Spike in radnet readings in Eureka?
I checked the EPA radnet readings for the Eureka monitoring station this weekend, and, as far as I can tell with my careful but nonprofessional eye, the readings are showing a very recent spike in Gamma count at the level of March 21st.
BRAWN folk, can you please take a look?
It is confusing because you need to look at 2 different websites and connect up 2 different charts.
http://epa.gov/radnet/radnet-data/radnet-eureka-bg.html
http://epa.gov/japan2011/rert/radnet-eureka-bg.html
Thank you
EPA RadNet spikes are due to Radon decay products
I have made a sticky post at the top of the forum about how to understand the spikes in the EPA RadNet data: EPA RadNet spikes are due to Radon decay products
It turns out that the spikes are a completely natural phenomenon, and in that post I explain the evidence for why the spikes are natural and not from Fukushima. For example, the spikes occur in all of the gamma-ray energy ranges, which means that the spikes are not due to radiation from Fukushima. Please take a look and let me know if that answers your concerns.
Mark [BRAWM Team Member]
more on Eureka gamma levels
Mark, I think I wasn't clear enough, rather, sloppy with my terms. Yes, I understand that single spikes are natural. What I mean is that there is evidencing an overall increase over the past weeks, with a notable increase recently. And when I compared it to the March charting, the overall levels recently were comparable. But perhaps I am still misunderstanding. I just looked at the San Diego readings and they are comparable to what is shown for Eureka. I would appreciate you taking a peek a the data. Thanks!
Gamma range correlations not only during spikes
Okay, I understand better. My comments don't apply to just the spikes. Essentially all of the time variation in the RadNet data should be due to radon decay products, so there should be correlations between all gamma ranges all the time. It is just easiest to see and explain in the spikes, so that is what I focused on explaining.
In the data you pointed to, the "baseline" rates appear to have moved up slightly in recent days (San Diego as well). However, all of the ranges appear to rise together. Again, this matches the radon prediction.
If there were detectable levels of isotopes from Fukushima, only gamma ranges 3 and/or 5 would have significant increases. This has not happened in any data I have seen — not only in the spikes but also in the baseline levels. This is even true in the data from mid to late March.
The spikes, as well as slower baseline changes, could have some explanation in local weather, perhaps changes in temperature or pressure or wind.
Mark [BRAWM Team Member]
Having the exact same issue
Having the exact same issue re: San Diego and cannot get answers. Huge consistent spikes.