39th Kan-nichi Seminar
Date: 2 April, 2019
Time: 13:30-15:00
Venue: G15 meeting room, Natural Science and Technology Library, Kakuma Campus, Kanazawa University

Flyer (PDF)

1. Fukushima- a view from the ocean

Ken Buesseler

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA, USA

Abstract:
The triple disaster of the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent radiation releases at Fukushima Dai-ichi were unprecedented events for the ocean and society.  This talk will provide an update and overview of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.  Key data sets are combined and the challenges and surprises observed from oceanic radionuclide distributions are identified.  The emphasis is on the radioactive forms of cesium, though other radionuclides are also considered.  Topics include:  sources from atmospheric and ocean discharges in 2011 as well as estimates of ongoing releases from groundwater and operations during decommissioning; a cross Pacific Ocean time-series to track transport pathways and mixing in surface and subsurface waters; an extended time-series in marine fish that examines species specific variability in radionuclide content and how results fit current radioecological models; and the transport and burial of particle associated contaminants. Societal impacts are discussed including the difficulties in communicating complex issues and basic health physics to the public, in light of dose assessment models of expected health effects in Japan and along the west coast of N. America.
While the talk will be in English (about 60 min), slides will have Japanese text, and a one page Japanese language hand-out will be provided.  Q&A will be encouraged (about 30 min).