Variation of radon progeny concentration over a continental location

Abstract

Background: The varia on of the radon progeny concentra on in outdoor environment and meteorological parameters at fine resolu on were studied for one year at a con nental loca on, Na onal Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Gadanki, India. Materials and Methods: The concentra ons were measured using Alpha Progeny Meter by collec ng air samples at a height of 1 m above the Earth's surface at a known flow rate. Results: Radon progeny concentra on shows temporal varia ons on diurnal and monthly scales, and is due to mixing in the atmosphere. Peak in the early morning hours and low values during a*ernoon compared to nigh+me are due to differen al heat contrast between earth's surface and its atmosphere. However, the ac vity during February shows maximum compared to June/July months. The diurnal varia on of radon progeny shows posi ve correla on with the rela ve humidity and nega ve correla on with ambient temperature. The monthly mean ac vity of radon progeny for the year 2012 was found to be 4.76 ± 0.73 mWL. Conclusion: The mean concentra on of radon progeny in the study region is rela vely high compared to the other loca ons in India and may be due to the rocky terrains and trapping of air-masses near the observa on site due to its topography.

Influence of Meteorological Variables on Atmospheric Electric Conductivity over an Urban Location

“…1-4. In this study, σ + has shown a pronounced diurnal variation within a day as reported for south Indian region [19,20].…”