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ORION
Observing Radiation In Our North


 

Contents


Posters:

  1. Lichen Radionuclide Baseline Research
  2. Lichen Radionuclide Baseline ResearchL. Griffeth1, J. Kelley1, D. Dasher2, and S. Read2. (1) University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. (2) Department of Environmental Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET/

    Abstract: Nuclear accidents leading to the release of radioactivity into the atmosphere may have adverse effects on the environment due to atmospheric fallout. Within Alaska, such an occurrence would effect many communities and villages that maintain a subsistence lifestyle. Lichen has a high absorbance capacity for radionuclides, which varies depending on the species of lichen (Hanson 1968). As a major source of food for caribou during the winter months, radionuclides contained in the lichen transfer to the caribou and concentrate within their tissue. As a subsistence food, many communities and villages depend on caribou meat for nutrition and other subsistence uses. Consumption of caribou concentrates radionuclides in human tissue. Since humans are primarily at the top of the food chain, the concentrated radionuclides remain within their tissue until it completes the cycle of its decaying process.

    Download: pdf (450 KB),

  3. Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network
  4. Neighborhood Environmental Watch NetworkW. Splain Undergraduate Student, NEWNET Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

    Abstract : The Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network (NEWNET) project extends as far north as Alaska. There are five NEWNET monitoring stations located throughout Alaska, including one located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Campus. At UAF, many students have been learning about the NEWNET project, in particular, a group of students that form a local college chapter of the national organization called the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Formed in 1976 by a group of American Indian scientist and engineers, the National AISES organization is a private, non-profit organization, which nurtures building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional native values. NEWNET is one of the many projects that the nationally recognized UAF chapter of AISES is involved in. The student involvement in the NEWNET project extends to the communities surrounding the stations as well. Some of the stations utilize volunteer station managers that live in the area that the data is gathered. These station managers are trained in the operation of the station components and can perform basic maintenance procedures and act as a liaison to each community.

    Download: pdf (206 KB), ppt (268 KB)

  5. NEWNET at the Univeristy of Alaska Fairbanks
  6. NEWNET at the University of Alaska FairbanksA. Orr1, L. Griffeth1, W. Splain1, J. Kelley1,V. Sonwalkar1, S. Read2, and D. Dasher2. (1) University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. (2) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET

    Abstract: Arctic areas of Alaska are especially vulnerable to nuclear accidents releasing radioactivity into the atmosphere within the circumpolar north. Atmospheric fallout and the resultant bioconcentration in the lichen-caribou-human food chain are of great concern for those living a subsistence lifestyle. A project, Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network (NEWNET), was initiated to provide an opportunity for Alaska Native undergraduate college students to participate in environmental monitoring, research, and communication of the results through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

    Download: pdf (459 KB), ppt (5.8 MB)

  7. Radiation in the Environment
  8. Radiation in the EnvironmentGriffeth, L.1, Orr, A.1, Splain, W.1, Kelley, J.1, Dasher, D.2, Read, S.2 (1) Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, (2) Department of Environmental Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET/

    Abstract: RADIATION. For many, the word conjures up frightening images, such as Chernobyl, Hiroshima, and deadly cancers. In reality, radiation surrounds us and most forms do not cause us harm. It is in the foods we eat and the air we breathe. We touch it, play with it, use it. On warm sunny days, we bask in it. It has the potential to destroy lives but it is also used to save lives. What is Radiation, really?

    Download: pdf (202 KB), ppt (2.2 MB)

  9. Status of Transboundary Radiation Monitoring in Alaska
  10. Status of Transboundary Radiation Monitoring in AlaskaL. Griffeth1, J. Kelley1, D. Dasher2, and S. Read2. (1) University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. (2) Department of Environmental Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET/

    Abstract: Nuclear accidents leading to the release of radioactivity into the atmosphere may have adverse effects on the environment due to atmospheric fallout. Within Alaska, such an occurrence would effect many communities and villages that maintain a subsistence lifestyle. Lichen has a high absorbance capacity for radionuclides, which varies depending on the species of lichen (Hanson 1968). As a major source of food for caribou during the winter months, radionuclides contained in the lichen transfer to the caribou and concentrate within their tissue. As a subsistence food, many communities and villages depend on caribou meat for nutrition and other subsistence uses. Consumption of caribou concentrates radionuclides in human tissue. Since humans are primarily at the top of the food chain, the concentrated radionuclides remain within their tissue until it completes the cycle of its decaying process.

