Geological investigation methods of the Gorleben salt dome and their applicability within cavern projects of the Middle European Zechstein Basin

For more than 20 years different geological investigation methods have been applied in the underground exploration mine of the Gorleben salt dome to prove its suitability for radioactive waste disposal. New exploration methods have been developed, specifically for a detailed stratigraphical and geomechanical characterization of the Zechstein formation. Different geophysical methods were important as well as mapping intensively folded salt structures. For the spatial visualization of all geological and stratigraphical units a CAD-based construction module was used which was programmed specifically for the project. What is very important here is the reliability of the model without any overlapping of the geological units even where wide extensions and very thin individual units occur. The experiences gained are transferred to cavern projects of other salt domes. With very limited data along the trace of the borehole, as usual during cavern exploration, it is possible to optimize leaching concepts and to realize a beneficial cavern and field development. (orig.)