3 Questions for the BRAWM Team: [by R. Cromack]

(Both of these questions reference / concern the EPA's RADNET monitoring data of Gamma Gross Count Rates and Beta Gross Count Rates. For selfish reasons, I'm going to use Dallas, Texas's page: http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/rert/radnet-dallas-bg.html)

[1] Any thoughts on which isotopes "present" in the various (9 identified / monitored) Gamma ranges?

[2] Any thoughts on what sort of particles make up the Beta ranges?

[3] You'll notice significant "spikes" in the data on BOTH Gamma and Beta Gross Count Ranges for April 4-5 and April 11. In both cases, significant thunderstorms came through the area (if you check the Fort Worth, Texas page -- http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/rert/radnet-ftworth-bg.html -- you'll see similar, though more subdued, "jumps", also on those dates). Any chance that the results are being influenced by electrical discharges / lightning? Or are we just seeing the evidence of what we already know to be -- that a lot of these particles come down with the rain? (You'll notice small "drops" in readings immediately following these events.)

I know you're busy, so, really, whenever you can get around to answering these would be fine, and if you can't, I understand completely. Regardless, thanks.

Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
RichardFCromackJr@gmail.com
972-746-8575