The chernobyl accident: Modelling of dispersion over europe of the radioactive plume and comparison with air activity measurements

Abstract
Following the release of radionuclides from the Chernobyl power plant accident, a long-range transport and deposition model is used to describe the plume dispersion over Europe. The aim of this study is the validation of a fast Lagrangjan model and a better understanding of the relative impact of some mechanisms, such as the initial plume rise. Comparisons between results and 137Cs measurement activity are discussed according to spatial and temporal variations. It is shown that many measurements can be explained only if the initial plume rise taken at 925, 850 and 700mb is considered.