Mapping Of Faults Research Articles

Occurrence of Local Tsunamis Along the Eastern Coast of the Korean Peninsula Based on Numerical Modeling of Historical Earthquakes

Korean historical literature records a major offshore earthquake with an associated tsunami in the East Sea of Korea in 1681. The event also generated strong ground motion and landslides over the Korean Peninsula. This study examined the occurrence and characteristics of the reported tsunami along the eastern coast of the peninsula using numerical modeling of tsunami propagation from submarine faults identified in a recently compiled marine fault map. Results from some scenarios indicated runup heights in good agreement with descriptions in historical records. We also examined the time required for tsunamis to travel from the causative faults to vulnerable areas along the eastern coast under various scenarios. Our results successfully hindcast the occurrence and effects of local tsunamis in the historical literature and have important implications for assessing tsunami hazard and risk for coastal areas of the Korean Peninsula.

Stratigraphic framework and structural architecture of the Upper Cretaceous in the deep-water Otway Basin – implications for frontier hydrocarbon prospectivity

Geoscience Australia has undertaken a regional seismic mapping study that extends into the frontier deep-water region of the offshore Otway Basin. This work builds on seismic mapping and petroleum systems modelling published in the 2021 Otway Basin Regional Study. Seismic interpretation spans over 18 000 line-km of new and reprocessed data collected in the 2020 Otway Basin seismic program and over 40 000 line-km of legacy 2D seismic data. Fault mapping has resulted in refinement and reinterpretation of regional structural elements, particularly in the deep-water areas. Structure surfaces and isochron maps highlight Shipwreck (Turonian–Santonian) and Sherbrook (Campanian–Maastrichtian) supersequence depocentres across the deep-water part of the basin. These observations will inform the characterisation of petroleum systems within the Upper Cretaceous succession, especially in the underexplored deep-water region.

Localization and characterization of the southern Ulsan fault (UF) using geo-electrical imaging: Implication for seismic hazard assessment in an urbanized area

In seismic hazard assessment, subsurface geophysical surveying has gained popularity in recent years towards fault mapping and determining seismic deformation parameters such as fault offset, recurrence, and depth of fault, locating proper trench sites based on the subsurface information. In the present study, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used to (1) locate the trace of the southern segment of the Ulsan fault, (2) to test the applicability of ERT techniques for active fault mapping in a close to the highly urbanized and complex geological environment with a slow tectonic activity. We have applied the ERT technique at five sites. At one place, we used the Wenner array, Schlumberger array, Dipole-Dipole array, and Seismic-profiling techniques to know which method provides a better result in complex geological conditions like Korea. Out of these methods, the Dipole-Dipole array provided high-resolution results and was used for the other two sites. The ERT result shows high and low resistivity zones interpreted as bedrock (mainly Tertiary and Cretaceous formations) and coarse fluvial sediment layer, respectively. The maximum vertical displacement recorded along the fault varies from 6 m to 12 m. Based on the ERT results, two trenches were excavated to directly investigate the deformation pattern associated with the southern segment of the Ulsan fault. The ERT and trench survey results support that the southern Ulsan fault has slipped multiple times since Quaternary. Using this multi-approach, ~5 km long active fault map was prepared for the southern Ulsan Fault. It is found from this study that the integrated approach is highly beneficial where contrasting sub-lithological units exist in terms of their physical properties, even though human activity or the ongoing urbanization process has modified the surface morphology. This study argues for judicious use of ERT techniques to delineate the shallow subsurface geology across various active faults in the Korean peninsula and similar tectonic settings.

PyCSAMT: An alternative Python toolbox for groundwater exploration using controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric

Controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) is one of the frequently used geophysical methods in various exploration problems such as fault mapping and groundwater exploration around 1 km depth. CSAMT is commonly used in combination with other geophysical methods to emphasize underground structures. Although it seems to be a good alternative, such a survey is expensive and requires more logistics which is not profitable for companies with low operating budgets. In addition, despite the combination of the CSAMT method with other geophysical methods, several boreholes drilled for groundwater exploration have failed due to the inaccurate locations to emphasize the fractures zones. Therefore, we developed the Python toolbox for CSAMT to solve this problem. The toolbox encompasses all the standard data processing as well as the modeling and implements a novel approach called pseudostratigraphic to forecast the strata log at each station. The advantage of this technique is twofold. First, it predicts the strata log at each station by demarcating the fracture zone, and secondly, it estimates the layer thicknesses with less margin error useful before the drilling operations. The approach was tested in the Xingning area, Hunan province, China. As a result, the model predicted with the proposed approach is similar to the mechanical borehole drilled after the geophysical survey with thickness errors of less than six meters. Furthermore, the technique would reduce the rate of unsuccessful drilling and be beneficial for geophysical and drilling companies to save money.

