Tritium deposition in precipitation in the United States, 1953–2012

Abstract

The use of environmental tritium as a water tracer has significantly increased out understanding of hydrological processes. Because of the large stratospheric reservoir of tritium produced by nuclear detonations and the relatively slow mixing rates between the stratosphere and the troposphere, studies of meteorological parameters of transport and diffusion can be made over many years. Stratospheric injection for a water tracer is related to the concentration of tracer in precipitation by means of meteorological parameters.