Reductive Changes in the Radiation State of Bottom Sediments off the Coast of Novaya Zemlya

The article presents the results of analysis of changes in the radiation state of bottom radiocesium activity in bottom sediments off the coast of Novaya Zemlya that have occurred over a period of 30–35 years. Based on direct observations and extrapolation of the results obtained, it was found that the radioactive contamination that in the 1960s and 1970s formed zones of increased radiocesium activity in bottom sediments of the coast of Novaya Zemlya had completely degraded. A conclusion is drawn about the geochemical stability of Arctic marine ecosystems and their ability to self-recover over time, provided that there are no new active sources of anthropogenic radionuclides.