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Comparative temporal behavior of radon- and thoron-progeny in surface air over the midwestern U.S.

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry volume 242, pages 761–767 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

Temporal variations in airborne210Pb,212Pb,214Pb,218Po, and214Bi concentrations at Springfield, Missouri, USA, are compared with each other and with results reported from studies performed in other parts of the world. At Springfield diurnal concentration patterns of210Pb are similar to those of212Pb, but seasonal concentration patterns differ markedly. Additionally, abnormal disequilibrium conditions are sometimes found to exist in Springfield among218Po,214Pb, and214Bi in which progeny/parent ratios are greater than 1. Findings similar to those presented here have been reported at some sites throughout the world, but different temporal patterns have been reported at others. Examination of concentration dependence on meteorological conditions at Springfield indicates that some of these differences are correlated with temperature and ground snow cover. Implications of these findings for use of thoron- and radon-progeny as atmospheric tracers are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Southwest Missouri State University, 65804, Springfield, Missouri, USA

    R. W. Sheets & A. E. Lawrence

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  1. R. W. Sheets
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  2. A. E. Lawrence
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Sheets, R.W., Lawrence, A.E. Comparative temporal behavior of radon- and thoron-progeny in surface air over the midwestern U.S.. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 242, 761–767 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02347391

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02347391

Keywords

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Temporal Variation
  • Radon
  • Meteorological Condition