Why in the News?
Researchers used the COCO (Center for Climate System Research Ocean Component) 4.9 ocean model to predict how tritium from Fukushima’s 30-year wastewater release will spread across the Pacific under current and future climates.
Tap to read more about the Fukushima Disaster.
About COCO 4.9 Ocean Circulation Model:
- Purpose: Computer-based ocean simulator to study how seawater moves, mixes, and changes over time.
- Method: Divides oceans into layers and grids; calculates current flows and mixing patterns.
- Resolution: Can run in low detail (large grid blocks) or high detail (small swirling eddies).
- Climate Link: Can model impacts of warming oceans, altered currents, and changing circulation.
- Fukushima Application: Created a “virtual Pacific Ocean” to track tritium spread over decades.
Utility in Nuclear Waste Disposal:
- Predicts where, how fast, and how much nuclear contaminants will disperse.
- Maps dispersion pathways for radioactive materials like tritium.
- Estimates arrival times to different ocean regions.
- Models long-term concentrations under various climate scenarios.
Key Findings – Fukushima Study
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| [UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:
1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development. Which of the statements given above are correct? Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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