Distribution of Fallout and Natural Gamma Radionuclides in Litter, Humus and Surface Mineral Soil Layers Under Natural Vegetation in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina-tennessee

Abstract

The bulk density, pH, and weight of unincorporated organic matter were determined in soils at four sites of contrasting exposure and vegetation cover at different elevations. Total 137Cs, 106Ru, 144Ce, and 40K in the organic matter and first 11.4 cm of mineral soil were determined by gamma spectrometry from samples taken in early September, 1961. Totals of these fallout nuclides ranged from 95.6 to 144.5, 81 to 137, and 88 to near 418 μCi/m2, respectively. The pattern of distribution of nuclides is related to precipitation, vegetation cover, and layer in the soil, with 137Cs showing the most consistent pattern.