The feasibility of remotely monitoring snow and soil moisture in the United Kingdom

The paper describes work carried out in the United Kingdom to assess the feasibility of monitoring natural gamma radiation for the estimation of snow water equivalent and soil moisture. Some of the characteristics peculiar to the United Kingdom are described, particularly those of weather, topography and geology. The range of snow depth and soil moisture are also included and the reasons for the choice of technique are indicated. The major part of the paper deals with two series of measurements. Firstly that of gamma ray count rates obtained at various catchment areas and over widely differing soils. Secondly measurements taken at a fixed site over a period of time to study the fluctuation of count rate to be expected. An interpretation is offered for the variation in count rates under various weather conditions. The conclusion is drawn that the gamma monitoring technique is feasible in the United Kingdom. (Auth.)