Abstract:
By integrating multi-source radioactivity survey data and using Geodetector, this study explored the spatial variations of the gamma radiation field at the ground-air interface and their influence mechanisms in the Pearl River Delta economic zone. The results indicate that key factors influencing the distribution of the radiation field include soil radon concentration (
q=0.852),
238U content (
q= 0.816), and
232Th content (
q=0.803). Besides, formation lithology (
q=0.791), fault structures (
q=0.786), and chronostratigraphy (
q =0.778) also play a significant role. The interaction detection indicates that the synergy of soil radon concentration and fault structures demonstrates the strongest explanatory power (
q=0.875), suggesting the mechanism of structure-controlled transport and soil-controlled accumulation. Risk detection demonstrates that high-radiation radon contributors include normal faults, magmatic rocks, and Jurassic strata. The results of this study reveal that the spatial distribution of the radiation field is governed by a three-level system comprising nuclide content as a direct source, lithology and chronostratigraphy as carriers, and fault structures as pathways for radon transport.The research results have provided a scientific basis for regional radiation environmental risk assessment and pollution prevention and control.