Physics and chemistry of the transition of glass to authigenic minerals: State of Nevada, agency for nuclear projects/nuclear waste project office
The purpose of this paper is to provide a basic review of the topic of volcanic-glass hydration and the diagenetic formation of authigenic minerals from the hydrated-glass products. The Yucca Mountain Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) of December 1984 indicates that: most of the available glass in the proximity of the repository horizon has been already hydrated and authigenic minerals which could form have already done so, zeolites could form from as yet unreacted glass during transport of water exiting from the repository, and the zeolites and other authigenic minerals provide sorptive barriers to radionuclide migration. This document surveys the available literature and concludes that the topic appears more complex than as it is treated in the DEA. It is concluded that an insufficient quantity of raw data exists. This paucity of information does not allow the determination of which authigenic minerals (if any) may form from the alteration of volcanic glass in Yucca Mountain; and consequently, radionuclide retardation leading from this reaction process is undeterminable. Appendix A and B contain a critical review of this publication. 29 refs., 6 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Nevada Nuclear Waste Project Office, Carson City, NV (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG08-85NV10461
- OSTI ID:
- 60711
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NV/10461--T1-Vol.2; NWPO-TR--002-87; ON: DE89011489
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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