The distinct conditions of atmospheric and underground nuclear tests revealed by Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples

AbstractWe analyzed the Zn isotopic compositions of nuclear debris samples from atmospheric and underground nuclear tests. Samples from the site of atmospheric tests exhibit a range of Zn isotopic fractionation ( δ66ZnJMC-Lyon = 0.23–0.86 ‰) while samples from underground tests exhibit Zn isotopic compositions with minimal variation among samples and from terrestrial igneous rock standards (δ66ZnJMC-Lyon = 0.28–0.39 ‰). The larger range of δ66ZnJMC-Lyon observed in atmospheric test samples relative to underground test samples is likely the result of the open system characteristics of atmospheric nuclear tests and the closed system characteristics of underground nuclear tests.
Source: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Category: Nuclear Medicine Source Type: research