GIS supported calculations of 137Cs deposition in Sweden 1962-1966 following nuclear weapon tests based on precipitation data

The aim of the study was to predict the deposition of 137Cs due to fallout from nuclear weapon tests 1962-1966 and visualize the results in deposition maps. The spatial variation of the quarterly 137Cs deposition over Sweden during the period 1962-1966 due to nuclear weapon tests was calculated. The quarterly deposition density (Bq/m2) was used for calculations of integrated (total) 137Cs deposition density 1962-1966 and cumulative (decay corrected) deposition density 1962-1966 corrected for decay to 1985 and 1994. For comparisons with other studies, the integrated 137Cs activity deposited over Sweden was calculated by multiplying the mean value of integrated 137Cs deposition density over Sweden with the area of Sweden. The lowest levels of integrated and cumulative 137Cs deposition density were noted in the north-eastern and eastern Sweden and the highest levels in the western parts of Sweden. Comparisons between the predicted values of this study show a good agreement with measured values and other studies. (au)