Radioactivity Exploration from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Part 1: Introduction

Abstract

This book is dedicated to professor emeritus Bengt Forkman (Nuclear Physics, Lund University) who in 1979 took the initiative to arrange an environmental radioactivity research program for the Ymer-80 expedition. He engaged his old friend Bertil Persson whom he during the 1960th inspired to university studies in Lund who just been promoted to professor of Radioecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala. Bertil Persson was tutor for Elis Holm at Lund University, who for his thesis was engaged in radiochemical analysis of plutonium isotopes in the environment. Elis Holm became deeply involved in management of Ymer-80 and all the following expeditions as well. We found a superior talent for the logistics in Kjell-Åke Carlsson (who was mechanical engineer at the department of radiation physics at Lund University). Without him, we would not have been able to solve all the thousands of practical issues and contacts with authorities and sponsors. He also contributed with the diaries extensive photographic and video documentation of all the expeditions. We have together compiled this book although several others were partly engaged in the various expeditions to whom we are deeply thankful for their contributions. They will appear as contributors in the separate parts of this book: 1. Ymer-80 (Bengt Forkman, Boel Forkman, Lars Ahlgren (diseased) 2. Swedarp 1988-1989 (Per Roos, Birgitta Roos) 3. Arctic Ocean 1991 4. Tundra Expedition 5. Arctic Ocean 1996 (Dan Josefsson, Mats Ericsson