MEAD (part II)—Predictions of radioactivity concentrations in the Irish Sea

The predictions from MEAD, a model that simulates the transport of radionuclides in the marine environment, are presented for the Irish Sea. MEAD predictions for 137Cs and Pu(α) are presented following discharges from BNFL Sellafield and the predictions compared to measured data from near the discharge location and further afield in the Irish Sea. The model performs well in most circumstances given the uncertainties involved in both modelling and data collection although some inconsistencies in the predictions are found. MEAD is also compared to other models of radionuclide transport in the Irish Sea.