Cesium-137 Dispersion Simulation in the Pacific Ocean, 3/21/2011 - 1/27/2012

ex-skf.blogspot.com ^ | January 31, 2012 | Ex-SKF blogger

[ransomnote]

The radioactivity dispersion simulation JCOPE (Japan Coastal Ocean Predictability Experiment) by JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology), showing cesium-137 dispersion in the Pacific Ocean from March 21, 2011 to January 27, 2012.

March 21, 2011 was when the high levels of radioactive materials from the seawater near the plant were first detected.

Screenshots from their JCOPE page with the simulation animation (1/30/2012).

[kingu]

Wow, something with twice the density of water can float that far? Or is this yet another example of using a lighter than water model simulation?

[First A Patriot]

Interesting animation projection.

[ransomnote]

Float? You mean on the surface? I’ve never heard that discussed before. Ocean currents routinely carry sediments and there’s info like this article describing how the fuel may be carried long distances: http://ex-skf.blogspot.com/2012/01/uc-davis-researcher-sea-water-can.html

[ransomnote]

Here’s a paper and abstract (from Ex-skf blogger : http://ex-skf.blogspot.com/2012/01/uc-davis-researcher-sea-water-can.html#comment-form)
describing proposed chemical transportation of uranium long distances in sea water.

Uranyl peroxide enhanced nuclear fuel corrosion in seawater

Christopher R. Armstrong, May Nyman, Tatiana Shvareva, Ginger E. Sigmon, Peter C. Burns, and Alexandra Navrotsky

Abstract

The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear accident brought together compromised irradiated fuel and large amounts of seawater in a high radiation field. Based on newly acquired thermochemical data for a series of uranyl peroxide compounds containing charge-balancing alkali cations, here we show that nanoscale cage clusters containing as many as 60 uranyl ions, bonded through peroxide and hydroxide bridges, are likely to form in solution or as precipitates under such conditions. These species will enhance the corrosion of the damaged fuel and, being thermodynamically stable and kinetically persistent in the absence of peroxide, they can potentially transport uranium over long distances.