A reappraisal of active faults in central-east Iran (Kerman province)

Fault lineaments are the main input data in earthquake engineering and seismology studies. This study presents a digitally-based active fault map of the Kerman region in central-east Iran which experienced several devastating earthquakes on poorly exposed and/or not identified active faults. Using Landsat 8 data, we have carried out the image-based procedures of fault mapping, which include applying the contrast stretching technique, the principal component analysis, the color composite technique, the spectral rationing, and creating the false-color composite images. Besides, we have cross-checked the resulting map with the geological maps provided by the Geological Survey of Iran to decrease the associated uncertainties. The resulting map includes 123 fault segments, still, a part of which has been expressed in the previously compiled active-fault maps of Iran. Indeed, the new one is mapping the poorly exposed active faults, so-called secondary faults, which are able to produce strong events. These faults are primarily associated with poorly defined areas that accommodate low levels of seismicity; however, sporadic strong events are likely to occur. It has also been investigated that these kinds of faults are seismogenic and are able to produce destructive events. In total, the outcome of this study can also be jointed with seismic studies for investigating parts of the earthquake activity in central-east Iran, in particular for the fault-based approaches in impending earthquake-resistant buildings.

Improving seismic fault mapping through data conditioning using a pre-trained deep convolutional neural network: A case study on Groningen field

Seismic fault interpretation is a crucial and indispensable step in reservoir exploration that requires substantial time. As a result, much research has been dedicated to applying deep learning in this venture. Deep learning has shown significant progress in the identification of seismic faults. However, its applicability has been hindered given the lack of appropriate labelled fault data and poor seismic imaging. The deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) employed in this study is a cutting-edge deep learning technique for image improvement and identification.In this study, detecting seismic faults and improving seismic imaging using a pre-trained DCNN is proposed using the Groningen field that has complexity in accurately imaging sub-salt geological structures as a case study. The presence of salt in the field causes wave attenuation. The fault mapping procedure is considered a segmentation of the 3D seismic problem and trains an encoder-decoder architecture, using a Deep Residual U-net, to generate a fault probability volume. A decent fault prediction result is achieved on the Groningen seismic volume. The next step of this study involved seismic data conditioning, where DCNN is applied to denoise volumes to improve visualisation, significantly below the salt structure. The DCNN, when used to improve seismic imaging, achieved a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 30.2, which is almost quadruple that of the original volume. Faults were mapped on the conditioned volume using DCNN, resulting in an improved seismic fault probability volume. This technique achieved distinctively interpreted faults illustrating the significant improvements DCNN brings to the seismic imaging process. In interpreting new seismic volumes with poor imaging and low signal-to-noise ratio, caused by a change in seismic frequency and amplitude propagating through an attenuating medium like the Groningen field, researchers and geophysicists may apply the DCNN for volume conditioning before mapping seismic faults using neural networks.

High-Detail Fault Segmentation: Deep Insight into the Anatomy of the 1983 Borah Peak Earthquake Rupture Zone (Mw 6.9, Idaho, USA)

Abstract Following observations made in a survey campaign along the Lost River Fault (Idaho, USA) in 2019, we integrate both original and previously published data to obtain a detailed segmentation of the fault sections that failed in the 1983 Borah Peak earthquake (Mw 6.9). The earthquake ruptured the topographic surface with an oblique-normal faulting mechanism, activating two SW-dipping fault segments (Thousand Springs and Warm Springs) and a branching SSW-dipping fault (Arentson Gulch Fault) and producing coseismic surface ruptures with up to 3 m of vertical separation. We augment the 1983 earthquake description by interpreting high-resolution topography and fault mapping. We use quality vertical separation data, rupture zone width measurements, and fault slip data to analyze major and minor structural-geometric complexities, highlighting a partition of the deformation and a fault segmentation into four detail levels (i.e., segments, sections, subsections, and sectors). Our work provides new details of the 1983 Borah Peak earthquake, constraints for paleoseismic and seismotectonic studies, and a methodological approach applicable in other areas of the world. Our fault-slip data show variations along fault-strike that we interpret as kinematic partitioning. In 1983, the main southern segment had a large rupture zone width, while the northern segment localized the deformation. The distributed ruptures accommodate a large portion of the rupture length (~19.5 km versus 31 km for the main rupture) and displacement (~66%). 83% of the surface faulting and 80% of the displacement are located at the hanging wall of the main rupture. There is a strong correlation between vertical separation, rupture zone width, rupture position (footwall or hanging wall), and fault geometry. We highlight the control of the obliquity and kinematic partitioning in the surface expression of the earthquake propagation. We interpret the coseismic (i.e., 1983) and long-term (i.e., Quaternary) behavior, showing that the two activated segments had similar cumulated behaviors in distributing the deformation between synthetic and antithetic ruptures, despite the different geometries. Our results have implications for fault rupture behavior with application to rupture hazard.

