Geo-Space observation of atmospheric environmental effects associated with 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident

Our approach of using multiple geo-space observation is based on the LAIC (Lithosphere- Atmosphere- Ionosphere Coupling) model and the gained experience during similar analysis of Three-Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents. We do collect a unique dataset of geophysical data for the period around the time of the most active phase of Fukushima explosions (from 12 March till 31 March, 71-90 DOY). We analyzed following data sets: (i)ground temperature and relative humidity data from the JMA network of Japan, (ii)satellite meteorological data and assimilative models to obtain the integrated water vapor chemical potential; (iii) the infrared emission on the top of atmosphere measured by NOAA satellites estimated as Outgoing Longwave Radiation; and (iv)multiple ionospheric measurements , including ground based ionosondes, GPS vTEC from GEONET network, COSMIC/FORMOSAT constellation occultation data, JASON satellite TEC measurements, and tomography reconstruction technique to obtain 3D distribution of electron concentration around the Fukushima power plant.As a result we were able to detect the anomalies in different geophysical parameters representing the dynamics of the Fukushima nuclear accident development and the effects on the atmospheric environment. Their temporal evolution demonstrates the synergy in different atmospheric anomalies development what implies the existence of the common physical mechanism described by the LAIC model.

D.Ouzounov1, S.Pulinets2 , M. Hernandez-Pajares3, K.Hattori4, A.Garcia-Rigo3

ouzounov@chapman.edu1 Center of Excellence in Earth Systems Modeling & Observations (CEESMO), Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA

2 Space Research Institute, RAS, Space Geophysics, Moscow, Russia 3Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain4University, Yayoi 1-33, Inage, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan

 

CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWe acknowledge Geographical Survey Institute, Japan for providing the GEONET data. We also acknowledge NOAA/ESR, IGS/GPS, and JMA for providing public access to the science data.

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Thermal anomalies registered over NPP disaster areas from satelliteThermal anomalies registered over NPP disaster areas from satellite Satellite Daily Maps of Anomalous Thermal Radiation (NOAA/POES), March 14-31, 2011

1.Radioactive components – products of NPP disaster ionize atmospheric gases2.New formed ions undergo hydration. Hydration is equivalent to ionization, hence

latent heat is exerted3.Anomalous fluxes of heat can be registered by satellite infrared sensor4.The technology developed to identify these signals onboard satellite5.This technology gives opportunity to control the nuclear pollution

Three-Mile IslandThree-Mile IslandUSA, 1979USA, 1979

ChernobylChernobylUSSR, 1986USSR, 1986

Fukushima Fukushima Japan, 2011Japan, 2011

Ionospheric effects of Ionospheric effects of radioactive pollution

1.1.Radioactive components – products of NPP disaster ionize atmospheric gasesRadioactive components – products of NPP disaster ionize atmospheric gases2.2.Sharp ions production changes boundary layer conductivitySharp ions production changes boundary layer conductivity3.3.Changes of conductivity lead to local modification of the Global electric circuit parameters and change Changes of conductivity lead to local modification of the Global electric circuit parameters and change

of ionosphere potential in relation to groundof ionosphere potential in relation to ground4.4.Variations of ionospheric potential lead to variation of electron concentration over modified areaVariations of ionospheric potential lead to variation of electron concentration over modified area

Kakinami et al., 2011

Takeda, 2011

Ionospheric anomalyIonospheric anomalyOver Three-Mile IslandOver Three-Mile Island

VLF propagation anomaly over ChernobylVLF propagation anomaly over Chernobyl

beforebefore

duringduring

afterafter

Ionospheric anomaly over FukushimaIonospheric anomaly over Fukushima

GPS dVTEC obtained from GEONET

Explosions at FukushimaExplosions at Fukushima

dfbEs average (JST) Kokubunji station, Japan, Feb-March, 2011 1. LAIC concept works in case of radioactive pollution;2. Multi-parameter satellite monitoring of thermal and ionospheric variations - effective tool;3. We have tested independent means for remote control of radioactive pollution.

Navigation map for Southern Honshu and Fukushima-Daichi NPP (yellow house). 30km and 50km radius form FDNPS are shown with read and orange circles. M9.0 epicenter of March 11 2011 earthquake is shown with Red circles With white triangle is location of the Weather stations near Fukushima city. With blue flag is the location of site#33 of ground radiometer network outside of the 30 km area.

Time series of daytime anomalous OLR observed from NOAA/AVHRR of March 14-March 31, 2011 over Honshu, Japan. Tectonic plate boundaries are indicated with red lines) and major faults by brown. The location of FDNPP is indicated by a black star. The maximum value for OLR been seen over FDNPP...

Geo-space observation of thermal and ionospheric effects, March 11-31, 2011, Fukushima, Japan

Takeda , 2011

Kakinami et al., 2011