Geological disposal of radioactive waste

This paper is concerned with the disposal of high-level nuclear waste in deep geological formations which is less of a hazard than near surface uranium ores or uranium mill tailings. This type of disposal depends in part upon the ability of the natural rock to isolate radioactivity from the biosphere. Attractive geologic candidates are natural salt deposits, which are free of groundwater, or granites, shales, and other media which are subject to little or no movement of natural groundwater. The concentrated wastes will be cast into solids, such as glass, and encased in metal containers. this waste package is expected to last for hundreds and thousands of years underground without appreciable deterioration. Details of the system under considerations are given. 12 refs