Mapping of cosmic radiation dose in Croatia

The Earth is continually bombarded by high-energy particles coming from the outer space and the sun. These particles, termed cosmic radiation, interact with nuclei of atmospheric constituents and decrease in intensity with depth in the atmosphere. Measurements of photon and gamma radiation, performed with a Radiameter at 1 m above the ground, indicated dose rates of 50–100 nSv/h.The neutron dose rate was measured with the CR-39 track etch detector calibrated by the CERN-EU high-energy Reference Field (CERF) facility. Correlation between neutron dose rates and altitudes at 36 sites was examined in order to obtain a significant positive correlation coefficient; the resulting linear regression enabled estimation of a neutron dose at particular altitude. The measured neutron dose rate in Osijek (altitude of 89 m, latitude of 45.31° N) was 110 nSv/h.

► The neutron dosimeter consisted of CR-39 track detector and boron foil BN-1 or 10B.
► Neutron component of cosmic radiation was measured at 36 different sites.
► In Osijek the measured neutron dose rate was 110 nSv/h.
► In Osijek the measured cosmic photon dose rate was 55.1 nSv/h.
► Correlation between neutron rate doses and altitudes was examined.