Zwentendorf nuclear power station - geological aspects

It is noted that human habitations, industrial centres and nuclear power stations are often concentrated in river valleys, where cooling water is available. These valleys may coincide with tectonic or geophysical earth disturbances, having seismic activity. This paper examines the earthquake probabilities for the Austrian Zwentendorf nuclear power station which is within 20 miles of the site of an earthquake which took place in 1590. Literature on the earthquake is analysed in detail and the maximum strength of an earthquake is worked out; the precautions taken in respect of reactor building standards are listed and, in particular, resonance effects due to surface gravel layers are predicted. It is reported that these layers were removed to a depth of 10 meters in the vicinity of the power station. (G.M.E.)