Artificial intelligence accurately predicts distribution of radioactive fallout

When a nuclear power plant accident occurs and radioactive material is released, it is vital to evacuate people in the vicinity as quickly as possible. However, it is difficult to predict where the emitted radioactivity will settle, making it impossible to prevent the exposure of large numbers of people. A means of overcoming this difficulty has been presented in a new study reported in the journal Scientific Reports by a research team at The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science. The team has created a computer program that can accurately predict where emitted radioactive material will eventually land over 30 hours in advance, using weather forecasts on the expected wind patterns. This tool enables evacuation plans and other health-protective measures to be implemented in the event of a nuclear accident like the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster.