Models for radionuclide transport in soils

Mathematical models describing radionuclide transport in soil developed for radiological assessment have increased in complexity over the last decade. In particular fairly simple 'black box', equilibrium approaches have given way to more complex, time-dependent, process-orientated methods. The increase in complexity of these models has outstripped the available data to specify, test and validate them. Current issues in model development include those that are associated with times up to a million years. Further development requires new laboratory and field research to provide adequate data to justify the inclusion or omission of known soil processes. (author)