173-15 Fault characterization for deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste in Korea

Session: Geologic Energy Resources and Storage for Now and the Future

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Abstract:

Based on the Basic Plan for High-Level Radioactive Waste Management and Special Act on High-Level Radioactive Waste Management, Korean government recently outlined a comprehensive roadmap, a legal basis and policy directions for the safe and efficient management of spent nuclear fuel. However, Korea faces challenges securing adequate research periods within URL and site selection procedures for geological disposal. Given this context, this study aims to proactively develop methodologies for evaluating the long-term evolution and performance of natural barrier focusing on fault characterization.

Among factors influencing the long-term stability of natural barrier, faults are particularly crucial, as their reactivation can directly impact site stability and create potential groundwater flow pathways. Thus, faults are recognized as critical determinants of site stability, leading to extensive fault characterization studies. Our research specifically addresses fault geometry at depth through drill core logging, reconstructs past tectonic environments and deformation sequences through paleostress and kinematic analysis, and assesses hydrological characteristics along fault zones using topological connectivity analysis. Fault geometry analysis via drill core logging can be utilized to effectively avoid hazardous faults during site selection, while paleostress and kinematic analyses provide critical data for assessing fault reactivation risks. Additionally, hydrological analysis of fault zones using topological connectivity can directly inform groundwater infiltration and radionuclide transport assessments. These outcomes are anticipated to enhance methodologies for site stability evaluation in deep geological disposal sites.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-8672

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