Variables for Radionuclide Dispersion Modelling (in the Arctic)

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Context

FAIR2Adapt Case Study: Radionuclide Distribution and Environmental Safety in the Arctic

The Arctic is undergoing significant environmental changes due to global warming, including alterations in seasonal and long-term sea ice coverage, shifts in ocean circulation, and increased permafrost thawing. These changes impact the redistribution of radionuclides from European nuclear fuel reprocessing plants and Arctic river systems, leading to potential radiological risks for Arctic ecosystems and communities.

Goals

To enable relevant stakeholders to understand the spreading and evolution of radionuclides in the marine environment under changing climate conditions and their impact on public and environmental safety, this case study:

• Analyzes the simulated states of hydrology and radionuclide dispersion in the North Atlantic and Arctic, using the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM) under predefined climate change scenarios.
• Assesses radionuclide distributions under historical climate conditions and projected climate change scenarios, examining their implications for ecosystem exposure.
• Decomposes/standardizes radionuclide-related variables using the OMS (Observations, Measurements, and Samples) standard and the I-ADOPT Interoperability Framework to enhance data interoperability and reusability.

The method used to generate the data variables

The Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM)

In the context of radionuclide dispersion modeling, the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM) is used to simulate the transport and distribution of radionuclides in the Arctic Ocean under changing climate conditions. By modeling interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, sea ice, and land surfaces, NorESM helps assess how climate change affects radionuclide spread from sources like nuclear plants, fallout, and accidents. We use NorESM to simulate ocean currents, sea ice changes, and river runoff in the Arctic under historical and future climate scenarios, providing insights into the environmental and public safety risks associated with radionuclide exposure in the region.

The Variables

The variables in the data files are not standardized and were named by the researchers who developed the NorESM model and ran the simulations. These variables do not follow CF-Conventions (while most others NorESM variables do).

• I129se40:
  - units : atmos kg-1
  - long_name : I129 deposition from Ringhals of Sweden
  - cell_measures : area: parea
• U236SF
  - units : atoms kg-1
  - long_name : Realistic releases of U236 from Sellafield
  - cell_measures : area: parea
• U236PPG
  - units : atoms kg-1
  - long_name : Point sources of U-236 from Pacific Proving Grounds
  - cell_measures : area: parea
• U236LH
  - units : atoms kg-1
  - long_name : Realistic releases of U236 from La Hague
  - cell_measures : area: parea
• U236GF
  - units : atoms kg-1
  - long_name : Global fallout of U-236
  - cell_measures : area: parea

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Decomposition using I-ADOPT

I129se40 (Iodine-129 deposition from Ringhals, Sweden)

• Variable: I129se40 deposition
• Property: Deposition
• Object of Interest: Iodine-129 (I-129)
• Matrix: Atmosphere
• Context Object: Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant, Sweden
• Units: atmos kg⁻¹
• Cell Measures: Area (parea)

U236SF (Uranium-236 releases from Sellafield)

• Variable: U236SF concentration
• Property: Concentration
• Object of Interest: Uranium-236 (U-236)
• Matrix: Environmental medium (e.g., water, sediment)
• Context Object: Sellafield nuclear facility
• Units: atoms kg⁻¹
• Cell Measures: Area (parea)

U236PPG (Uranium-236 from Pacific Proving Grounds)

• Variable: U236PPG concentration
• Property: Concentration
• Object of Interest: Uranium-236 (U-236)
• Matrix: Environmental medium (e.g., water, sediment, air)
• Context Object: Pacific Proving Grounds (nuclear test site)
• Units: atoms kg⁻¹
• Cell Measures: Area (parea)

U236LH (Uranium-236 releases from La Hague)

• Variable: U236LH concentration
• Property: Concentration
• Object of Interest: Uranium-236 (U-236)
• Matrix: Environmental medium (e.g., water, sediment)
• Context Object: La Hague reprocessing plant
• Units: atoms kg⁻¹
• Cell Measures: Area (parea)

U236GF (Global fallout of Uranium-236)

• Variable: U236GF deposition
• Property: Deposition
• Object of Interest: Uranium-236 (U-236)
• Matrix: Environmental medium (e.g., atmosphere, land, ocean)
• Context Object: Global fallout from nuclear tests
• Units: atoms kg⁻¹
• Cell Measures: Area (parea)