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An Analogue Validation Study of Natural Radionuclide Migration in Crystalline Rocks using Uranium-Series Disequilibrium Studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

J. A. T. Smellie ,
A. B. MacKenzie  and
R. D. Scott
J. A. T. Smellie
Affiliation:
Swedish Geological Co., Box 1424, 751 44 Uppsala, Sweden.
A. B. MacKenzie
Affiliation:
Scottish Universities Research Reactor Centre, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 OQU, Scotland.
R. D. Scott
Affiliation:
Scottish Universities Research Reactor Centre, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 OQU, Scotland.
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Abstract

Concentrations and isotope ratios of natural decay series radionuclides have been studied in three contrasting crystalline rock drillcore sections intersecting water-conducting fractures deep in the bedrock. Radioactive disequilibria resulting from rock-water interactions were observed in two of the cores. These indicated uranium migration along distances of 40 cm or more on a timescale of 106 years in conjunction with thorium immobility under the same conditions. Fracture surface minerals showed a high affinity for radionuclide retardation and a limit of about 3 cm is suggested for the migration of radionuclides from fracture fluids into the saturated rock. This limit may correspond to enhanced matrix porosities resulting from earlier hydrothermal activity along the same channels.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 50: Symposium STOCKHOLM – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management IX , 1985 , 91
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1985

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