The depth distribution of Cs-137 in non-eroded soil profiles, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada

A study was conducted in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada to deter mine Cs-137 loading values and its depth distribution as part of a concurre nt soil erosion study. Samples were collected from soil profiles at six sit es which differed in soil texture, drainage class, and parent material type over an area of 25 km(2). These sites were located in old apple orchards ( established prior to 1930), and soil samples were collected at 2 cm increme nts from 0-30 cm and at 5 cm increments from 30-50 cm. Results indicate thr ee characteristic depth distribution patterns, and considerable variation i n Cs-137 loading values. The exponential regression model and nested regres sion modelling were shown to have great utility in modelling Cs-137 loading s, and comparing different sites with respect to their peak Cs-137 loading and the rate in which the loading declines with depth.