Micro-zoning of the natural radioactivity levels and seismic velocities of potential residential areas in volcanic fields: The case of Isparta (Turkey)

• Multi-shot seismic refraction and spectrometric measurements in situ were made.
• VS(30), VS, Vp, D (nGy/h), AEDR (mSv/y), Hex and Raeq were calculated and were mapped.
• The article emphasizes the necessity of determining the risk of natural radioactive.

This study involved the analysis of the locations with the lowest earthquake risk in the Isparta province of Turkey and the radiological properties of these locations. The most convenient residential areas in the region in terms of radiology and earthquake risk were identified. The radiological characteristics of soil are an important factor in the evaluation of residential areas. Gamma ray spectrometry and multi-source seismic refraction methods were used to conduct radioactive and seismic measurements. The measured 238U, 232Th and 40K activity concentrations were used to calculate the absorbed gamma dose rate, the annual effective dose rate, the radium equivalent and the external hazard index of the environment to estimate the radiological risk of natural radioactivity. The compressional and shear wave velocities were calculated based on the results of multi-source seismic refraction. The calculated parameters were used to generate micro-zone maps. The shear wave velocity was used to analyze the stiffness of looseness of the soil. The radiological risks of the area were determined. Both the seismic and radiological hazards were considered in determining the appropriate areas for residential development. In the results of this study, the best location for residential development was demonstrated to be on limestone, and the worst location was determined to be on alluvium.