Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-7207
Authors: | Albert, Johannes Schärf, Maximilian Enzmann, Frieder Waltl, Martin Sirocko, Frank |
Title: | Local radon flux maxima in the quaternary sediments of Schleswig–Holstein (Germany) |
Online publication date: | 27-Jun-2022 |
Year of first publication: | 2021 |
Language: | english |
Abstract: | This paper presents radon flux profiles from four regions in Schleswig–Holstein (Northern Germany). Three of these regions are located over deep-rooted tectonic faults or salt diapirs and one is in an area without any tectonic or halokinetic activity, but with steep topography. Contrary to recently published studies on spatial patterns of soil radon gas concentration we measured flux of radon from soil into the atmosphere. All radon devices of each profile were deployed simultaneously to avoid inconsistencies due to strong diurnal variations of radon exhalation. To compare data from different seasons, values had to be normalized. Observed radon flux patterns are apparently related to the mineralogical composition of the Quaternary strata (particularly to the abundance of reddish granite and porphyry), and its grain size (with a flux maximum in well-sorted sand/silt). Minimum radon flux occurs above non-permeable, clay-rich soil layers. Small amounts of water content in the pore space increase radon flux, whereas excessive water content lessens it. Peak flux values, however, are observed over a deep-rooted fault system on the eastern side of Lake Plön, i.e., at the boundary of the Eastholstein Platform and the Eastholstein Trough. Furthermore, high radon flux values are observed in two regions associated with salt diapirism and near-surface halokinetic faults. These regions show frequent local radon flux maxima, which indicate that the uppermost strata above salt diapirs are very inhomogeneous. Deep-rooted increased permeability (effective radon flux depth) or just the boundaries between permeable and impermeable strata appear to concentrate radon flux. In summary, our radon flux profiles are in accordance with the published evidence of low radon concentrations in the “normal” soils of Schleswig–Holstein. However, very high values of radon flux are likely to occur at distinct locations near salt diapirism at depth, boundaries between permeable and impermeable strata, and finally at the tectonically active flanks of the North German Basin. |
DDC: | 550 Geowissenschaften 550 Earth sciences |
Institution: | Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz |
Department: | FB 09 Chemie, Pharmazie u. Geowissensch. |
Place: | Mainz |
ROR: | https://ror.org/023b0x485 |
DOI: | http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-7207 |
Version: | Published version |
Publication type: | Zeitschriftenaufsatz |
License: | CC BY |
Information on rights of use: | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
Journal: | International journal of earth sciences 110 |
Pages or article number: | 1501 1516 |
Publisher: | Springer |
Publisher place: | Berlin u.a. |
Issue date: | 2021 |
ISSN: | 1437-3262 |
Publisher DOI: | 10.1007/s00531-021-02026-8 |
Appears in collections: | JGU-Publikationen |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
local_radon_flux_maxima_in_th-20220624123158511.pdf | 3.8 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |