GAMMA DOSE RATES AT RONGELAP ATOLL, 1954~1963

ee wenn ene re ee

ABSTRACT

Rongelap Atoll was contaminated with fallout from a thermonuclear
device on March 1, 1954.

3.5 r/hr to 35 r/hr.

Gamma-dose rates on D + 1 ranged from

Until 1959 the decline of gamma~-dose rates

measured in the field followed the theoretical decay of mixed
fission products from y235 calculated by Miller and Loeb.

The

reduction of gamma dose rates to approximately half the predicted
levels in 1959-63 probably reflects the downward movement of the
long-lived gamma-emitter cst 3? in the soil.

Redistribution of

fallout had little effect on gamma dose rates except in the

intertidal zone.

It is concluded that predicted gamma dose

rates from fallout based on the theoretical decay curve of radionuclides from fission of U
than actual levels.

235

would tend to be equal to or greater

Select target paragraph3