The investigation of radionuclides distributions in beach sand by means of GIS techniques

Abstract

A transportable and robust gamma ray detection system (GISPI) was employed to determine the  concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides on various beaches in and around Saldanha Bay, located on the West Coast of South Africa. Several mathematical techniques were applied to obtain GIS overlay that could be used to investigate various geophysical phenomenon. The results demonstrated direct relationships between radionuclide concentrations, grain size of beach sediment and the intensity of wave action. The  element concentrations were used to make deductions on the origin of some of the beach sand. The article  finally draws conclusions on coastal and beach formation processes, based on the results of the distribution of various radionuclides.