Detailed study of radon spatial anomaly in tlamacas mountain area, volcano Popocatepetl, Mexico

Abstract

"Results of a soil radon survey accomplished by 2 different methods during 2 different periods in the area of Tlamacas Mountain are presented. The first study, carried out from 15-APR-2010 to 09-MAY-2010 in 30 measurement sites by means of CR39 solid state nuclear detectors, shows 2 active zones with intensive radon emanation with a characteristic dimension of about 300 meters located in the northwestern and western parts of the Mountain. The second survey, made on 05-JUL-2011 in 23 measurement sites with 10 min sampling by a SARAD RTM 1688 Radon/Thoron monitor, in contrast, revealed a sizeable area depleted in radon and 3 active areas of increased radon release in the lateral Mountain sides. These observed phenomena strengthen our assumption about the presence of an active geological structure in Tlamacas Mountain connected with a geodynamical processes in volcano Popocatepetl."