Variations of Cs-137 depositions and soil concentrations between alpine and montane soils in northern Colorado

Cs-137 was measured in soil samples taken from two high-elevation sites in the northern Front Range of Colorado. The first site was in an alpine meado w adjacent to a glacial lake, while the second site was in a nearby montane forest at a slightly lower elevation. The samples were all of equal volume and represented an equal ground surface area. The coefficients of variatio n of Cs-137 soil activity concentration (Bq g(-1)) were similar for the two sites, as were the CVs for activity deposition (Bq m(-2)). The mean Cs-137 depositions we found were generally in agreement with values reported in t he literature for similar elevations and higher than values found at lower elevation sites in the same region. Activity deposition was less variable t han activity concentration at both sites. The alpine site had a significant ly higher mean Cs-137 concentration than the montane site, but a significan tly lower mean deposition value. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.