Interpretation of radon anomalies in seismotectonic and tectonic-gravitational settings: the south-eastern Crati graben (Northern Calabria, Italy)

The study area is located in the south-eastern part of the Crati valley (Northern Calabria, Italy), which is a graben bordered by N–S trending normal faults and crossed by NW–SE normal left-lateral faults. Numerous severe crustal earthquakes have affected the area in historical time. Present-day seismic activity is mainly related to the N–S faults located along the eastern border of the graben. In this area, much seismically induced deep-seated deformation has also been recognised.In the present paper, radon concentrations in soil gas have been measured and compared with (a) lithology, (b) Quaternary faults, (c) historical and instrumental seismicity, and (d) deep-seated deformation.The results highlight the following:

(a) There is no evidence of a strong correlation between lithology and the radon anomalies.

(b) A clear correlation between the N–S geometry of radon anomalies and the orientation of main fault systems has been recognised, except in the southernmost part of the area, where the radon concentrations are strongly affected by the superposition of the N–S and the NW–SE fault systems.

(c) Epicentral zones of instrumental and historical earthquakes correspond to the highest values of radon concentrations, probably indicating recent activated fault segments. In particular, high radon values occur in the zones struck by earthquakes in 1835, 1854, and 1870.

(d) Deep-seated gravitational deformation generally coincides with zones characterised by low radon concentrations.

In the studied area, the anisotropic distribution of radon concentrations is congruent with the presence of neotectonic features and deep-seated gravitational phenomena. The method used in this study could profitably contribute towards either seismic risk or deep-seated gravitational deformation analyses.     

From radon hazard to risk prediction-based on geological maps,soil gas and indoor measurements in Germany

Mapped geological units can be regarded as proxies standing for a complex series of subsoil geochemical and physical properties including the assigned radon activity concentration in soil gas, which is taken as best estimator of the regional geogenic radon potential. Areal distribution of measuring sites for soil gas in Germany is adapted to spatial variation of geology. A grid-based and distance-weighted interpolation procedure is applied, following geologically defined neighbourhood relations of measuring sites and accounting for isolated outcrops of known geology but without measurements. To investigate the statistical relationship between indoor radon, house type and building ground specifications, measurements of the indoor radon concentration have been carried out in more than 10,000 dwellings in different regions of Germany. Multiple regression analyses of variance reveal that besides region-specific geological properties and building characteristics, various house type and living style variables significantly contribute to the explained variance for ground floor radon concentrations. These parameters are also dominant in controlling the radon transfer relation from soil gas to indoor air. Risk prediction maps for radon in houses indicating the probability to exceed certain indoor threshold values can be useful especially for regions with no or only a few measurements of indoor radon.     

喀斯特洞穴氡研究综述

氡对人体健康的影响向来是医学、化学、核物理学等学科的研究热点。近年来学术界虽然对喀斯特洞穴氡的来源(岩石、地下水)、氡浓度的影响因素(地质因素、洞体结构、洞内外气象参数)、氡浓度的测量(测量对象、测量仪器及方法)、氡的危害、氡的防治(隔离氡气渗入途径、排风通氡、控制洞穴内停留时间减少吸入量、加强监测)等方面开展了研究并取得了不少的成果,但对于喀斯特洞穴氡的形成机理、喀斯特洞穴氡测量标准的制定及有效剂量的估算、喀斯特洞穴氡的防治技术及员工的健康管理等方面的研究还比较薄弱,有待加强。      

Geological controls on radon potential in England

Radon exposure is a chronic and serious geohazard but with the correct knowledge of its distribution provided by an accurate radon potential map, this risk to human health can be reduced through well directed radon testing programmes and building control regulations.     

