Chernobyl

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and impacts of the Chernobyl disaster, its aftermath, and related ecological observations.

What was the Chernobyl Disaster?

A nuclear accident at a power plant in Ukraine on April 26, 1986, caused by a routine test leading to an explosion.

Why was Chernobyl chosen as a power plant site?

It had access to water and a low population.

How much radiation was released during the Chernobyl disaster?

400 times more than the Hiroshima bomb.

What type of fire occurred at Chernobyl, and what was used to put it out?

A nuclear fire, best put out with sand and boron.

What did 'Elephant's Foot' refer to in the Chernobyl disaster context?

A mass of molten radioactive material that solidified in the basement of the reactor.

What is 'corium'?

A mixture of radioactive material, sand, and concrete formed from the reactor core.

After the explosion, what initial response arose in Sweden?

Forsmark Power Plant detected radioactive dust on workers' shoes.

How many people died directly from the Chernobyl disaster?

31 people died directly.

What cancer risk increased for children exposed to Chernobyl?

Thyroid cancer development.

What did the Chernobyl evacuation zone cover?

A permanent zone of 30 kilometers (approximately 19 miles) across.

What was constructed over the original Chernobyl sarcophagus?

The 'New Safe Confinement' structure, completed in 2017.

What is the estimated time before Chernobyl might be habitable again?

At least 20,000+ years.

What did the term 'red forest' identify in Chernobyl?

An area where 4.3 miles of forest died due to radiation exposure.

What type of monitoring helped raise the alarm in Sweden?

Radiation monitors at Forsmark Power Plant.

What type of wildlife has increased in population in Chernobyl?

Wolves, elk, red deer, wild boar, and moose.

What was one method deployed to mitigate the fire at Chernobyl?

Dropping sand bags from helicopters.

How did the Soviet Union initially respond to the Chernobyl disaster?

There was a cover-up and delayed notification of the explosion.

What is Iodine-131 and its significance in Chernobyl?

A radioactive isotope associated with thyroid cancer risk post-explosion.

What was the estimated number of clean-up workers in Chernobyl?

Approximately 600,000 people were involved in the clean-up.

What condition was common among wildlife in Chernobyl?

Observed albinism in birds and tumors reported in local birds.

What did researchers use to observe animals in Chernobyl?

Bait such as dead carp and camera traps.

What method was ineffective in controlling the nuclear reaction during the fire?

The combined method of sand and boron application.

What kind of equipment did Chernobyl workers use that led to radiation exposure?

Radiation monitors; some were detecting signals on shoes.

What was one risk associated with the firefighters at Chernobyl?

Many died due to radiation exposure.

What are some of the major isotopes released at Chernobyl?

Iodine-131, Cesium-137, Strontium-90, and Plutonium isotopes.

What was the long-term impact of the Chernobyl disaster?

Ongoing health issues, particularly cancers, and environmental contamination.

What year did the Chernobyl accident occur?

1986.

What is the expected projection for fatalities related to Chernobyl exposure?

Estimates suggest between 4,000 to 200,000 could ultimately die from exposure.

What structure was built quickly to contain radioactivity after the disaster?

A sarcophagus.

How long was the original sarcophagus estimated to last?

20-30 years.

What environmental phenomenon helped spread radioactive particles from Chernobyl?

A cloud that traveled across Europe.

What percentage of the Chernobyl disaster's fallout was found in Sweden?

The radioactive materials traveled across Scandinavia.

What large group of individuals was monitored after the disaster for cancer risk?

Children and adolescents exposed to radioactive iodine-131.

What animal populations were introduced in the 1990s for conservation?

Endangered Eurasian bison.

What natural disaster reminder does Chernobyl present?

The need for improved safety measures with nuclear power.

What exposure level equaled 1-hour of direct exposure to the Elephant's Foot?

Equivalent to 4.5 million chest X-rays.

Name a major health issue that arose months after the Chernobyl disaster.

Cancer, particularly thyroid cancer.

Which area was primarily designated for radiation research and tourism?

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

What did Chernobyl's initial evacuation recommendation state?

It was supposed to be temporary.

What is the role of iodine pills in the context of Chernobyl?

To reduce thyroid damage from radioactive iodine exposure.

What is a significant factor in predicting future habitable conditions in Chernobyl?

Management needs for hundreds of years.

What was the long-term environmental observation noted in Chernobyl?

Animal resilience despite radiation exposure.

What influential book documents the history of the Chernobyl disaster?

'Voices from Chernobyl' by Svetlana Alexievich.