Application of seismic methods for siting of radioactive waste repositories in crystalline rock

Abstract

High resolution reflection seismic surveying has proven useful for locating fracture zones in crystalline rock and has become a key tool for siting of potential high-level nuclear waste repositories. We present here results from 3 site investigations that we have been involved in at locations in Sweden and Finland. Both Sweden and Finland plan on storing their waste at depths of 400-700 m in crystalline rock and it is, therefore, of particular interest to obtain high resolution images in the depth interval 0-1000 m. Results from these seismic investigations, together with borehole data, have played an important role in defining which parts of the rock mass are suitable for a repository at the 3 sites.