Soil radon response around an active volcano

Soil radon behavior related to the volcanic eruptive period 1997-1999 of Po pocatepetl volcano has been studied as a function of the volcanic activity. Since the volcano is located 60 km from Mexico City, the risk associated w ith an explosive eruptive phase is high and an intense surveillance program has been implemented. Previous studies in this particular volcano showed s oil radon pulses preceding the initial phase of the eruption. The radon sur vey was performed with LR-115 track detectors at a shallow depth and the ef fect of the soil moisture during the rainy season has been observed on the detectors response. In the present state of the volcanic activity the soil radon behavior has shown more stability than in previous eruptive stages. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.