PHITS models for ambient dose equivalent rates in Fukushima's Radiocesium contaminated forests

Malins, A.  ; Imamura, Naohiro*; Niizato, Tadafumi  ; Kim, M.  ; Sakuma, Kazuyuki   ; Shinomiya, Yoshiki*; Miura, Satoru*; Machida, Masahiko  

PHITS Monte Carlo models were used to assess factors affecting ambient dose equivalent rates (H*(10)) in forests in Fukushima Prefecture. Three models were developed with different levels of detail to understand how the distribution of radioactive cesium within forests, shielding by trees and soil composition affect H*(10). The models were parametrized using measurements from deciduous and coniferous forests in Fukushima Prefecture.