Abstract: Environmental Geology in Development of Nuclear Energy

M. A. Rogers, L. J. Johnson

Establishment of nuclear-waste-management technology is a major need for full development of nuclear energy. Treatment and disposal of nuclear wastes are current research and development projects at such national laboratories as the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. Currently the most attractive mode of disposal is geologic. Nuclear wastes with long half-lives must be isolated from the environment for periods of time which can be grasped best on a geologic time scale. Nuclear wastes with short half-lives must be isolated from the environment even though their period of isolation is on the order of a few tens of years. Discussion of proper site selection for geologic disposal considers whether the wastes have long or short half-lives and then considers the relation of such factors as climate, rock chemistry, hydrology, and structure to containment. The LASL has engaged in nuclear waste disposal since 1943. This experience forms the foundation for continuing efforts in solving nuclear waste problems.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90979©1975 AAPG – SEPM Rocky Mountain Sections Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, New Mexico