Remote identification of radioactive contamination by satellite measurements Original Research Article

The simultaneous measurements of the magnetic and electric component of ELF/VLF emission field, low-energy electrons and ambient satellite plasma temperature by “Intercosmos 19” satellite data are analyzed. It is established, that in the Barents–Kara Sea region the areas of the observation of simultaneous fluctuations of these parameters have coincided with zones of high contents of cesium (137Cs) at bottom sediments. The observation results in conjunction with ionospheric anomalies observed by the Japan ISS-b satellite instruments, that was active above Barents–Kara shelf region also, were analyzed (analysed). We prepare the maps of the hydrogen, helium and oxygen ions distribution above South Barents hollow by using the data of Japan satellite. It is established, that the area of registration of light ions by Japan satellite ISS-b has coincided with the area of the observation of simultaneous small-scale fluctuations of plasma parameters by Intercosmos 19 satellite data. On the basis of the all the method of detection of radiological contamination in the near-ground atmosphere layer, in the bottom sediment and in the water layer is offered. The method includes simultaneous measurement of parameters of near-earth plasma: magnetic and electrical component of ELF/VLF emission field, of low-energy electrons, of ambient satellite plasma temperature and intensity of light ions. Received results of our investigation can be utilised for forecasting in an ecology, seismology, in geology of oil and hydrogeology.