Medusa

The Medusa sensor measures the (natural existing) radioactive radiation emitted from the soil. Research has demonstrated that various minerals and types of soil can be distinguished by their differences in concentrations of radioactive elements. This phenomenon is known as the ‘radiometric fingerprint’ of a mineral. The level of difference in the minerals depends on the type of mineral (e.g. clay minerals are different from zinc ore), on their origin (granite originating in the Alps is different from Scottish granite) and on their age (erosion of minerals, among other things, leads to the washing out of radioactive isotopes).

 

The fingerprint can be linked to various properties of the soil (for example the concentrations of heavy metals, the texture, grain size, the mineral composition, etc.). With this correlation the radiometric data can be translated, resulting in a map of the soil property. 

The Medusa sensor can be used to survey land or seafloors, for example to map sediment and soil composition (grain size, silt, sand fraction) or sediment transportation processes (sand, silt). Examples of projects carried out with the Medusa system can be found in 'Expeditions' or take a look at this article from Hydro International.

 

Additional information:

- Whitepaper "Medusa for mapping sediment contamination "

- Whitepaper "Radiometric fingerprint of sediments ".