Variables influencing the gross alpha and gross beta activities in airborne particulate samples in Malaga, Spain

Variations of gross alpha and beta atmospheric radioactivity have been analyzed in Malaga (Spain) focusing on the influence of local meteorology and air mass origin during 2012-2015. Air mass origin and their features, as well as the airborne particulate levels play a critical role in atmospheric radioactive aerosol concentrations. African air masses at 3000 m and Mediterranean flows at 500 m are associated to high gross alpha and beta activities. A potential decay with increasing distance travelled by back-trajectories is found. Air temperature and wind speed present significant correlation with alpha and beta activities, while relative humidity has negligible impact. (author)