140Ba data

The isotopic data can be used to calculate the partitioning. In the calculation the subscript 0 indicates original amount formed, 1 indicates extreme close-in fallout population, 2 indicates the total aerial cloud population. To resolve a three-component system, it is necessary to use three isotopes. 140Ba, 89Sr, and 147Nd are used in this illustration. Other isotope sets may be used providing only that their relative abundance... 

A cyclonic storm satisfying these criteria moved in over the California coast within 25 days after each of these three nuclear explosions affording high probability that the 140Ba from the latest explosion would be measurable with adequate precision. The three Pacific cyclones examined occurred during Nov. 15-17, 1966, Jan. 20-22, 1967, and Jan. 8-11, 1968. Each of these storms exhibited different meteorological characteristics. To assist in evaluating the radiochemical data, each storm was analyzed. 

Storm of Jan. 20-23, 1967. This storm was characterized by the large (<— 200 kilotons) atmospheric nuclear weapon test of the Chinese (China-5) on Dec. 28, 1966. The pertinent ratio data are given in Table X. The first California storm occurred 25.6 days later. Another possible source of fresh fission products was the reported venting of a U.S.S.R. underground nuclear detonation on Dec. 18, 1966 (17). The prior Chinese and French atmosphere tests occurred 85 to 109 days before the storm date less than 1% of the 140Ba could have come from China-4 and less than 7% from the French tests. 89Sr was still present from the prior tests only 3% was left from the China-3 test of May 9, but the activity levels would still be measurable. 

The deposition and ratio data for this storm are given in Table XI. Immediately noticeable is the unusual data from the Vandenberg AFB site with a minimum in total rainfall, a maximum in 140Ba deposition, and a minimum in deposition of the two strontium radioisotopes. Just 80 miles south at Goleta with almost twice as much precipitation, the 140Ba... 

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