This project looks at the relationship between radon gas, bedrock geology, and historical glacial extents. The Yukon is known to overall have very high levels of radon gas due primarily to its bedrock geology and for this reason it is crucial to understand where in the territory these levels are higher or lower as well if this can be attributed to the geology and/or historical glacial coverage or lack thereof. This project uses information based on a literature review to determine which types of geology are known to cause increased levels of release of radon gas. This project consists of a geographic information systems and statistical analysis in order to determine which rock classes found in communities in the Yukon seem to be correlated to higher reports of radon as well as if historical glaciations play a role in radon levels. This project finds that generally volcanic rock was more likely to be associated with higher radon levels and this was supported by the literature. Additionally it seems that areas covered by glaciers were less likely to be at risk of radon exposure compared to unglaciated areas. This project provides an introductory overview of radon in the Yukon, but more geographical analysis is absolutely needed in this area to better understand the specifics of this correlation.
A GEOB 479 Project
