Features of gamma background variations in the surface air layer
An increase in the gamma radiation intensity (20–2500 keV) in the surface air layer during precipitation is studied. Measurements were performed at two high-latitude stations: Apatity (Murmansk region) and Barentsburg (Spitzbergen). Scintillation detectors based on NaI(Tl) crystals were used as sensors. More than 500 events of a gamma background increase during precipitation were recorded. Averaged profiles of the increases in the gamma background and related intensities of precipitation found by using superimpose method are compared; the time gap is ∼30–40 min. The barometric coefficient is zero for the surface gamma radiation, indicating it is of local origin.