Diffusion of radon in several naturally occurring soil types

Abstract

Experimental values of the diffusion coefficient for Rn222 (radon) in several naturally occurring soils are presented; 0.03 cm2/sec appears to be a fair approximation of the true value for moderately dry, sandy soils. In at least the upper 30 cm of some soils convection and diffusion are the mechanisms which remove radon from these shallow layers. Concentrations of Rn220 (thoron) in several soil and rock environments are listed.