Reliability of inexpensive charcoal and alpha-track radon monitors

A comparison between single short-term radon measurements and annual radon measurements in basements shows that significant uncertainties should be associated with the short-term measurements. Activated charcoal radon monitors which measure radon over a 3 to 7 day interval yield measurements that should carry a ± 90% uncertainty in terms of estimating annual radon concentration. Alpha-track radon monitors which measure radon over a 3 month interval should carry a ± 30% uncertainty. Decisions about home purchases, home remediation and the development of risk characterizations may often be incorrect if currently popular but unrealistically low estimates of uncertainty are applied to short-term radon measurements. Optimal results are obtained from year-long alpha-track measurements.     

Distribution of radon sources and effects on radon emanation in granitic soil at Ben Lomond,California

The abundance and distribution of radioelements on bulk and microscopic scales were investigated in residual granitic-derived soil at a facility for investigating the movement of radon into structures. In bulk soil samples, Ra concentrations range from 0.6 to 1.3 pCi/g, and variations in Ra, Th, and K appear to be controlled mainly by heterogeneities inherited from the parent granitic rock, which contains abundant dikes and inclusions. U in soil and parent rock is concentrated in primary minerals (mainly zircon and sphene), and in secondary sites that are of greater importance for Rn emanation. The main U-bearing secondary sites are weathered sphene, grain boundary coatings, weathered biotite and plagioclase, as well as dense Fe-rich coatings and a REE-phosphate mineral present in near-vertical fracture zones in saprolite underlying shallow loam. Elevated U in these sites generally correlates with high Ti, Al, Fe, and/or P. Preferential distribution of U and Ra on grain boundaries and porous weathered minerals is reflected in relatively high Rn emanation rates in the soil. Highest emanation occurs between 1.3 and 2.3 m depth, where fine pedogenic phasesgibbsite and amorphous silica and Fe-OOH—are most abundant; it is related to fixation of Ra by these phases, which precipitate close to the surface and accumulate at these depths by illuviation. Separation of Ra from U may occur locally, given remobilization of U-series elements from secondary sites, and large differences between Ra and U sorption capabilities of several phases present in the soil. Concentration of U along permeable fracture zones in saprolite suggests that contribution of soil-gas Rn from depth (> 2 m) could be significant to Rn availability near the surface.     

Application of HYDRUS-1D in understanding soil water movement at two typical sites in the North China Plain

Recharge and discharge, such as rainfall infiltration and evapotranspiration in vertical direction, are major processes of water cycle in the shallow groundwater area of the North China Plain. During these processes, soil water movement in the unsaturated zone plays an important role in the transformation from rainfall infiltration to groundwater. The soil water movement models were developed by using HYDRUS-1D software at two typical experimental sites in Cangzhou (CZ) and Hengshui (HS) with different soil, vegetation and similar climate conditions. As shown in the results, the comparison in precipitation infiltration features between the two sites is distinct. The soil water experiences strong evaporation after precipitation infiltration, which accounts for 63% of the total infiltration at the HS site where the soil is homogenous. It is this strong evaporation effect that leads to slight increase of soil water storage. At the CZ site, where the soil is heterogeneous, the evaporation effect exists from July to October of the simulation period. The total evaporation accounts for 33% of the total infiltration, and the evaporation rate is slow. At the end of the simulation period, the soil water storage increases and the water table decreases, indicating a strong storage capacity at this site.     

Some measurements of radon in south west England

Summary A survey of radon in soil gas emissions was carried out in the Carnmenellis area of Cornwall to establish the location and extent of any major radon gas concentrations. Measurements of soil radon gas levels showed considerable variation. Radon emission variation with respect to atmospheric pressure was monitored but results showed no correlation between the variables. A survey of schools in the region with high indoor radon concentrations was carried out for comparison with the results of the main survey. A good correlation was found between the two surveys, suggesting that broad-based radon hazard mapping on a local scale may be feasible.     

