GAMMA DOSE RATES AT RONGELAP ATOLL,

1954-1963

ABSTRACT

Rongelap Atoll was contaminated with fallout from a thermonuclear
device on March

1954.

1,

3.5 rfhr to 35 rfhr.

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 y73° 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?7 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 radio-

nuclides from fission of U
than actual

levels.

235

would tend to be equal to or greater

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