What do the radiometric data show?
- baseline levels of natural radioactivity that give a background to assess future contamination and assist in epidemiological studies
- distribution of 137Cs (Caesium) (e.g. Chernobyl fallout)
- identification of radioactive industrial waste
- identification of areas prone to high levels of radon
- distribution of naturally occurring uranium, thorium and potassium that assists in the detailed mapping of the near-surface geology
- information on soil types and peat distribution
- baseline information for mineral exploration.
Midlands: the airborne data (left) shows that waste from a former steel foundry has a high thorium content. This was confirmed by a ground survey, shown on the right, and is most likely due to zircon moulding sands dumped around the site. This is important information for strategic environmental planning.
Irvine Bay, Ayrshire: the image shows the radiometric signal above natural background over a redevelopment area of 5 x 5 km with a long history of varied industrial land use. It provides a guide for planning and targeting site investigation and remedial work as part of redevelopment.
Peak District: limestones and shales containing relatively high natural levels of uranium (and therefore potential radon risk) are identified by the radiometric data. This helps pinpoint areas where protective measures are needed.
Northern Ireland: this ternary image (U-K-Th) of the radiometric data helps identify rock types, soil parent materials and peat-covered ground (the dark areas).
