title: Monte Carlo simulations of the gamma-ray exposure rates of common rocks.
abstract: Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to model the gamma ray emission and attenuation properties of common rocks. In geologic materials,40K,238U, and232Th 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Nevada Las Vegas, Geoscience Department, 4505 S Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA; National Security Technologies, Aerial Measuring Systems, Remote Sensing Laboratory, PO Box 98521, Las Vegas, NV 89193, USA. Electronic address: haberd@unlv.nevada.edu.
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Haber
authors.affiliation: National Security Technologies, Aerial Measuring Systems, Remote Sensing Laboratory, PO Box 98521, Las Vegas, NV 89193, USA. Electronic address: MalchoRL@nv.doe.gov.
authors.forename: Russell L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Malchow
authors.affiliation: University of Nevada Las Vegas, Geoscience Department, 4505 S Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA. Electronic address: Pamela.Burnley@unlv.edu.
authors.forename: Pamela C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Burnley
mesh_terms: D001417:Background Radiation; D005720:Gamma Rays; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
keywords: Aerial gamma ray survey; Exposure rate coefficients; Geology; Naturally occurring radionuclides