    Download: pdf (434 KB), ppt (3.6 MB)

  11. ORION at the Univeristy of Alaska Fairbanks
  12. Orion at the University of Alaska FairbanksM. Cysewski1, R. David1, J. Nakai1, A. Orr1, L. Griffeth1, W. Splain1, J. Kelley1,V. Sonwalkar1, S. Read2, and D. Dasher2. (1) University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. (2) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET

    Abstract: Arctic areas of Alaska are especially vulnerable to nuclear accidents. Atmospheric fallout and the resultant bioconcentration in the lichen-caribou-human food chain are of great concern for those living a subsistence lifestyle. Observing Radiation In Our North (ORION) was initiated to provide an opportunity for Alaska Native undergraduate college students to participate in environmental monitoring, research, and communication of the results through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

    Download: pdf (313 KB), ppt (7.9 MB)

     

  13. Radionuclides and Contaminants in Arctic and Subarctic Regions
  14. Radionuclides and Contaminants in Arctic and Subacrtic RegionsM. Cysewski, R. David, J. Nakai, L. Griffeth, J. Kelley, S. Read, and D. Dasher. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/orion

    Abstract: Alaska shares a common global atmosphere and ocean. Alaska Natives who are dependent upon subsistence foods are now concerned that their food may contain contaminants, such as radionuclides, as a result of past nuclear testing and nuclear waste. ORION (Observing Radiation In Our North) was initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy to monitor radioactivity in the atmosphere at several locations in Alaska. ORION also provides Alaska Native college students an opportunity to engage in environmental monitoring and public outreach.

    Download: pdf (163 KB), ppt (6.1 MB)

     


Pamphlets:

  1. NEWNET Pamphlet
  2. NEWNET Pamphlet (back)NEWNET Pamphlet (front)Griffeth, L., Orr, A., and Splain, W. Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775.

    Download: pdf (757 KB), ppt (918 KB)




  3. ORION Pamphlet
  4. ORION Pamphlet (back)ORION Pamphlet (front)Griffeth, L., Orr, A., and Splain, W. Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775.

    Download: pdf (721 KB), ppt (922 KB)





Presentations:

  1. NEWNET Ionizing Radiation Source Analysis
  2. NEWNET Ionizing Radiation Source AnalysisGriffeth, L. and Sonwalkar, V. Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET/

    Abstract: Data products include fifteen-minute averages throughout the day as well as more frequent intervals (5 seconds). The latter are screened for anomalous values, which may reflect high radiation from natural events. The project introduces AISES students to modern techniques of computer-assisted data processing useful in other areas of research interests. Data are currently compared to long and short wave X-rays.

    Download: pdf (217 KB), ppt (2.7 MB)

  3. Lichen Radionuclide Baseline Research
  4. Lichen Radionuclide Baseline ResearchGriffeth, L. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA.

    Abstract: Nuclear accidents leading to the release of radioactivity into the atmosphere may have adverse effects on the environment due to atmospheric fallout. Within Alaska, such an occurrence would affect many communities and villages that maintain a subsistence lifestyle. Baseline radionuclide concentrations, particularly 137cesium and 235uranium, were measured in lichen and soil samples collected throughout arctic and subarctic Alaska. For both radionuclides, preliminary results showed an increase in activity with an increase in latitude. Lichen samples generally had higher activity for both 137cesium and 235uranium than the soil samples. 235Uranium activity generally increased to the west, with the Bethel samples having the highest activity. These are preliminary results.

    Download: ppt (14 MB)

  5. Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2000
  6. Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2000Orr, A. Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET/

    Abstract: Arctic areas of Alaska are especially vulnerable to nuclear accidents releasing radioactivity into the atmosphere within the circumpolar north. Atmospheric fallout and the resultant bioconcentration in the lichen-caribou-human food chain are of great concern for those living a subsistence lifestyle. A project, Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network (NEWNET), was initiated to provide an opportunity for Alaska Native undergraduate college students to participate in environmental monitoring, research, and communication of the results through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

    Download: pdf (124 KB)

  7. Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2001
  8. Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2001Orr, A. and Griffeth, L. Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET/

    Abstract: Arctic areas of Alaska are especially vulnerable to nuclear accidents releasing radioactivity into the atmosphere within the circumpolar north. Atmospheric fallout and the resultant bioconcentration in the lichen-caribou-human food chain are of great concern for those living a subsistence lifestyle. A project, Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network (NEWNET), was initiated to provide an opportunity for Alaska Native undergraduate college students to participate in environmental monitoring, research, and communication of the results through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

    Download: pdf (2.9 MB)

  9. NEWNET at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
  10. NEWNET at the University of Alaska FairbanksSplain, W. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET.



    Download: pdf (2.4 MB)


  11. Radioactivity: Past and Present Contamination
  12. Radioactivity: Past and Present ContaminationS. Read1 and L. Griffeth2. (1) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA. (2) University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET.


    Download: pdf (2.9 MB), ppt (18.6 MB)

  13. Evidence of Climate Change in Glacier Ice and Sea Ice
  14. Evidence of Climate Change in Glacier Ice and Sea IceJ. Kelley. Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA. http://www.ims.uaf.edu/NEWNET.



    Download: pdf (1.8 MB), ppt (2.0 MB)


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Last Revised: December 15, 2009