Semiautomatic Algorithm to Map Tectonic Faults and Measure Scarp Height from Topography Applied to the Volcanic Tablelands and the Hurricane Fault, Western US

Abstract Observations of fault geometry and cumulative slip distribution serve as critical constraints on fault behavior over temporal scales ranging from a single earthquake to a fault’s complete history. The increasing availability of high-resolution topography (at least one observation per square meter) from air- and spaceborne platforms facilitates measuring geometric properties along faults over a range of spatial scales. However, manually mapping faults and measuring slip or scarp height is time-intensive, limiting the use of rich topography datasets. To substantially decrease the time required to analyze fault systems, we developed a novel approach for systematically mapping dip-slip faults and measuring scarp height. Our MATLAB algorithm detects fault scarps from topography by identifying regions of steep relief given length and slope parameters calibrated from a manually drawn fault map. We applied our algorithm to well-preserved normal faults in the Volcanic Tablelands of eastern California using four datasets: (1) structure-from-motion topography from a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS; 20 cm resolution), (2) airborne laser scanning (25 cm), (3) Pléiades stereosatellite imagery (50 cm), and SRTM (30 m) topography. The algorithm and manually mapped fault trace architectures are consistent for primary faults, although can differ for secondary faults. On average, the scarp height profiles are asymmetric, suggesting fault lateral propagation and along-strike variations in the fault’s mechanical properties. We applied our algorithm to Arizona and Utah with a specific focus on the normal Hurricane fault where the algorithm mapped faults and other prominent topographic features well. This analysis demonstrates that the algorithm can be applied in a variety of geomorphic and tectonic settings.

3D seismic interpretation and prospect identification of the dembe field offshore, Niger delta, Nigeria

3D seismic interpretation and prospect evaluation has been carried out in a hydrocarbon bearing field, standard method of seismic interpretation which includes fault interpretation, well-seismic tie, and horizon mapping were carried out with the aid of seismic attributes such as variance edge and root mean square attributes. Well-seismic-tie established a reasonable tie and indicated that the identified reservoirs were of low impedance as the top of this reservoirs coincided with the troughs. TWT vs Depth plot showed a linear trend which aided in creating a velocity model for the time-depth conversion. Fault mapping revealed that the area was divided into 8 blocks by regionally extensive faults associated with several minor faults which are normal and listric in geometry. Petrophysical analysis showed that the reservoirs has an average porosity of 0.24, water saturation of 0.35, and net-to-gross of 0.78 which are favourable reservoir conditions. A lead Dembe-3, and 2 prospects Dembe-1 and Dembe-2 were identified. Volumetric estimation shows that the prospects boasts of a combined petroleum reserve of about 134 MMSTB of recoverable oil and about 167 BCF of recoverable gas. The results from this study show that, away from currently producing zones of the Dembe field, additional lead and prospects exist which could be further explored to optimize hydrocarbon production in the field. Â

THE UTILIZATION OF GEO VISUALIZA THE UTILIZATION OF GEO VISUALIZATION TO DETERMINE THE FINAL WASTE DISPOSAL LOCATIONS IN BANYUMAS REGENCY

ABSTRACT
 
 The increasing population in Banyumas Regency has consequently impacted on the increasing amount of waste to manage. The old final waste disposal places are no longer capable to hold the amount of waste produced by the people of Banyumas Regency. Thus, Banyumas Regency has recently been in the emergency state dealing with its waste management. Banyumas Regency requires new final waste disposal locations since the old ones are no longer feasible. Thus, it is required to find new final waste disposal locations. This research employed a descriptive method with a spatial approach. The geographic information system (GIS) was performed to determine the final waste disposal locations by using the weighing and scoring method followed with the overlay maps. Those maps included the administrative map, river map, land-use map, waste-risk area map, flood-prone-area, landslide-prone area, earthquake-prone-area, fault map, slope map, rainfall map, and population density map. The results of this research show that the alternative final waste disposal locations in Banyumas Regency are best located in Kalibagor district covering the areas of Srowot, Kalisorga Wetan, Petir, and Pajerukan Village; while in Purwojati district covering the area of Purwojati and Karangtalun Kidul Village.
 
