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UTEX modeling of radioxenon isotopic fractionation resulting from subsurface transport

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Abstract

The underground transport of environmental xenon (UTEX) model is a finite-difference code that was developed at the University of Texas at Austin to simulate the transport of radioxenon from an underground nuclear detonation to the surface. UTEX handles a time dependent source term and includes the effects of radioactive decay to determine isotopic signatures of the various radioxenon species as a function of release time. The model shows that significant perturbations in the isotopic signatures are possible under some geologic conditions. Transport of radioxenon gas in UTEX is driven in large part by atmospheric pumping. A study was undertaken to characterize the dependence of resulting isotopic signatures on the various geologic and physical parameters that define the system model. Additionally, the model was used to roughly simulate isotopic measurements at various depths and position; the potential dependence of isotopic radioxenon fractionation on sampling depth and lateral position between fractures was examined.

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Acknowledgments

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number DE-AC52-09NA28608.

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This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    J. D. Lowrey, S. R. Biegalski & M. R. Deinert

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  1. J. D. Lowrey
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  2. S. R. Biegalski
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  3. M. R. Deinert
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Correspondence to J. D. Lowrey.

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Lowrey, J.D., Biegalski, S.R. & Deinert, M.R. UTEX modeling of radioxenon isotopic fractionation resulting from subsurface transport. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 296, 129–134 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-012-2026-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-012-2026-1

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