Effects of weather and soil characteristics on temporal variations in soil-gas radon concentrations

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Abstract

Concentrations of radon-222 in soil gas measured over about 1 yr at a monitoring site in Denver, Colorado, vary by as much as an order of magnitude seasonally and as much as severalfold in response to changes in weather. The primary weather factors that influence soil-gas radon concentrations are precipitation and barometric pressure. Soil characteristics are important in determining the magnitude and extent of the soil’s response to weather changes. The soil at the study site is clay rich and develops desiccation cracks upon drying that increase the soil’s permeability and enhance gas transport and removal of radon from the soil. A capping effect caused by frozen or unfrozen soil moisture is a primary mechanism for preventing radon loss to the atmosphere.

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Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Effects of weather and soil characteristics on temporal variations in soil-gas radon concentrations
DOI 10.1130/SPE271-p65
Volume 271
Year Published 1992
Language English
Publisher Geological Society of America
Contributing office(s) Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Description 8 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Geologic controls on radon
First page 65
Last page 72
Country United States
State Colorado
City Denver
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