Roles of geophysical exploration with regard to the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste and development of geophysical exploration techniques in the scientific research for deep geological environments

Shigeta, Naotaka

Geological environments are required mainly two functions in terms of ensuring the safety for geological disposal of high-revel radioactive waste. One relates to long-term stabilities of a site and the other to properties of host rocks and groundwater that facilitate the emplacement and function as natural barrier. Geophysical surveys are expected to play important roles providing both implementation and safety regulation with information on deep geological environments. Japan Atomic Energy Agency, from the era of its predecessors, is carrying out studies on systematic methodology for evaluating geological environments. Useful knowledge including on geophysical survey has been obtained through the studies.