Studies on the seasonal variation and vertical profiles of natural radionuclides in high background radiation areas of Kerala on the south west coast of India

The paper presents detailed studies on the radiation levels and the seasonal variation and vertical profiles of activity of natural radio nuclei in sand samples of Chavara beach, a high background radiation area of Kerala on the south west coast of India. The elevated levels of 232 Th and 226 Ra activity were observed in the region with highest activity of 18,515 Bq kg −1 for 232 Th. The study on vertical profiles of radionuclides showed a significant variation of activity along with the depth. The higher activity of radionuclides was observed in postmonsoon season. The effective dose rate was evaluated and statistical analysis of the results was performed.