Local differences in dose rates at three feet The highest levels measured were generally under trees, particularly under Pandanus trees where litter had accumulated. The highest levels at Rongelap islet in 1955 were measured in the remaining palm-frond huts where fallout remained trapped in the roof and the wall thatching. Readings one inch above the floor were lower than those at three feet above the ground and readings close to the walls and roof were highest of all. There were relatively high readings over some open areas where soll algae were abundant. The soil algae form a crust roughly one centimetscr thick and retain most of the radionuclides erom fallout. Return to background Level The return to background level, 4 0.02 mr/hr, occurred first, as would be expected, in the intertidal zone, except for a few small areas of beach rock covered with a film of algae. Levels of 2 0.02 mr/hr were measured in July, 1957 in the intertidal zones at Kabelle and Rongelap islets and in the newly constructed village on Rongelap islet. Construction of the village entailed the removal of the thatched huts and bulldozing Te Nee me eee Goer ws ee NTlhe fF Rade RRR HE A ete ee ne te Ute 1 gt 0.137 to 0.178 mr/hr.