Storage and disposal in geological formations

This chapter investigates the possibility of the safe disposal of nuclear waste, mainly high-level waste and alpha-bearing waste, in stable geological formations. The three continental formations studied are clay, salt and granite. Topics considered include deep drilling programs, underground experimental rooms and shafts, engineered barriers (waste containers, repository structural materials, backfilling and sealing), the characterization of geological formations, the migration of radionuclides, mathematical modeling, repository design, disposal in the sub-seabed, and the development of assessment techniques