Mikael Moring

Uranium and plutonium containing particles in a sea sediment sample from Thule, Greenland

Particles composed of radioactive materials and probably originating from US nuclear weapons were identified in sea sediment samples collected from Thule, Greenland, in 1997. The weapons were destroyed close to the Thule Air Base in 1968 in an aeroplane crash, which dispersed radioactive materials in the environment. The presence of particulate radioactive materials in the sediment samples was revealed by combining gamma-spectrometry and autoradiography. Isolation and separation of a radioactive particle from a bulk sample were performed using autoradiography, phosphor plate imaging and scanning electron microscopy. Using X-ray microanalysis as well as alpha and beta activity analysis, U and weapons-grade Pu were detected in the granular, brittle particle.

Fukushima event reconstruction using modelling and isotope relationships

Using particulate and noble gas raw data analysed from Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT) monitoring sites, Canadian National Surveillance networks and atmospheric transport modelling, it is possible to associate some of the main events in the Fukushima accident timeline with observations, and perturbations in isotopic ratios in Japan, through the Pacific and into North America. Additional sources identified during the accident period will be commented upon in the context of CTBT treaty verification.

Technical Synergies Between Safeguards and Security

The objective of the state regulatory authority is to ensure that the use of nuclear energy is implemented in compliance with nuclear safety, security and safeguards.