We focus on radon-222 which has a half-life of about 3.8 days. Two other isotopes of radon (radon-219, radon-220) are relevant in atmospheric research but have much shorter half-lives (less than a minute). They are, therefore, not relevant for determining air mass movement over days to weeks.

Radon is the first (and only) gas in the uranium decay chain. As such it might dissipate freely into the atmosphere. However, the products of its decay are solids, which attach to other particles in the atmosphere and settle to the ground eventually.
Many isotopes of radon occur naturally.

Some measurements could be done right on site, but most samples were processed in a small lab setup at the accommodation. The prepared samples are frozen and can then be transported to the main lab at the University on Terceira for analysis.

The objective is to establish baseline values of the community dynamics to later correlate with the measurements taken by the ENA station.

Explore the whole station on their website:
www.arm.gov/tour/eastern...

We've already installed a number of instruments, for example an ANSTO 1500 L radon monitor just as at @maceheadccaps.bsky.social .
In addition, we are currently in the process of preparing gamma spectrometers for shipment.

Photo: Scott Chambers

Their long-term dataset on how stratocumulus clouds respond to changes in greenhouse gases and aerosols will, combined with our own additional measurements, give us important insights in the interactions of greenhouse gases, aerosols and clouds.

We’re excited for this next step in strengthening Mace Head’s contribution to global
atmospheric science, stay tuned for more updates!

The addition of the ANSTO 1500-L Radon Monitor plays a key role in classifying background air masses, offering valuable insights into regional and global greenhouse gas dynamics at the historically significant Mace Head Atmospheric Research station.