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Cliff Retreat Rates Associated with a Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA

Journal Article · · GeoHazards
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
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We present an analysis and interpretation of potential cliff stability at a low-level waste disposal facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, using cliff morphologic and fracture characteristics coupled with carbon-14 surface exposure dating. Our study is important as it directly bears on the licensing criteria for low-level radioactive waste sites. We find that future characteristic cliff failures will likely not breach disposal pits and shafts over the 1000-year minimum regulatory period. Further, we find, using a multivariate regression model, that slope angle and cliff face aspect are sub-equal in importance to predict regions of high risk of failure when combined with surface exposure ages and assuming that old exposure ages are most indicative of stability (instability) and therefore can aid decision making in final design implementation.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
89233218CNA000001
OSTI ID:
2426526
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--23-34038
Journal Information:
GeoHazards, Journal Name: GeoHazards Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 5; ISSN 2624-795X
Publisher:
MDPICopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (14)

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Figures / Tables (11)

Figure 1(p. 3)figure Figure 1
Figure 2(p. 6)figure Figure 2
Figure 3(p. 6)figure Figure 3
Figure 4(p. 7)figure Figure 4
Figure 5(p. 7)figure Figure 5
Table 1(p. 8)table Table 1
Table 2(p. 8)table Table 2
Figure 6(p. 9)figure Figure 6
Figure 7(p. 9)figure Figure 7
Figure 8(p. 10)figure Figure 8
Table 3(p. 10)table Table 3

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12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
58 GEOSCIENCES
arid environments
cliff retreat
slope stability
waste disposal