Geophysical Methods for Fracture Characterization in and Around Potential Sites for Nuclear Waste Disposal

by E. L. Majer, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, United States,
K. H. Lee, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, United States,
H. F. Morrison, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Dynamic Analysis and Design Considerations for High-Level Nuclear Waste Repositories

Abstract:

Historically, geophysical methods have been used extensively to successfully explore the subsurface for petroleum, gas, mineral, and geothermal resources. Their application, however, for site characterization, and monitoring the performance of near surface waste sites or repositories has been somewhat limited. Presented here is an overview of the geophysical methods that could contribute to defining the subsurface heterogeneity and extrapolating point measurements at the surface and in boreholes to volumetric descriptions in a fractured rock. In addition to site characterization a significant application of geophysical methods may be in performance assessment and in monitoring the repository to determine if the performance is as expected.

Subject Headings: Waste sites | Site investigation | Radioactive wastes | Waste disposal | Rocks | Cracking | Subsurface environment

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