DYNAMICS OF THE RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF THE BARENTS, WHITE, AND AZOV SEAS

Abstract

The 137Cs concentration in the bottom sediments 10-20 yr ago was many times (locally, by an order of magnitude) higher than present-day level. The levels observed in 2003 reflect the present-day radianon background related to by global fallouts. The effect of the Chernobyl emission is still notable inn the Azov Sea, but it is almost insignificant in the northern seas. Nevertheless, it is necessary to continue the monitoring of radioactive pollution level in the potentially hazardous bases of atomic navy.