Systematic study on the relationship between Beryllium-7 concentration with dynamics of northeast monsoon activity

Abstract

Several radionuclide stations established by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-ban Treaty (CTBT) have provided a unique opportunity for systematic study in the investigation of Beryllium-7 (Be-7) concentration for environmental applications. These stations are located along wind pathways during the Northeast Monsoon season. The cosmogenic radionuclide Be-7, also detected by these stations, serves as a tracer for atmospheric processes, particularly precipitation dynamics influenced by monsoonal patterns. This research explores the correlation between Be-7 concentration and the two types of surges during the Northeast Monsoon in Malaysia, encompassing Easterly (ES) and Meridional surges (MS). The Northeast Monsoon, a significant climatic phenomenon in Southeast Asia, impacts regional weather patterns and precipitation levels. Understanding the correlation between Be-7 concentration and these two surges could provide insights into atmospheric transport mechanisms, rainfall variability, and potential implications for climate and environmental studies. The Granger Causality test is applied to examine the relationship between Be-7 concentration and key monsoonal dynamics represented by the Meridional Surge (MS) and Easterly Surge (ES) indices. Significant predictive lags (2–11 days) are identified at several radionuclide stations, indicating Be-7's potential as a leading indicator of monsoonal rainfall timing and intensity. These results align with existing evidence that Be-7 concentrations are influenced by atmospheric factors such as humidity, dryness, and precipitation.