Radon A Tracer for Geological, Geophysical and Geochemical Studies [Hardcover]

This book reviews all the major research accomplishments and summarizes the different applications of radon. It serves as a solid reference book for researchers who are interested in the U-series radionuclides and noble gases as tracers and chronometers. Radon has been widely utilized as a powerful tracer to quantify a number of processes that include gas exchange rates between air and water, submarine groundwater discharge in coastal waters, water exchange between rivers and lakes, ocean circulation, hydrocarbon and uranium exploration. It is also used as an atmospheric tracer for the identification and quantification of air masses and as a tool for earthquake prediction, etc. A significant portion of the book presents state-of-the knowledge on indoor-radon-related health issues. Applications of the decay-series of Rn-222 are presented in a chapter. It serves as a reference and a state-of-the-art resource for researchers who want to learn the different applications of radon in Earth systems.

Physical, Chemical and Nuclear Properties of Radon: An Introduction.- Radon Measurement Techniques.- Mechanisms of Radon Emanation and Long-Term Radon Flux Studies.- Radon: A Tracer for Atmospheric Studies.- Applications of Radon Progeny in Atmospheric Studies.- Radon: A Geochemical and Geophysical Tracer in Marine System.- Progeny of radon (²¹⁰Pb) as a tracer and chronometer in continents and aqueous systems.- Radon in Groundwater System.- Radon: A Tracer for Geochemical Exploration.- Radon as a Tracer for Earthquake Studies.- Radon: A Human Health Hazard in the Environment.

Dr. Mark Baskaran is a tenured Full Professor in the Department of Geology at Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan). He received his Ph.D. in Physics from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), a premier research institution in India. After his Ph.D., he spent 2 years at PRL as a postdoctoral fellow before he moved to the Institute of Marine Sciel¥