As shown in previous investigations within the CRC 806, the BeOmax dosimetry system is able to measure in situ dose rates with low uncertainties in sediment contexts.
These small dosimeters are used in a dosimeter study, which is a part of the Ph. D. thesis of Franz Hartung. The aim of this research is to estimate the order of magnitude of spatially heterogeneously distributed dose rates. The research design consists of a raster of 64 dosimeters buried into the sediment. To position the dosimeters, eight horizontal holes in two layers up to a depth of 80 cm are drilled and eight dosimeters are placed in each hole.
In this study the dosimeters were buried at the Quebrada site (Chelva, Valencia, Spain) at the beginning of April. In the end of May they were excavated. The new measurement data confirm previous results and indicate variations in the spatial distribution of the dose rate. During the following weeks, the new data will be evaluated in detail.
For the possibility to perform this dosimeter study, we thank Prof. Dr. Valentín Villaverde Bonilla (Catedrático de Prehistoria at the Dpt. Prehistòria I Arqueologica, Universitat de València, and leader of the excavation at the Quebrada site) and the whole Spanish team for assistance during field work.
The eight holes within the sediment for the dosimeters at the Quebrada site, Spain. Photo: Franz Hartung |
The BeO-dosimeter. The dosimeter as such is within the capsule. Photo: Franz Hartung |
3D model of the raster of the buried dosimeters. Figure: Franz Hartung |