RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES VOL. 10, ES4004, doi:10.2205/2007ES000293, 2008

1. Introduction

2007ES000293-fig01
Figure 1
[2]  Development of nuclear energy in Russia is impossible without solving the problem of storing HLRW in deep geological formations. The method of selecting sites for dumping HLRW is based on a search of the less dislocated structural-tectonic blocks (STB) of maximal size [Morozov and Tatarinov, 1996, 2006] in relatively stable areas. However, the "suitable'' conditions at the beginning of construction works don't guarantee insulating qualities of the rock during the whole period of radiobiological danger of HLRW, exceeding 104-105 years. Geodynamic processes during this lengthy period can dramatically alter the hydrogeological regime of the area (the groundwater level, water-bearing pressure, net of fluidconductive channels etc.). Formation of the new or activizing of existing tectonic faults poses the greatest menace, as well as intrusion of superficial or subterranean waters to HLRW containers with subsequent emission of radionuclides. The applied expert methods of evaluating geological environment are important, but obviously insufficient for estimating the danger of such processes. It is necessary to predict the evolution of the isolated mode of the geological environment taking into account the loss of insulating qualities of the rock as the main barrier, preventing the spreading of radionuclides. To realize this in practice, we are working on developing a technology capable of evaluating stability of structural-tectonic blocks, including the range of consequent stages. Each of them represents a separate scientific and technological task (Figure 1). The given technology was tested at NKM, where a first burial site of HLRW in Russia was planned. At the first stage of works the construction of underground laboratory is suggested.

[3]  The algorithm of predicting the tectonic evolution of STB is based on the following objectives [Morozov and Tatarinov, 2006].

[4]  1. Analysis of construction, search of active structural heterogeneities and geomorphological indicators of tectonic activity of the region and development on its basis of a multifactorial structural-tectonic model.

[5]  2. Reconstruction of the tectonic history of the region, representation of the dynamics of alterations taking into account the fragmentary heterogeneous distribution of stress-strain properties.

[6]  3. Modeling of distribution of strain fields at the present stage and possible trajectories of formation of new tectonic destructions. Zoning of the area according to the degree of its geodynamic stability, prediction of the possible order of destruction of existing STBs.

[7]  4. Carrying out observations of the modern movements of Earth's crust using the methods of space geodesy and high accuracy relevelling methods over 5-6 years, revealing the most active sectors, correction of stress-strain state models and models of destruction of the geological environment.

[8]  5. Selection of the most stable STB, the stable state of which is guaranteed over 104-105 years, for the construction of an underground research laboratory.

[9]  The basic models: 1) multifactorial structural-tectonic model; 2) model of geotectonic evolution; 3) model of stress-strain state; 4) model of predicting of stability of STB.


RJES

Citation: Belov, S. V., A. D. Gvishiani, E. N. Kamnev, V. N. Morozov, and V. N. Tatarinov (2008), Development of complex model of evolution of structural-tectonic blocks of the Earth's crust for choosing storage sites of high level radioactive waste, Russ. J. Earth Sci., 10, ES4004, doi:10.2205/2007ES000293.

Copyright 2008 by the Russian Journal of Earth Sciences

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