IAEA activities related to the assessment of radionuclide migration in the geosphere

The main results and trends of the IAEA programme on radioactive waste management and related activity areas relevant to the assessment of radionuclide migration in the geosphere are presented. The hydrogeological and geochemical problems of mass-transfer of long-lived radionuclides from high-level waste repositories in deep geological formations represent a major study area. The applicability of information obtained on migration from naturally occurring ore bodies to support safety assessments of the waste repositories is one of the specific topics which is being pursued. Other related areas of the Agency's activities are isotope hydrology and uranium exploration and resource development. The IAEA laboratories also play an important role in research on radionuclide behaviour in aqueous and geological media. Past activities, present and future programmes in the given areas are described. 52 refs