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The distinct conditions of atmospheric and underground nuclear tests revealed by Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples

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Abstract

We analyzed the Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples from atmospheric and underground nuclear tests. Samples from the site of atmospheric tests exhibit a range of Zn isotopic fractionation (δ66ZnJMC-Lyon = 0.23–0.86 ‰) while samples from underground tests exhibit Zn isotopic compositions with minimal variation among samples and from terrestrial igneous rock standards (δ66ZnJMC-Lyon = 0.28–0.39 ‰). The larger range of δ66ZnJMC-Lyon observed in atmospheric test samples relative to underground test samples is likely the result of the open system characteristics of atmospheric nuclear tests and the closed system characteristics of underground nuclear tests.

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Funding

Research presented in this publication was supported by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program of Los Alamos National Laboratory under project number 20210215DR. This document is approved for unlimited public release through Los Alamos National Laboratory under LA-UR-23-30659.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA

    Zachary A. Torrano, Mark A. Boggs & Matthew E. Sanborn

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  1. Zachary A. Torrano
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  2. Mark A. Boggs
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  3. Matthew E. Sanborn
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Sample preparation was performed by MAB. Sample processing, analysis, and data collection were performed by ZAT. The first draft of the manuscript was written by ZAT, and MAB and MES each provided substantial contributions to the written text. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Zachary A. Torrano.

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Torrano, Z.A., Boggs, M.A. & Sanborn, M.E. The distinct conditions of atmospheric and underground nuclear tests revealed by Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 333, 805–814 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-023-09291-8

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