Wind-induced Natural Gamma Radiation

TL;DR

This study reports an unprecedented increase in natural gamma radiation during winter storms at Aragats, highlighting the need to reassess atmospheric gamma-ray sources and potential impacts in high-altitude and polar regions.

Contribution

It presents the first detailed measurement of extreme gamma radiation surges during winter storms, revealing phenomena exceeding known atmospheric mechanisms.

Findings

Gamma radiation increased over 1000% during storms

Fluence reached 2*10^7 gammas/cm^2 in 10 hours

Dose of 3.26 mSv observed, 120 times above normal

Abstract

During the extreme winter storms of 2024-2025 at Aragats, natural gamma radiation (NGR) increased by more than 1000%, with fluence reaching 2*10^7 gammas/cm^2 over 10 hours and a corresponding dose of 3.26 mSv, 120 times higher than normal background radiation for the same period. This unprecedented radiation surge was detected during dry, electrified snowstorms, exceeding levels explainable by known atmospheric mechanisms, necessitating a significant reassessment of gamma-ray sources in winter storm conditions. These results suggest similar radiation surges may occur in high-altitude and polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic), where strong winds and prolonged snowstorms are common. Understanding radiation surge conditions is essential for refining atmospheric models, improving radiation monitoring, and assessing environmental and climatic impacts in extreme weather conditions.