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Tidal synchronicity of built‐environment radon levels in the UK
Author(s) -
Crockett R. G. M.,
Gillmore G. K.,
Phillips P. S.,
Denman A. R.,
GrovesKirkby C. J.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2005gl024950
Subject(s) - radon , environmental science , synchronicity , lag , geology , tidal force , secular variation , earth science , hydrology (agriculture) , atmospheric sciences , geotechnical engineering , geophysics , physics , computer network , philosophy , epistemology , quantum mechanics , astronomy , computer science
In our recent work on radon in UK homes the authors have observed tidal‐periodic variations in built‐environment radon levels and here report results from our ongoing investigations. These tidal variations have been quantified using a variety of analytical techniques, including a novel correlation technique developed as part of this investigation. The observed variations are cyclic at the 14–15‐day tidal period and lag new/full moons by varying periods of days, the magnitude of the variation and lag being dependent on factors such as location, underlying geology and rock/soil hydration. As well as quantification and discussion of tidal effects on radon levels, the potential effects of such phenomena on the reliability of short‐term radon measurements are discussed.