Objective
The scope of the project is to assess the uses of geochemical and isotopic techniques in the estimation of groundwater movements over the long time-scales appropriate to the disposal of radioactive waste in various and "reference" hydrogeological environments.
The objectives are:
To review the validity of these data under the various hydrogeological and geochemical conditions and their consistency with hydrodynamic information. The review will highlight the contrasts between the geological and hydrological histories of the various European locations (eg structure, tectonics, permeabilities, climate etc.).
To assess the concept of "reference" hydrogeological environments to illustrate principles, features and limitations of groundwater residence time estimations.
To identify specific data needs, "gaps" and uncertainties.
Work programme:
To compile relevant geochemical data for various European hydrogeological environments from different sources.
Review of the literature for methods and data for estimating solute and groundwater residence times in various hydrogeological environments. Discussions and collaboration with appropriate European research groups concerned with radioactive waste repository investigations and groundwater tracer techniques. Gaining new data from measurements in european laboratories on samples from (a) investigations being carried out by UK Nirex Ltd., if available, and (b) other appropriate groundwater systems.
Reporting on the different stages of work as they are completed. The expected reports comprise two review reports, a progress report on new data and a final report.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
OX11 0RH Didcot
United Kingdom