Citation

Kalinowski MB. J. Environ. Radioact. 2011; 102(9): 824-836.

Affiliation

Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker Center for Science and Peace Research, University of Hamburg, Beim Schlump 83, 20144 Hamburg, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.05.006

PMID

21684638

Abstract

A database with information on about 500 cases of atmospheric radioactivity releases from underground nuclear tests is analysed. The data are statistically evaluated and systematically aggregated in order to characterise prompt uncontrolled as well as delayed operational releases of radioactivity into the atmosphere. The focus is put on the latter. The reported data compare well with theoretically derived xenon activities for reasonable nuclear test scenarios. Conclusions are drawn on the main features of releases that can be expected from underground nuclear tests as a function of release time. These findings are relevant for developing and validating methods to be applied in global monitoring of atmospheric radioactivity with respect to indications of an underground nuclear explosion.

Language: en