A modelling study on 137Cs and 239,240Pu behaviour in the Alborán Sea, western Mediterranean

Periáñez, R.

doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2007.09.011

Cited by 44 publications

(59 citation statements)

References 59 publications

(100 reference statements)

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“…In the case of the AS, the 2-layer model produces the WAG and the observed outflow of Mediterranean Water along the Moroccan continental slope [3]. Computed tides (2D depth-averaged model) have also been compared with observations in the AS and in the GoC.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is a reasonable approach [3] since circulation in the AS may be seen as a surface flow of Atlantic Water moving to the east and a deep flow of more dense Mediterranean Water moving to the west. The main feature of circulation in the surface layer is an almost permanent anticyclonic gyre which fills most of the western AS known as the WAG (Western Alboran Gyre) [3]. The outflow of Mediterranean Water to the Atlantic Ocean mostly occurs along the Moroccan continental slope.…”

Section: Model Descriptionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Equations are solved using finite differences. Boundary conditions consist of the mean water flows through the Strait of Gibraltar [3]. Hydrodynamic equations may be seen in this reference as well.…”

Section: Model Descriptionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Models for radioactivity dispersion assessments in Andalusian coastal waters: Gulf of Cádiz and Alborán Sea

Periáñez

2009

Radioprotection

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Abstract. Rapid response models for the assessment of the consequences of a radioactive spill in the coastal waters of Andalusia (south of Spain) have been developed. These waters comprise the Gulf of Cadiz, GoC, (Atlantic Ocean) and the Alborán Sea, AS, (Mediterranean Sea) and two models are described, covering both sectors. This subject is of high relevance since these waters are the only connection between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Thus, there are intense shipping activities that for instance include the transit of nuclear submarines. The models include hydrodynamic sub-models appropriate to describe the water circulation in each area. Results from the hydrodynamic models have been carefully tested through comparisons with observed tides and currents. The dispersion models are based upon a particle-tracking technique. Thus, the radioactive spill is simulated by a number of discrete particles, each one equivalent to a number of units, whose paths are computed. Turbulent diffusion and radioactive decay are calculated using a stochastic Monte Carlo method. The radionuclide concentrations may be obtained at the desired time from the density of particles per water volume. Some applications and examples of results are given.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Model Descriptionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Models for radioactivity dispersion assessments in Andalusian coastal waters: Gulf of Cádiz and Alborán Sea

Periáñez

2009

Radioprotection

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“…Tidal and residual currents are obtained from two hydrodynamic models working on the same domain: a 2D depth-averaged model [1] is used for calculating tides and a two-layer model [2] is applied to obtain the residual flow. These are reasonable approaches, as discussed earlier [2].…”

Section: Model Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These are reasonable approaches, as discussed earlier [2]. The hydrodynamic models are run in advance and results are stored in files that will be later used by the dispersion models (suspended sediments and radionuclides).…”

Section: Model Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling radioactivity dispersion in the Alborán Sea, western Mediterranean

Periáñez

2009

Radioprotection

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Abstract.A numerical model which simulates the dispersion of non-conservative radionuclides in the Alboran Sea has been developed. Water currents are obtained from two hydrodynamic models working on the same domain: a 2D depth-averaged model is used two calculate tides and a 2-layer has been applied to obtain the residual (mean) circulation. The output of the hydrodynamic models is first applied to calculate suspended particle concentrations and sedimentation rates over the domain, which are also required by the radionuclide transport model. This assumes that radionuclides may be present in three phases: dissolved, suspended matter and bed sediments. Exchanges between the liquid and solid phases are described through kinetic transfer coefficients. The model has been applied to simulate the dispersion of 137-Cs and 239,240-Pu introduced in the sea from atmospheric fallout. Measured and computed radionuclide concentrations in the water column and in bed sediments are, in general, in good agreement.

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An operational model to simulate post-accidental radionuclide transfers in Toulon marine area: preliminary development

2011

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As part of its development of post-accident management tools, the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety is setting up a model to simulate radionuclide dispersion in the Toulon marine area (one of France's main military ports). The model is based on the MARS 3D code developed by IFREMER. It reproduces hydro-sedimentation phenomena in the Bay of Toulon with a horizontal spatial resolution of 100 m and 30 vertical sigma levels and also factors in radioactive decay and dissolved/particulate distribution of the radionuclides studied. With no tide, the major currents in this area are generated by the wind. The model effectively reproduces the resulting hydrodynamic phenomena, which were measured throughout the summer of 2009 in the channel that links the Little Bay to the Large Bay of Toulon. When the Mistral (wind from the West/Northwest) blows, a surface current quickly appears, which pushes water southwards from the Little Bay, and which is offset by a bottom current (upwellings). When the wind blows from the East, the currents move in the opposite direction, and southeasterly waves, dependent on wind strength and fetch, occur in the Large Bay. Here, we give an example of the simulated dispersion of radionuclides released directly into the surface waters near the Arsenal, demonstrating the constraint relative to dispersion generated by the half-closed configuration of the Little Bay. Sediment in the Little Bay also forms an area where the most highly reactive radionuclides would accumulate, and where the lack of waves has the effect of considerably limiting the phenomena of resuspension.

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A modelling study on 137Cs and 239,240Pu behaviour in the Alborán Sea, western Mediterranean

Cited by 44 publications

References 59 publications

Models for radioactivity dispersion assessments in Andalusian coastal waters: Gulf of Cádiz and Alborán Sea

Models for radioactivity dispersion assessments in Andalusian coastal waters: Gulf of Cádiz and Alborán Sea

Modelling radioactivity dispersion in the Alborán Sea, western Mediterranean

An operational model to simulate post-accidental radionuclide transfers in Toulon marine area: preliminary development

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