Using the Radioactive Isotope Cesium-137 to Evaluate Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Rates in Sloping Areas at the University of Mosul.

This study aimed to estimate soil erosion and sedimentation rates in the University of Mosul campuses, Nineveh Governorate, using the cesium-137 technique. Soil samples were collected from two sites, A and B, each divided into three zones: (1) the top of the slope (undisturbed site), (2) the middle of the slope (eroded site), and (3) the sediment site at the bottom of the slope. The cesium-137 activity in each sample was measured, and its count rate was compared between undisturbed and eroded sites. Results indicated significant differences in cesium-137 count rates across the three zones. The count rates decreased from the top to the bottom of the slope. The lowest values were found at the eroded sites, with approximately 9,822 counts/2 hours at Site B and 7,040 counts/2 hours at Site A. This supports the presence of soil migration in the middle of the slope at both sites. Additionally, cesium-137 count rates varied with soil depth. At Site A, the undisturbed site, count rates ranged from 16,883 to 115 counts/hour for depths of 0-30 cm. At the eroded site, values ranged from 9,822 to 144 counts/hour, while at the sediment site, they ranged from 10,206 to 2,037 counts/hour. The low count rates observed in eroded areas indicate soil erosion, while high values at the sediment site indicate deposition.