Monte Carlo Simulations of the Gamma-Ray Screening Properties of Common Rocks.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-24-2016

Publication Title

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

Volume

167

First page number:

20

Last page number:

25

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to model the gamma ray emission and attenuation properties of common rocks. In geologic materials, 40K, 238U, and 232Th are responsible for most gamma ray production. If the concentration of these radioelements and attenuation factors such as degree of water saturation are known, an estimate of the gamma-ray exposure rate can be made. The results show that there are no significant differences in gamma-ray screening between major rock types. If the total number of radionuclide atoms are held constant then the major controlling factor is density of the rock. Finally, the thickness of regolith or soil overlying rock can be estimated by modeling the exposure rate if the radionuclide contents of both materials are known.

Keywords

Exposure rate coefficients, Geology, Naturally occurring radionuclides, Aerial gamma ray survey

Language

eng

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