On radioactive equilibrium in atmospheric aerosols at 700 and 1800 m a.s.l., as influenced by particle size and vertical mixing activity

Abstract

Data from simultaneous measurements of RaB and RaC concentration in atmospheric aerosols, taken at sites located roughly 700 and 1800 m a.s.l., are used to elucidate the relation of the ratio of the specific activities of RaB and RaC in aerosol particles on the one hand to the intensity of vertical mixing and the size of the aerosol particles on the other. The empirical relationships as found from a 15-month period of uninterrupted measurements are presented. Radioactive equilibrium is more nearly approached in aerosol particles of more than one micron in diameter than in smaller ones (including the smallest measurable sizes); this holds invariably — and for all height levels. The degree of approach to RaB/RaC equilibrium is the lowest for low altitude (700 m) and negligible vertical mixing: 65% to 75%. At the low-altitude site this figure increases to 80%–90% as the intensity of vertical mixing reaches higher levels. At 1800 m a.s.l., the degree of approach to RaB/RaC equilibrium is nearly 100% when vertical mixing is negligible, and declines with increased vertical mixing activity to a level of only 60–70% for conditions involving strong vertical mass exchange.