 Keywords: spatial analysis, Final Waste Disposal, waste

Microcontinent Breakup and Links to Possible Plate Boundary Reorganization in the Northern Gulf of California, México

AbstractFaults on microcontinents record the dynamic evolution of plate boundaries. However, most microcontinents are submarine and difficult to study. Here, we show that the southern part of the Isla Ángel de la Guarda (IAG) microcontinent, in the northern Gulf of California rift, is densely faulted by a late Quaternary‐active normal fault zone. To characterize the onshore kinematics of this Almeja fault zone, we integrated remote fault mapping using high‐resolution satellite‐ and drone‐based topography with neotectonic field‐mapping. We produced 13 luminescence ages from sediment deposits offset or impounded by faults to constrain the timing of fault offsets. We found that north‐striking normal faults in the Almeja fault zone continue offshore to the south and likely into the nascent North Salsipuedes basin southwest of IAG. Late Pleistocene and Holocene luminescence ages indicate that the most recent onshore fault activity occurred in the last ∼50 kyr. These observations suggest that the North Salsipuedes basin is kinematically linked with and continues onshore as the active Almeja fault zone. We suggest that fragmentation of the evolving IAG microcontinent may not yet be complete and that the Pacific‐North America plate boundary is either not fully localized onto the Ballenas transform fault and Lower Delfin pull‐apart basin or is in the initial stage of a plate boundary reorganization.

Fault Mapping of the Gassum Formation Reservoir and the Fjerritslev Formation Caprock Interval at the Stenlille Gas Storage Site Using a Pre-Trained Convolutional Neural Network

Fault Mapping of the Gassum Formation Reservoir and the Fjerritslev Formation Caprock Interval at the Stenlille Gas Storage Site Using a Pre-Trained Convolutional Neural Network

Big Earth data processing using machine learning for integrated mapping of the Dead Sea Fault, Jordan

Big Earth data processing using machine learning for integrated mapping of the Dead Sea Fault, Jordan

Mapping of oil-source faults in reservoir–cap rock combinations without a source rock

Oil and gas exploration near faults in shallow strata is investigated in this study based on an analysis of oil-source faults in reservoir–cap rock combinations without a source rock. The oil-source faults were mapped by superimposition of the distribution area of oil-source faults and the leakage area of cap rocks. This method is applied to the mapping of oil-source faults for two sets of reservoir–cap rock combinations without a source rock in the Banqiao area of the Qikou Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China. Combination B is formed by a mudstone cap rock of the middle sub-member of the 1st member of the Shahejie Formation (E3s1M) with its underlying reservoir, while Combination C is formed by a mudstone cap rock of the 2nd member of the Dongying Formation (E3d2) with its underlying reservoir. The results show that the oil-source faults of Combination B are relatively better developed and mainly occur in the northeast and southeast, while those of Combination C are not as well developed and are only distributed at the southeastern edge of the study area with a small proportion in the north. These results are consistent with the fact that oil and gas are mainly distributed near oil-source faults, proving the method proposed is workable in determining the oil-source faults in reservoir–cap rock combinations without a source rock.

Detailed structural analysis of digital outcrops: A learning example from the Kermanshah-Qulqula radiolarite basin, Zagros Belt, Iran

A digital outcrop example and associated structural analysis of highly deformed sedimentary strata from the Zagros Belt of Iran is presented. By providing this site in open-access, downloadable format, we aim to make this excellent outcrop exposure accessible to a wide range of geoscientists. Digital data extraction techniques are used to constrain structural interpretations and cross section orientation, as well as kinematic restorations of interpreted structures. Structural analysis protocols provided here are well-suited to learning outcomes associated with digital cross section construction, interpretation and restoration. Complex deformation at the study locality and associated uncertainties in horizon and fault mapping yield interpretation and structural restoration results that are likely non-unique. Interpretation uncertainties are discussed in the context of geoscience education, with specific reference to the need for considering and assessing data quality and underlying geological assumptions. Our workflow and results can be used to bridge the gap between field-based training at undergraduate level and the proficiency in 3D digital environments required of professional geoscientists. By using digital outcrops to achieve learning outcomes, knowledge of underlying geological processes and practical skills in digital data handling and treatment can be effectively communicated to future geoscientists within the virtual environment.

