Current R&D activities in the study on geosphere stability

Hanamuro, Takahiro  ; Yasue, Kenichi; Kokubu, Yoko   ; Asamori, Koichi; Ishimaru, Tsuneari ; Umeda, Koji

Japanese islands are located in a tectonically active zone, where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently occur. Therefore the understanding of the long-term stability of geological environment is important when assessing the long-term behaviour of the geological disposal system of high level radioactive waste (HLW) in Japan. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is promoting the establishment of investigation and assessment methods of the long-term stability of geological environment necessary for site selection and safety assessment of HLW geological disposal.