Comparative analysis of continuous radon sensors in underground environments

Four different continuous radon (²²²Rn)-detection systems have been compared in underground environments, namely three subhorizontal tunnels excavated for groundwater exploitation. Within observational uncertainties, all sensors detected the same concentrations of radon in the air of the tunnels, regardless of the methodology used to measure this radioactive gas. In this sense, the choice of continuous long-term radon monitoring sensors in underground tunnels is constrained by factors such as robustness of the instrumentation, power supply and cost, rather than the sensitivity of the detection methodology. This is particularly important for the monitoring of radon in the context of seismo-volcanic surveillance, where the harsh environmental conditions of the monitoring sites and the absence of electrical power supply are key factors to take into account.     

An evaluation of residential air radon concentrations and related variables in southeast Michigan,USA

Analysis of 153 residential air radon (Rn-222) screening measurements from southeast Michigan indicates that basements host Rn levels two to three times higher than upper-level rooms. Compared to unfinished basements, finished (e.g., paneled walls, tiled floors) basements apparently reduce indoor air Rn levels while partially finished basements may not. Factor analysis of residence questionnaire data explains 59 percent of the Rn data variance. The volume of pathways (e.g., foundation cracks/holes, uncapped sumps) allowing Rn seepage into the dwelling controls the largest portion, 23 percent, of the explained data variance. The residence water source explains 11 percent of the Rn data variance. Groundwater Rn levels contribute to the air Rn data variability, but the study data cannot quantitatively assess this contribution. Seven percent of the Rn data variance is likely controlled by house depressurization facilitated by residence structural properties. Residences with foundation cracks or poorly sealed joints and low-volume indoor-outdoor air exchange are more prone to this effect. Eighteen percent of the explained Rn data variance correlates with the residence's primary heat source. Evidently, operating combustion sources also induce house depressurization and allow Rn to be drawn into the house through entry paths. Twenty-four percent of the analyses equal or exceed 4 pCi/1 Rn. In residences occupied 5 years by the same individuals, 17 percent of the Rn data are 4 pCi/l; here the arithmetic mean air Rn level is 8.3 pCi/l and the average occupancy period 17.4 years.     

土壤中氡浓度检测及其影响因素

综合相关文献研究,通过工程实例介绍土壤中氡气浓度的检测方法,对检测结果进行统计学分析,根据分析结果探讨不同土壤中氡浓度差异及其影响因素。结果显示:土壤孔隙度是影响土壤中氡气浓度的关键因素。不同类型的表层土壤,孔隙度不同,所含氡气浓度也不同。当表层土壤为房渣土、填土时,土质夯实,孔隙率低,氡浓度含量较低;表层土壤为粉土、粉质粘土时,土质较均匀,土层较疏松,孔隙度略大,土壤氡浓度大于前者;表层土壤为粉砂、细砂时,土层更为疏松,土壤中孔隙度再次增大,氡在土壤中有大量的存储空间,所含的氡浓度最大。因此,土壤的孔隙度大小影响氡从地下向地表渗透析出的难易程度,孔隙度越大氡越容易渗透其中,浓度就越高。     

内蒙古中西部地区不同土壤类型下土壤水分的研究

以2002—2003年连续两年自行观测的内蒙古中西部地区二连浩特、乌拉特中旗和乌海的土壤水分为基础，重点分析了沙尘暴发生季节反映下垫面特征的土壤水分的时间变化以及大气影响对不同土壤类型(棕钙土，灰漠土，栗钙土)水分的作用。土壤水分的变化被分为3个阶段进行分析，分别是解冻期至沙尘暴开始的春季、雨期的秋季和冰雪覆盖的冬季。土壤水分受气象条件和土壤类型的影响较大。在气象条件的影响下，土壤水分含量在土壤融化期最低，在雨季达到最大值，其中以栗钙土受的影响最明显。沙尘暴发生依赖于土壤融化时间、土壤融化期的土壤条件和上年冬季的冻土深度。     

