Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Using a Global In-Situ Detection Network in Near Real-Time

摘要

An experimental global monitoring network is being developed, integrated and tested to measure radi-onuclide air concentrations in the environment. The primary purpose of this monitoring network is to provide a technological means for verification of the envisioned Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. System architecture consists of near real-time remote monitoring stations that are linked to a central analysis facility termed the international data center. It is envisioned that radionuclide monitoring will be combined with seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasonic techniques in a unified system to fulfill the objectives of detecting, identifying and locating potential nuclear weapon tests. This paper describes the radionuclide monitoring system and reports the measurement results from the first year of operation. Correlations of this data to natural and manmade phenomena are presented and related applications are discussed. Major components of the current radionuclide monitoring system are: (1) field sensors; (2) the international data center; (3) national data centers; and (4) regional laboratories. Field sensors provide raw data to the international and national data centers through high volume air sampling, in-situ gamma-ray assay, and remote communications. The international data center houses a central processing pipeline that imports, analyzes, reviews, and disseminates the data. National data centers will likely have capabilities similar to the international data center combined with national assets. Regional laboratories are earmarked for such functions as secondary analysis, quality control, sample archiving, and sensor maintenance.