Comparison of Cs, Sr and Pu fallout from meltdown

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the comparison of fallout from the Chernobyl disaster, specifically examining the distribution of Cs-137, Sr-90, and Pu-239 through the analysis of combined maps. The scope includes visual representation and interpretation of radioactive fallout components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a comparison of fallout maps for Cs-137, Sr-90, and Pu-239, noting that Cs appears to be about ten times more widespread than Sr based on the contour levels.
  • Another participant questions the interpretation of the maps, seeking clarification on the color legend and the relative distribution of the fallout components.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the maps, emphasizing that the same territory is represented multiple times, with distinct color coding for each isotope.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the fallout distribution, particularly regarding the visual representation and the implications of the map data. No consensus is reached on the significance of the comparisons made.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes potential limitations in the interpretation of the maps, such as the scaling and clarity of the images, which may affect the analysis of fallout distribution.

nikkkom
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I combined three maps of Chernobyl fallout: Cs-137 map, Sr-90 map and Pu-239 map.
Map scales are the same.
Lowest contour levels for Cs and Sr are the same (1 Ci/km^2), Pu contour is ten times lower (0.1 Ci/km^2).
This visually demonstrates that Cs is about ten times more widespread fallout component than Sr.

Chernobylmap_Cs_Sr_Pu_3_small.png
 
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The original file is 12064 by 10320 pixels, forum engine downscaled it. Let me try a "thumbnail attach" option...
Chernobylmap_Cs_Sr_Pu_3_small.png

nope, this still gives a downscaled image.
 
nikkkom said:
I combined three maps of Chernobyl fallout: Cs-137 map, Sr-90 map and Pu-239 map.
Map scales are the same.
Lowest contour levels for Cs and Sr are the same (1 Ci/km^2), Pu contour is ten times lower (0.1 Ci/km^2).
This visually demonstrates that Cs is about ten times more widespread fallout component than Sr.
...
10x more than Pu?

Color legend is yellow=Cs,Sr, red=Pu ?
 
mheslep said:
10x more than Pu?

Color legend is yellow=Cs,Sr, red=Pu ?

No. The same territory is shown three times. (You can easily see the Kiev Sea in each map).
Left map (yellow/red) is Cs.
To the lower right of it is the smaller central region of the same map with Sr-90 - green/blue blob.
On the right again the same territory with orange Pu-239 blob.
 

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