Inter-calibration of gamma dose rate detectors on the European scale

Abstract

Abstract.A project to compare the response of different detector types was started in 1996 at the Schauinsland mountain (1200 m above sea level) close to Freiburg, Germany, where the German office for radiation protection (BfS) runs a trace analysis laboratory since about 50 years. The aim of this inter-calibration experiment is to compare different gamma dose rate detector types over long periods and under rather unfavorable climatic conditions. This allows to characterise different probe types under environmental conditions and it complements the EURADOS inter-comparison exercises, which a carried out every 2 to 3 years. Both projects dealing with the harmonization of gamma dose rate data in the EU are used to derive terrestrial dose rate from the raw data. Using interpolation techniques provided by INTAMAP seasonal maps of the terrestrial dose rate could be generated. It is shown, that this information can be used for the calibration of satellite based soil moisture methods as well for the calculation of radon emission maps on the European scale, which are of interest for the research community, since Radon is used as a passive tracer in atmospheric research to examine transport processes on synoptic time scales.

Terrestrial gamma radiation baseline mapping using ultra low density sampling methods

“…caesium 137), response to background radiation may vary considerably. These effects have been the subject of several studies (EURADOS, 1999;Pernicka and Kluson, 1996;Stohlker et al, 2009), and clearly show that instruments utilising different detection processes all have varying responses to background radiation. Background gamma radiation, as measured by an instrument, is composed of the following components:…”

The German Dose Rate Monitoring Network and Implemented Data Harmonization Techniques

“…In addition, BfS operates an open field site for long-term observations at mount Schauinsland near Freiburg (INTERCAL facility). Up to 20 detectors from different countries are operated in parallel at this place, allowing a direct comparison of readings from all probes over long periods of time under variable climate conditions (5, 6) .…”

“…At the INTERCAL facility on mount Schauinsland near Freiburg (5, 6) , one additional probe was installed directly fixed on the wall of a building. In addition, one other detector was installed 1 m above ground in a small forest close to the INTERCAL facility.…”

Recommendations to harmonize European early warning dosimetry network systems

“…The facility is located on the Schauinsland mountain (1200 m above sea level). In contrast to the above mentioned intercomparison experiments performed by the European Dosimetry group (EURADOS), the aim of this inter-calibration experiment (INTERCAL) is to compare different area dose rate detector types over long periods and under rather unfavorable climatic conditions [29]. In summer 2007, the INTERCAL facility was re-designed for the simultaneous operation of up to 20 different ARDM detectors under the same environmental conditions.…”