Radon ( super(222)Rn) Level Variations on a Regional Scale: Influence of the Basement Trace Element (U, Th) Geochemistry on Radon Exhalation Rates

Research conducted in western France addressed the influence of basement geochemistry on the spatial distribution of radon 222 levels both at the soil/atmosphere interface and in the atmosphere. Different types of in situ radon measurements were combined with a geochemical classification of litholog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental radioactivity 2001-01, Vol.53 (1), p.75-75
Main Authors: Ielsch, G, Thieblemont, D, Labed, V, Richon, P, Tymen, G, Ferry, C, Robe, M C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
France, Brittany
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Summary:Research conducted in western France addressed the influence of basement geochemistry on the spatial distribution of radon 222 levels both at the soil/atmosphere interface and in the atmosphere. Different types of in situ radon measurements were combined with a geochemical classification of lithologies. The Rn source term of the lithologies, expressed in terms of uranium content, is most likely to be the major parameter controlling Rn concentrations in the outdoor environment. The highest radon levels, which were in excess of 100 Bq/m super(3) in the atmosphere and over 100 mBq/m super(2)/s at the soil surface, were documented on lithologies with mean U contents of over 8 ppm.
ISSN:0265-931X