The size distribution of radioactive particles from nuclear weapon tests and their transport in the atmosphere

Abstract

In 1964–1965 in the Moscow region radioactive particle size distribution was studied in the ground layer of the atmosphere and in December, 1964, measurements were carried out at 5–6 km as well. Four kinds of radioactive aerosol size distribution variations were observed. In the troposphere at 5–6 km radioactive particles were on the average smaller than in the ground layer. The mean diameter of particles-carriers of Cs137 at 5–6 km was greater than that of particles-carriers of Ce144. This difference was smoothed in the samples, taken at the ground surface. Analysis of literature data on variations of ratios of various isotope concentrations was made. It shows that radioactive particle size distribution significantly effects the transport of these particles in the atmosphere, especially in the higher layers of the stratosphere and in the mesosphere.DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1966.tb00260.x