Identificación de clústers espaciales de los rayos gamma en la provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

In this investigation, a statistical analysis of the gamma radiation dose rates (grdr) present in the province of Chimborazo was done. A traditional and spatial exploratory analysis as well as a multivariate analysis were performed. The data was sampled and provided by the Research and Development Group for the Environment and Climate Change (GIDAC). The exploratory analysis focused on the measures of central tendency, position, boxplot, and in the spatial approach the Moran’s index and the density map of the grdr. The comparison of the grdr between cantons, time periods (morning and afternoon) and zones (urban and rural) was made, in which significant differences were identified at 95% reliability. Multivariate statistical tools were used, such as: the homogeneity cube, dendrogram, principal components, identification of clustered points, and cluster construction. Two homogeneous spatial conglomerates grouped with respect to the altitude variable were observed. IDW and Kriging interpolations of the grdr were performed at 95% reliability, showing a positive relationship with latitude and greater efficiency with IDW according to error analysis. It is concluded according to the descriptive analysis of gamma radiation in the different cantons of the province of Chimborazo presented in a similar way, with a radiation index in an interval of 0.032 to 0.079 Sv, this phenomenon is caused by the emanation of constant radiation that maintains the country, since it is within the Andean Mountain range or line of fire, which is one reason why it presents in a similar way. It is recommended to preserve the support and guidance from the GIDAC for future research projects evidencing the functionality and statistical processes in different areas of research and development for the benefit of society.