Submitted to: Congresso Brazileiro De Ciencia Do Ciencia Do Solo
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 30, 2001
Publication Date: July 2, 2001
Technical Abstract: Soil erosion and its subsequent redeposition across the landscape is a major concern around the world. On 16 July 1945 at 1230 Greenwich Civil Time, nuclear weapon tests were begun that have released Cs-137 and other radioactive nuclides into the environment. Over the 50 years since this first test, much research has been done to understand the movement and fate eof Cs-137 in the environment. Many of these studies are critical for understanding the application of Cs-137 to the study of soil erosion and the subsequent redeposition of the eroded particles on the landscape. A quarter century of research has shown that measurements of the spatial patterns of radioactive fallout Cs-137 can be used to measure soil erosion and sediment deposition on the landscape. The Cs-137 technique is the only technique that can be used to make actual measurements of soil loss and redeposition quickly and efficiently. By understanding the background for using the Cs-137 technique to study erosion and sediment deposition on the landscape, scientists can obtain unique information about the landscape that can help them plan techniques to conserve the quality of the landscape. Research should continue on the development of the technique so that it can be used more extensively to understand the changing landscape.