Nuclear Melt Glass from Experimental Field, Semipalatinsk Test Site

Investigation of shocked materials provides unique information about behavior substances in extreme thermodynamic conditions. Near surface nuclear tests have induced multiple transformations affected soils. Examination glasses and relics entrapped minerals a database on their under an intense temperature flash. In this work, several types fallout particles from historic at the Semipalatinsk test site are investigated using complementary analytical methods. Distribution radionuclides all samples is highly heterogeneous; domains with high content often intermixed non-active materials. There no general correlation between chemical composition glassy matrix radionuclides. aerodynamic fallout, main fraction trapped outer shell. Relics quartz grains always devoid radionuclides, while glass regions activity different composition. contrast to underground tests, iron-rich not necessarily radioactive. most cases, anhydrous strongly polymerized, Q3 silicate groups dominate. Temperature-induced discussed. zircon shows absence direct degree decomposition into constituting oxides, morphology resulting baddeleyite, maximum experienced temperature. For first time, history ground estimated Zr diffusion profiles decomposing grain.