Modelling Fukushima emissions and fallout

I’ve been reading with great interest a recently released approximation of the quantity and deposition of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident earlier this year. Recently published on the Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics open discussion forum, the PDF form (entitled “Xenon-133 and caesium-137 releases into the atmosphere from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant: determination of the source term, atmospheric dispersion, and deposition”) is freely available.

The discussion paper raises a number of interesting points, particularly the indications of pre-tsunami reactor containment failure as evidenced by radioxenon releases, the large contribution to overall emissions from the spent fuel pool fire (reactor building #4) and the upward rating on the overall estimated radionuclide emissions. I strongly recommend a read.

Photo credit: TEPCO

Exploding the legend

I am a bit late on this one given all the fireworks and general merriment of this month have past, none the less I feel the need to post a documentary the BBC did recreating the Guy Fawkes plot. (Background courtesy of Wikipedia for those not familiar with British history.) Except of course, they blow up their life-size replica Houses of Parliament. I didn’t record it when it was first shown 3/4 years ago so I was ecstatic when I found it on youtube, the quality is a little poor but it is phenomenal what that amount of gunpowder could have done.

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Halloween special – Science of Candles

Welcome Wizards and Warlocks, something a bit special today (although I know I am a bit late with the Halloween reference) – my friend Louise pointed me towards this short youtube video explaining the science behind candles. It is rather interesting actually, so anyone with a love for science (or just pyromania) — enjoy 🙂