Evaluation of geologic and geophysical techniques for surface-to-subsurface projections of geologic characteristics in crystalline rock. [458 references]
Granitic and gneissic rock complexes are being considered for their potential to contain and permanently isolate high-level nuclear waste in a deep geologic repository. The use of surface geologic and geophysical techniques has several advantages over drilling and testing methods for geologic site characterization in that the techniques are typically less costly, provide data over a wider area, and do not jeopardize the physical integrity of a potential repository. For this reason, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify appropriate surface geologic and geophysical techniques that can be used to characterize geologic conditions in crystalline rock at proposed repository depths of 460 to 1,220 m. Characterization parameters such as rock quality; fracture orientation, spacing; and aperture; depths to anomalies; degree of saturation; rock body dimensions; and petrology are considered to be of primary importance. Techniques reviewed include remote sensing, geologic mapping, petrographic analysis, structural analysis, gravity and magnetic methods, electrical methods, and seismic methods. Each technique was reviewed with regard to its theoretical basis and field application; geologic parameters that can be evaluated; advantages and limitations, and, where available, case history applications in crystalline rock. Available information indicates that individual techniques provide reliable information on characteristics at the surface, but have limited success in projections to depths greater that approximately 100 m. A combination of integrated techniques combines with data from a limited number of boreholes would significantly improve the reliability and confidence of early characterization studies to provide qualitative rock body characteristics for region-to-area and area-to-site selection evaluations. 458 refs., 32 figs., 14 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Earth Technology Corp., Houston, TX (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10139
- OSTI ID:
- 5248785
- Report Number(s):
- BMI/OCRD-22; ON: DE86000221
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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58 GEOSCIENCES
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DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRICAL SURVEYS
ELECTROMAGNETIC SURVEYS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC SURVEYS
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
GNEISSES
GRANITES
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
IGNEOUS ROCKS
MANAGEMENT
MAPPING
MATERIALS
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
PETROLOGY
PLUTONIC ROCKS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REMOTE SENSING
REVIEWS
ROCKS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SITE SELECTION
SURVEYS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES