USE OF SURFACE-AIR CONCENTRATION
AND RAINFALL MEASUREMENTS TO PREDICT
DEPOSITION OF FALLOUT RADIONUCLIDES
CHARLES A, PELLETIER, G. HOYT WHIPPLE, and HAROLD L. WEDLICK
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
ABSTRACT
An empirical model relating deposition and air concentration of gross
beta radioactivity is presented. The model is based on measurements
in the western Lake Erie area between January 1963 and June 1964 and
has the form
D
—_=H
C,
—br
_
(a-—e)
where D = deposition, pc/m?
C, = air concentration, pc/m?
H = constant, m
a =factor to account for dry fallout onto precipitation collec- |
b
r
tor, dimensionless units
elimination constant, (inches of rain)’
rainfall amount, in.
The meaning and the applicability of the model are discussed. The
model is used to predict the deposition of gross beta radioactivity at a
Single location in southeastern Michigan.
INTRODUCTION
The overall objective of our research program is to develop a
mathematical model to describe the cycling of fallout radionuclides
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