Use of lead-210 and polonium-210 as tracers of atmospheric processes

The inputs of 210Pb and 210Po have been measured in two marine environments to trace atmospheric processes. Precipitation and dry fallout samples were collected monthly at Seattle, Wash., over a period of 4 years, and air filter samples were collected biweekly at the ground level on Amchitka Island, Alaska, over a period of 3 years. The results for both stations show that 210Pb undergoes seasonal variations in surface deposition with minimum values in relatively dry months of summer and maximum values in the fall or winter. The seasonal variations of 210Pb are attributed to several factors including: 210Pb content of the air masses involved, changes in the meteorological conditions, and local input of 210Pb as a result of radon exhalation and soil resuspension