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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

DOE/OBES/Geosciences initiative on radioactive-waste isolation in mined repositories

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6324718

The Geosciences Program within the Office of Basic Energy Sciences supports fundamental research of scientific importance and of technological relevance in the energy field. The present document describes an ongoing scientific effort on the geoscience aspects of the emplacement of radioactive waste in a mined repository. Basic research in geochemical transport, rock mechanics, geodynamics and hydrologic modelings is needed to improve understanding of geoscience processes influenced by the introduction of mechanical and thermal stresses and by the introduction of new chemical and radioactive species to the subsurface. Laboratory and in-situ data are required for scaling, modeling, and predicting parameters most relevant to locating, developing, constructing, and operating geologic radioactive waste repositories. Testing and development of high resolution surface and borehole geophysical methods are needed for subsurface characterization. Special emphasis is given to the role of fractures because they control flow and are sites for geochemical interactions.

Research Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Research, Washington, DC. Office of Basic Energy Sciences
OSTI ID:
6324718
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER-0163; ON: DE83012566
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English