Distribution of indoor radon concentrations and uranium-bearing rocks in Texas

 The purpose of this study was to compare regional patterns of indoor radon concentration with uranium-bearing rock zones and county populations in Texas. Zones yielding radon concentrations that are relatively high for Texas include shale and sandstone in northwest Texas; red beds in north-central Texas; felsic volcanic rocks in west Texas; and sandstone, limestone, and igneous rocks in central Texas. Located in northwest Texas, only five of the 202 counties evaluated have mean indoor radon concentrations above 4.0 pCi l^–1. Two of those counties have populations above the state median of 20 115. The highest county mean concentration is 8.8 pCi l^–1. Results of this study suggest that (1) regional geology influences indoor radon concentrations in Texas, (2) statewide, the radon concentrations are relatively low, (3) highly populated counties do not coincide with regions of high indoor radon concentration, and (4) regions that may warrant further monitoring include northwest Texas and, to a lesser degree, west and central Texas. Received: 8 August 1995 · Accepted: 6 September 1995     

Radon variations in a Hungarian village

 A steady radon exhalation is assumed in most publications. In a village of North-East Hungary, however, high radon concentrations have been measured, differing strongly in neighbouring houses and varying in time, due to the interplay of geochemical phenomena. Received: 20 November 1995 · Accepted: 18 June 1996     

Groundwater fluxes into a submerged sinkhole area,Central Italy,using radon and water chemistry

The groundwater contribution into Green Lake and Black Lake (Vescovo Lakes Group), two cover collapse sinkholes in Pontina Plain (Central Italy), was estimated using water chemistry and a ²²²Rn budget. These data can constrain the interactions between sinkholes and deep seated fluid circulation, with a special focus on the possibility of the bedrock karst aquifer feeding the lake. The Rn budget accounted for all quantifiable surface and subsurface input and output fluxes including the flux across the sediment–water interface. The total value of groundwater discharge into Green Lake and Black Lake (∼540 ± 160 L s⁻¹) obtained from the Rn budget is lower than, but comparable with historical data on the springs group discharge estimated in the same period of the year (800 ± 90 L s⁻¹). Besides being an indirect test for the reliability of the Rn-budget “tool”, it confirms that both Green and Black Lake are effectively springs and not simply “water filled” sinkholes. New data on the water chemistry and the groundwater fluxes into the sinkhole area of Vescovo Lakes allows the assessment of the mechanism responsible for sinkhole formation in Pontina Plain and suggests the necessity of monitoring the changes of physical and chemical parameters of groundwater below the plain in order to mitigate the associated risk.     

Evaluation of geodynamic activity of the Dead Sea transform fault by radon gas concentrations

Twelve radon lines of dosimeters (detectors) were placed across the Jordan Valley active fault, which is a segment of the active Dead Sea transform fault system. Each line of the dosimeters shows one or more peaks of radon anomaly concentrations. Some of these peaks prove the intersection of the fault trace with these lines in areas where the fault plane is inferred. In other lines, the peaks correspond to the arrangement of faults in areas of pull-apart basins (sag ponds) or pressure ridges, formed due to the left or right step of the fault. Sag ponds usually show low radon emanations, because they are the place for the accumulation of very fine sediments, which decreases their porosity and hence the upward migration of the radon gas. The northern part of the Jordan Valley relatively shows high radon emanation, which could be attributed to the presence of a seismic gap in the upper Jordan valley.     

Radon reduction in homes constructed on saprolite in the Central Appalachians

 A 3-year study of indoor radon in more than 1000 homes in northern Virginia and southern Maryland was conducted using 3-month exposure alpha-track monitors. In a study set of 200 homes, first-floor indoor radon concentrations, which most closely approximates home exposure levels, averaged slightly more than 3 pCi/l. In a study set of 100 homes, sub-slab ventilation was used to reduce indoor radon concentrations. Interest in remediation was related to public perception of the hazardous nature of radon; people living in homes with indoor radon measurements of more than 4 pCi/l were more likely to participate in the remediation phase of the project. Sub-slab ventilation was successful in more than 90% of the homes in reducing indoor radon from concentrations as high as 30 pCi/ to less than 4 pCi/l, at least for the entire year of post-remediation radon measurements. Received: 29 February 1996 · Accepted: 29 May 1996     

