PhD thesis supervisor: dr. Evaldas Maceika (apply for recommendation)
Study of the functionality and optimization possibilities of the early radiological warning system in Lithuania
In order to ensure the safety of the population of Lithuania, the RADIS and SAUNA systems are operated in the country. RADIS is an early radiological hazard warning network consisting of environmental dose rate measurement stations. Its purpose is to monitor the environmental radioactive background and to ensure timely warning of potential radiological threats. SAUNA is a system for measuring radioactive isotopes of xenon gases in the atmosphere, which makes it possible to detect above-background concentrations of these technogenic radionuclides in the air and, using atmospheric transport modelling tools, to identify their release sources. SAUNA enables the monitoring of nuclear power plant operations (including the identification of accidents at an early stage) as well as the detection of nuclear weapon tests. Both measurements and modelling pose significant scientific challenges, as the detected concentrations in the air are extremely low and pollutant transport is governed by a wide variety of processes and atmospheric factors. Similar studies are relevant and conducted in other countries as well, as they are closely related to the prohibition and control of nuclear weapons testing and radiation safety. During the dissertation, efforts will be made to improve the functionality of the measurement systems and to develop and apply more advanced methodologies for pollution source identification.