Development of a
Database and Geo-Information System
for the Semipalatinsk Test Site
and Its Zone of Influence
The study of "Development
of a Database and Geo-Information System for the Semipalatinsk Test Site
and Its Zone of Influence" was initiated by
V. Shkolnik, the Minister of Science – president of Academy of Science,
and Academician U. Sultangazin from Kazakhstan together with the IIASA
Director G. MacDonald and RAD
Project Co-leader Prof. V. Novikov.
Between 1949 and 1989, more than 460 nuclear detonation tests were
conducted in the Semipalatinsk nuclear test area, of which over 100 were
above ground (above ground testing ceased in 1963). Most tests had military
objectives, but some were intended to test possible civil applications
of nuclear tests. Activities at the STS had been terminated in August 1991.
Contaminated zones had been left, not only on the territory of the STS,
but also in nearby areas affected by fallout from the atmospheric tests
and from underground tests that reached the atmosphere. There are a lot
of claims, both scientific and public, for rehabilitation of the contaminated
areas in order to allow the local population to live in a safer environment,
and also for compensation to those who suffered the consequences of radiation.
To respond to these claims requires development tools and means to substantiate
and assist decision-making.
It was recognized that the study of STS problems is of great importance
to Kazakhstan and also gives inputs to IIASA Radiation Safety of the Biosphere
(RAD) Project. The work started in May 1997
Major Results
and Achievements of the Performed Study
Information obtained from the Kazakhstan partners of the STS study
and other available sources is summarised in a data system that consists
of three major groups of data:
-
radiation data (nuclear tests, radioactive traces that resulted from
some tests (fig. 1,
2), exposure
dose rates)
-
geographical data (digital elevation model of the STS(fig. 3,
4),
meteorological data, soils, land use data)
-
social data (foodstuff production and consumption, sickness rate)
Preliminary qualitative estimations could be made on the basis of geo-images
produced in this study.
-
It is seen that the territory of STS has a trend toward Irtysh River. The
use of a shaded relief map of STS definitely shows main structure of the
STS territory – hilly ranges, valleys and steps having north-west – south-east
direction, and the second order structure – a network of eroded ravines
having south-west - north-east direction (toward Irtysh River) that were
probably made by temporary streams. They may be one of the pathways by
which the radioactivity could be transported.
-
As the territory of STS is rather dry (200-240 mm of precipitation p/y,
average year temperature is about zero) and mainly has a grass vegetation,
another pathway for radiation transport could be wind transport.
-
Available elevation data (DEM) allows the calculation of surface characteristics
such as slope expositions, steepness etc., which are needed for some models.
However, for radiation transport modelling and the estimation of doses,
there is a need for more detailed data about radiation contamination of
STS and the adjoining territories, as well as data about precipitation,
temperature and wind extremes and water balance and data about vegetation
and soil mechanical composition.
To get external financial support for a further Kazakhstan Study, a
proposal "Analysis of Temperature Anomalies and Radiation Situation at
the Territory of Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site", that aims at modelling
of transport of radioactive contaminants and analysis of thermal anomalies
recently observed from space, had been prepared. Initially intended for
INTAS, this proposal can be also addressed to other potential sources of
financial assistance.
Objectives
The overall objective of this research program is to:
-
clearly identify the areas of unacceptable environmental risk for the population
because of radionuclides dispersion and heavy metals contamination in the
Semipalatinsk Test Site and neighbouring areas;
-
identify major pathways affecting contaminant fluxes in the affected areas,
with respect to the prevalent soil, agricultural production and food consumption
characteristics;
-
identify priorities and propose suitable remedial actions;
-
assess the radiological, economic and social impacts of the suggested countermeasures.
Proposed
Activities for 1999
Activity 1. Evaluation of a general scheme of nuclide migration
and expert analysis of most important migration pathways which are applicable
for the Sempalatinsk Test Site.
Activity 2. Comparative study of the long-term impact of the underground
nuclear explosions at the Nevada and Semipalatinsk Test Sites.