed. The differences may be due to our larger sample volumes with correspondingly less contamination effect and better blank control. Using air-sampler equipment furnished by Battelle, five air samples were analyzed for radon daughter products. Marine air in this region has 6 dpm/cu m, much less randon than 'average' continental air, but slightly more than expected in the average marine environment. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0713129
Entities
People
- David R. Schink
- Joel J. Sigalove
- Norman L. Guinasso Jr.
- Robert L. Charnell
Organizations
- Teledyne Technologies