7Be behaviour in the atmosphere of the city of Granada January 2005 to December 2009

This paper focuses on 7Be concentration in the atmospheric surface aerosols of the Spanish city of Granada, in the southern Iberian Peninsula. We analyze the effects of meteorological conditions in the geographical zone over the period 2005–2009. A prediction model is suggested to describe the behaviour of atmospheric aerosols containing 7Be. The model was applied from January to May 2010 and shows that temperature, relative humidity and precipitation are the meteorological factors responsible for the behaviour of atmospheric aerosols. The statistical significance of the results was 99%. This study helps understanding of the atmosphere of Granada as well as the climate variables responsible for transportation and deposition of atmospheric aerosols. Moreover, in case of a massive release of radionuclides into the atmosphere, the results of this study will help predict behaviour in this city and other continental areas with a similar climate.

► Factors controlling 7Be in aerosol’s Granada: temperature, humidity and rain.
► The trend shows a cyclical and seasonal behaviour.
► Scavenging of 7Be is affected by precipitation and humidity.
► The higher values of 60% of humidity produce a very marked decrease in the 7Be.
► Higher temperature interval increases the vertical transport in the troposphere.