ICE CORES: Radioactivity

         Tritium, 36Cl-, and Beta Activity

Tritium (3H), 36Cl-, and beta activity can be measured in ice core to identify atmospheric radioactivity.  Above ground nuclear bomb testing that occurred between the  1940s and early 1960s led to a dramatic increase in radioactive material in the atmosphere. Following the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963 radioactivity in the atmosphere has steadily decreased.  Ice core records have identified the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Exposure to radiation has serious health implications including cancer, radiation poisoning, birth defects, and sterility.

Fremont Glacier Ice Core, USA

Guliya Ice Core, Tibetan Plateau, China

Fremont Glacier

Guliya

1987

1964

1955

Chernobyl   Disaster

South Pole Ice Core, Antarctica

Guliya