Subsurface Temperature Modeling using Integrated Modeling for Nuclear Reactor Site Assessment in Volcanic Zone

Abstract

Indonesia has giant vulcanic arc that almost the largest vulcanic arc in the world. Therefore, one of the main risk for nuclear site plan is the vulcanic area. Therefore to reduce the risk, one of most safety nuclear site plant is old vulcanic area. In this paper, we propose to predict subsurface temperature profile to ensure the condition of subsurface of vulcanic zone. Geothermal heat flow is important parameter in modeling of subsurface temperature. The subsurface temperature is one of vulcanic activity parameter which very important for nuclear site plant risk assesment. The integrated modeling for predicting subsurface temperature profile is carried out by combining geothermal heat flow and subsurface profiles resulted from either seismic or gravity measurement. The finite difference of Fourier’s law is applied to surface temperature, temperature gradient, geothermal heat flow and thermal conductivity profile for producing subsurface temperature distribution accurately. This subsurface temperature profile is essential to characterize the vulcanic zone whether it is still active or inactive. Characterization of vulcanic activity is very useful to ensure or to minimize the risk of nuclear site plant in vulcanic zone. One of interesting case study of nuclear site plan in Indonesia is mount Muriah site plan, this method is useful to ensure whether mount Muriah is still active or inactive now