Geologic factors in nuclear waste disposal. [Salt, shale, and crystalline rock]
The study of geosciences and their relation to nuclear waste disposal and management entails analyzing the hydrology, chemistry, and geometry of the nuclear waste migration process. Hydrologic effects are determined by analyzing the porosity and permeability (natural and induced) of rock as well as pressures and gradients, dispersion, and aquifer length of the system. Chemistry parameters include radionuclide retardation factors and waste dissolution rate. Geometric parameters (i.e., parameters with dimension) evaluated include repository layer thickness, fracture zone area, tunnel length, and aquifer length. The above parameters act as natural barriers or controls to nuclear waste migration, and are evaluated in three potential geologic media: salt, shale, and crystalline rock deposits. Parametric values are assigned that correspond to many existing situations. These values, in addition to other important inputs, are lumped as a hydrology input into a computer simulation program used to model and calculate nuclear waste migration from the repository to the biosphere, and potential individual and population dose and radiation effects. These results are preliminary and show trends only; they do not represent an actual risk analysis.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6524500
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-52522; TRN: 79-001786
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Advances in Geologic Disposal System Modeling and Application to Crystalline Rock
Performance Assessment of a Generic Nuclear Waste Repository in Shale - 18392
Related Subjects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
SIMULATION
BIOSPHERE
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
HYDROLOGY
IGNEOUS ROCKS
LEACHING
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
SALT DEPOSITS
SHALES
DISSOLUTION
DOSES
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MANAGEMENT
MASS TRANSFER
POPULATIONS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
ROCKS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage
054000 - Nuclear Fuels- Health & Safety