The Trends of Global Tritium Precipitations

Abstract

The trends of global tritium precipitation from 1953 to 1979 were estimated based on the tritium data published in seven volumes of Environmental Isotope Data by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Tritium precipitation samples were collected from 342 stations in the world and tritium concentrations were measured by IAEA and 27 laboratories. Due to repeated atomospheric nuclear explosions, tritium precipitations showed maximum peak in 1963. After the agreement of the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1964, they have gradually decreased until now showing seasonal variations. To obtain clear trends of tritium precipitations, seasonal and irregular factors were eliminated from the original time-series data using a code developed by the Japanese Economic Planning Agency.
Results of analyses were as follows; a) Peak concentrations and precipitations of tritium were observed every year around the period of late spring to summer. b) The maximum annual tritium concentration and precipitation were observed in 1963 for northern hemisphere stations. c) A latitude effect was observed in the northern hemisphere. The maximum concentrations and precipitations were seen at the latitude of approximately 50°N. d) Continental stations always showed higher tritium concentrations and precipitations than comparable maritime stations.