Background radiation on Earth quantified?

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The discussion centers on the quest for specific information regarding background radiation on Earth's surface, focusing on flux rates and energy levels from cosmic, solar, natural, and manmade sources. A new user seeks detailed data, expressing frustration over the lack of accessible information. Dr. Gregory Greenman provides several links to resources, including the University of Michigan and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, which may contain relevant information. However, the user clarifies that the provided resources primarily offer dose rates rather than the desired flux rates and energies. The conversation highlights the challenge of finding precise data on background radiation metrics.
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Hello all, a new user here. I am in need of some very basic information that seems to be impossible to find. I need to know the typical background radiation on the Earth's surface (cosmic, solar, natural, manmade), particularly flux rates and energy. The closest I have come is a flux rate for neutrons with no energy information given, and also dose rates which I do not need.

If anyone can provide a link or point me to a text with this information, that would be great! :biggrin:
 
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Causality said:
Hello all, a new user here. I am in need of some very basic information that seems to be impossible to find. I need to know the typical background radiation on the Earth's surface (cosmic, solar, natural, manmade), particularly flux rates and energy. The closest I have come is a flux rate for neutrons with no energy information given, and also dose rates which I do not need.

If anyone can provide a link or point me to a text with this information, that would be great! :biggrin:

Causality,

How about:

http://www.umich.edu/~radinfo/introduction/radrus.htm

and

http://www.umich.edu/~radinfo/introduction/


The Health Physics Society may help get you started.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 
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Thank you for the links Dr. Greenman, they do give a very good breakdown of natural sources. However they only provide doses, whereas I am looking for actual flux rates (#particles s^-1 cm^-2) and energies. They do look like a good contact though and I will see if they can help me out!
 
Causality said:
Thank you for the links Dr. Greenman, they do give a very good breakdown of natural sources. However they only provide doses, whereas I am looking for actual flux rates (#particles s^-1 cm^-2) and energies. They do look like a good contact though and I will see if they can help me out!

Causality,

How about from the Pierre Auger Observatory:

http://www.auger.org/questions.html#how_many

or courtesy of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center:

http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/features/topics/snr_group/cosmic_rays.html


http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/features/topics/snr_group/cr-knee.html

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 
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Hello, I'm currently trying to compare theoretical results with an MCNP simulation. I'm using two discrete sets of data, intensity (probability) and linear attenuation coefficient, both functions of energy, to produce an attenuated energy spectrum after x-rays have passed through a thin layer of lead. I've been running through the calculations and I'm getting a higher average attenuated energy (~74 keV) than initial average energy (~33 keV). My guess is I'm doing something wrong somewhere...
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