Norwegian and American institutions have collaboratively tested equipment and techniques for measuring radioactivity from helicopters. The testing took place in a radiation test area in southern Nevada in 2018 and has been deemed a success. The report is now published
"All the main objectives of the work were achieved. The testing and exchange of knowledge about the technical equipment and interpretation have strengthened our ability to jointly respond to a nuclear or radioactive event," says senior researcher Vikas Baranwal of the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU).
- The Nevada Test Site (NTS) is an area in southeastern Nye County, approximately 105 kilometers northwest of Las Vegas in the state of Nevada.
- The area is used by the U.S. Department of Energy and was established in 1951 for nuclear weapons testing.
- The Nevada Test Site covers 3,500 square kilometers of desert and mountainous terrain. It has 1,100 buildings, 10 helicopter pads, two airstrips, and 1,000 kilometers of roads.
Source: Wikipedia
Measurements of radioactivity
The Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) serves as a scientific advisor to the Norwegian Crisis Committee for Nuclear Preparedness, which is led by the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), and actively participated in the work in the United States. In case of suspicion or danger of radioactive releases in or near Norway, NGU is responsible for conducting measurements of radioactivity and presenting the results in maps.
"We became well acquainted with each other's systems, methods, analytical techniques, and data. The measurement results were consistent," says Baranwal about the project, which was led by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and the Norwegian DSA.
In Norway, NGU regularly uses both airplanes and helicopters to measure natural radioactivity in the ground, primarily focusing on potassium (K), uranium (U), and thorium (Th).
The Chernobyl accident in 1986
“In the USA, we learned a lot about the calibration, processing, and identification of so-called man-made isotopes from nuclear accidents and radioactive emissions. This work enhances our ability to map the spread of radioactive contamination in areas with high radiation levels”, emphasizes Baranwal.
Examples of radioactive fallout following a nuclear accident include the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the earthquake-damage at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan, in 2011.
High levels of radioactivity can lead to radiation injuries, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. In cases of extreme radiation, people may be advised to relocate, and there might be a significant need for long-term monitoring. The radioactive isotopes released into the air after a nuclear accident can travel long distances and deposit at the ground with rain. They can be absorbed by plants and, consequently, end up inside both animals’ and humans’ bodies.
International cooperation
Radioactive isotopes take a long time to disintegrate and decay. There are still areas with higher anthropogenic radiation, 38 years after the Chernobyl accident in some areas e.g. Jotunheimen, Hattfjelldal, and Trøndelag in Norway.
"This is why international cooperation is important. Norway collaborates with partners in Scandinavia, several countries in Europe, and also with the USA to continuously keep ourselves updated on modern technology for both measurements and interpretation techniques," emphasizes senior researcher Vikas Baranwal at NGU.
The joint investigation conducted in the Nevada desert followed the model for similar exchanges done earlier between USA and other countries. Other institutions that had participated in 2018 collaboration include Natural Resources in Canada, the French Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, the Taiwanese Atomic Energy Council, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Report: Result of cooperation among USA, DSA and NGU
ScienceNorway: Radioactivity still found in Norwegian nature - 36 years after the Chernobyl disaster
In Norway: The Norwegian Crisis Committee for Nuclear Preparedness