Impact of geohydrology and neotectonic activity on radon concentration in groundwater of intermontane Doon Valley, Outer Himalaya, India

 Radon concentration was measured in 133 water samples from tubewells, handpumps, dug wells and springs of the Doon Valley, Outer Himalaya, India. The observed radon values were found to vary from 10 to 154 Bq/l whereas radium in selected water samples varied from 0.11 to 0.75 Bq/l. Three different clusters of high radon values were observed in the north-western, central and south-eastern parts of the Doon Valley. These clusters were found to be associated with tectonics (thrust/fault) and associated uranium mineralization in the area. In general, radon concentration in groundwater was found to be positively correlated with the depth of the wells, whereas no significant correlation was observed between radon concentration in groundwater and the water temperature, pH value, conductivity and altitude of the water samples. An attempt has also been made to determine the nature and extent of aquifers in the Doon Valley on radon concentration in groundwater. The variation in radon concentration within the groundwater of the study area was found to be controlled by the neotectonic activity and geohydrological processes that occur in the area. The impact of these activities on radon concentration in groundwater are discussed. Received: 17 September 1999 · Accepted: 11 April 2000     

Predicting New Hampshire indoor radon concentrations from geologic information and other covariates

 Generalized geologic province information and data on house construction were used to predict indoor radon concentrations in New Hampshire (NH). A mixed-effects regression model was used to predict the geometric mean (GM) short-term radon concentrations in 259 NH towns. Bayesian methods were used to avoid over-fitting and to minimize the effects of small sample variation within towns. Data from a random survey of short-term radon measurements, individual residence building characteristics, along with geologic unit information, and average surface radium concentration by town, were variables used in the model. Predicted town GM short-term indoor radon concentrations for detached houses with usable basements range from 34 Bq/m³ (1 pCi/l) to 558 Bq/m³ (15 pCi/l), with uncertainties of about 30%. A geologic province consisting of glacial deposits and marine sediments was associated with significantly elevated radon levels, after adjustment for radium concentration and building type. Validation and interpretation of results are discussed. Received: 20 October 1997 · Accepted: 18 May 1998     

Radium and radon content in the carbonate-rock aquifer of the southern Italian region of Apulia

High concentrations of ²²²Rn have been found throughout the waters of the coastal carbonate-rock Mesozoic aquifer located in the region of Apulia in southern Italy. Studies undertaken have determined that such concentrations are due to the radioisotopic features of terra rossa, a type of paleosol that is generated as a residual byproduct of carbonate dissolution and is found to be widespread throughout the aquifers fissures and karst cavities.These special types of soil feature a rather high clay content (80–95%) and, although variable, their specific ²²⁶Ra activity (70–147 Bq/kg) is nonetheless considerably greater than that of limestone (~50 Bq/kg). In fact, there are substantial differences in ²²²Rn concentrations found in waters that come into contact with this type of rock and paleosol.The partial dissolution of some carbonate rock samples in the laboratory confirmed that the ²²⁶Ra released by the dissolved rock primarily accumulates in the residual soil deposits, especially in ones containing finer granules. This has also been the result of experiments conducted on 15 terra rossa samples collected from the region, which indicates that there is a close correlation between the specific ²²⁶Ra activity and the clay content of such paleosols, which varies with the stage of weathering.It has been found that the ²²²Rn concentrations in the regions waters, depend on the specific terra rossa ²²⁶Ra activity rather than on the quantity of terra rossa.Field checks have confirmed the possibility of using ²²⁶Ra and ²²²Rn as natural tracers in order to define hydrogeological problems in special environments such as karst. They can be used to distinguish the different water bearing zones in the carbonate-rock aquifer; analyze the influence of tides on coastal springs; determine the flow direction in the proximity of a well; recognize, recharge and the progressive decline of the groundwater level; derive indications of underground flow paths; and the occurrence of fissures and karstic cavities in the carbonate-rock aquifer.