Formation, Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Nuclear Wastes

Abstract

Nuclear wastes present the earth scientist with a host of serious and extremely long-term (and expensive) environmental problems. Only one aspect — the temporary storage and ultimate disposal sites for the most concentrated products of nuclear fission, the high-level nuclear waste (HLNW) — has been given much attention. Environmental threats of various magnitudes, from both high- and low-level nuclear wastes, occur at many stages in the production of nuclear energy, from the uranium mine through to the permanent disposal site. All, however, require evaluation of the geological factors before any intelligent stand can be taken. The informed earth-science teacher can have a tremendous impact on public discussions of these socially important questions, and can also use this knowledge to improve the image of earth science as a practical educational pursuit, in the minds of both the students and the public.