Determination of terrestrial gamma, 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil along fracture zones

238U, 232Th and 40K concentrations in 72 soil samples from two major fault systems (North and East Anatolian Active Fault Sytems) in Turkey have been studied. However, terrestrial gamma radiation dose originated by natural radionuclides in soil was measured and compared with other measurements in literature for different countries. This extensive survey regarding U, Th and K radionuclide and terrestrial gamma dose measurement was carried out by means of NaI(TI) gamma spectroscopic system and a dose rate meter, respectively. The mean concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil samples in NAFS is higher than determined in EAFS. The measured and calculated mean gamma dose rates in two fault systems are found to be higher than 57 nGyh−1.