Radioecological studies at the Kraton-3 underground nuclear explosion site in 1978–2007: a review

Within this paper, radioecological data concerning the “peaceful” underground nuclear explosion Kraton-3, conducted at a remote Arctic location (65.9°N, 112.3°E) within the former USSR in 1978, are reviewed. The data and estimates published in the available literature sources before September 2008 could be grouped as following: (a) characterisation of the current radioactive contamination (γ-, β- and α-emitters) of environmental compartments in terms of radionuclides composition, activity concentration, area contamination density; (b) determination of current gamma dose rates in air, including mapping using GPS; (c) evaluation of cumulative gamma doses in air (with calculations and thermoluminiscence measurements in ceramic objects); (d) description of the visually distinguishable changes in the terrestrial ecosystem; (e) description and quantitative evaluation of morphological abnormalities in the organs of adult plants as well as in seeds and seedlings of some herbs and shrubs, and in small mammals; (f) application of countermeasures. Knowledge gaps and possible further studies are indicated.