How did researchers identify young groundwater?

Information on the distribution of groundwater age is commonly obtained by measuring more than one tracer. A large number of tracers (e.g., 3H, 85Kr, CFCs, SF6) represent time frames less than 50 years. Environmental tracers were originally used to determine specific ages of groundwater [Brinkman et al., 1959].

How does tritium age?

Age-dating using tritium is based on the radioactive decay of tritium to helium-3 (3He) after rainwater penetrates the ground during recharge. Because of the irregularly shaped bomb peak, tritium data can often give ambiguous ages.

Why is tritium illegal?

Tritium does not in itself emit light but excites phosphors, thereby generating light. Due to U.S. regulations regarding radioactive substances, all of the above items can be legally sold in the U.S., as the manufacturers of such products require special licensing in order to integrate tritium into their products.

Why is tritium so expensive?

From what I understand tritium is produced as a waste product in heavy water moderated reactors in quantities exceeding commercial demand and that it can also be made from lithium (which is a common and cheap metal) by neutron capture.

Which tritium color is brightest?

Green The difference between the signs is how much tritium the manufacturer installs. The light produced by GTLSs varies in color and size. Green usually appears as the brightest color and red the least bright.

Can tritium be recharged?

No, you cant. The tritium that is in the lamps of your sights has a half-life of 12 years, meaning you can expect your sights to gradually dim. A lot of manufacturers will replace the lamps for a nominal fee.

What is the brightest tritium color?

The difference between the signs is how much tritium the manufacturer installs. The light produced by GTLSs varies in color and size. Green usually appears as the brightest color and red the least bright.