Studies on the movement of radioactive debris across the equator

Abstract

Short-lived fission products from the French tests of Polynesia (22°S) carried out during the summer period 1966-1971 have indicated a travel time of 15- 21 days to the west coast of India. It has also been noted that the levels of activity on the west coast of India. are an order of magnitude higher than at other areas of the northern hemisphere. Comparison with the activity from the Chinese tests of northern hemisphere (40 degree N) shows that the levels on the west coast of India are comparable to other areas of the northern hemisphere. From these data it can be concluded that there is a heavy influx of air masses across the equator in the west Indian Ocean by way of the monsoon. An idea of the magnitude of this influx can be had by comparing the levels at Bombay and Thumba with those at Pretoria. It is also concluded from these studies that the source of the summer monsoon should be to the south of the equator.