Identification of disjunctive dislocations as one of the parameters for estimating a territory seismicity of North Sakhalin

The north of Sakhalin Island is characterized by frequent earthquakes and many disjunctive dislocations. One of the catastrophic earthquakes occurred in the settlement of Neftegorsk. The level of modern technologies makes it possible to track the change in environmental parameters accompanying dangerous natural processes with a high degree of certainty. The article proposes an interpretating technology for disjunctive dislocations detecting, which differs from the existing ones with the complex use and summation of satellite image data using image processing methods widely applied in “computer vision”. The study aims to compile and describe a map of discontinuous faults of the village of Neftegorsk, located in the northern part of Sakhalin Island, using the developed decoding technology and geophysical data. Methods: Identification methods used in the work: 1) methods of primary image processing (correction, transformation, resolution change, cropping, visualization); 2) a set of “contextual” and “autonomous” methods of lineament analysis, with the help of which a series of images is processed (canny, erosion, Hough’s algorithm); 3) methods for constructing maps of discontinuous faults (summation, sequential linking). Results. Using the developed technology, a map of discontinuous faults in the area of the Neftegorsk earthquake was constructed. The implementation of the technology makes it possible to provide the monitoring data on discontinuous faults to organizations that are engaged in seismic zoning, construction and operation of objects for various purposes, including mineral deposits.

Analysis and Routing of Basic Parameters of Tasuj Earthquake (April 2013, Northwest of Iran) with an Emphasis on Geodetic Data, Foreshocks and Large Aftershocks

Abstract In the science of seismology, issues such as the study of tectonic seismic maps and the identification of the behavioural pattern of pre-earthquakes and aftershocks are among the cases that have been proposed as the basis of applied geological studies in recent decades. Accordingly, numerous studies and researches in this field have been carried out in different regions of the world. However, the results of these studies so far have not been able to meet the needs of this field in a practical and practical way, and in this regard, there is a need to provide practical approaches in this field. In order to realize this approach, there is a need for specialized research and case studies in this field in order to be able to present studies on earthquake risk reduction in an institutionalized and practical way by identifying practical patterns. In this study, the basis of the case study, considering the special characteristics of Tasuj earthquake as one of the important earthquakes according to the basic patterns that can be provided in this field for this earthquake has been considered. Also geodetic analysis of Tasuj fault and the other faults studied for estimation of accuracy this analysis for prediction of earthquake. The results of this study indicate that the fault causing the Tasuj earthquake, contrary to what is presented in the fault map of the region and previous reports and articles, is of the strike-slip type, which should be corrected. Also, the analysis of the behavioural pattern of geodetic data, foreshocks and aftershocks as a precursor shows that these patterns can be used in predicting major earthquakes and large aftershocks. To predict the time of large aftershocks in this study, three phases have been used, which are based on changes in depth to magnitude, changes in seismic quiescence to magnitude and depth changes.

Joint‐Rupture Pattern and Newly Generated Structure of Fault Intersections on the Northern Margin of the Linhe Basin, Northwestern Ordos Block, China

AbstractThe activity of major active faults around the Ordos Block is of great interest to seismologists, as at least fourM ≥ 8 earthquakes have been recorded. However, the Linhe Basin, which has the thickest Cenozoic sediments, has no record of large earthquakes. Does this basin have the structural conditions required for large earthquakes? The northern boundary fault of the Linhe Basin is composed of the NE‐striking Langshan piedmont fault (LPF), E‐W‐striking western section of the Seertengshan piedmont fault (WSPF), and NW‐striking eastern section of the Seertengshan piedmont fault (ESPF). Based on large‐scale active fault mapping, this article analyzes data from 23 trenches, using an unmanned aerial vehicle to measure the faulted landform, and combines these data with Quaternary dating methods to acquire the paleoearthquake sequences of the LPF, WSPF, and ESPF. Furthermore, this article explores their rupture modes and discusses the structural evolution of two intersection points. Through paleoseismic comparison, seven trenches revealed historical earthquakes from 7 BC, with a common magnitude ofM8.1. The trenches also revealed seven paleoseismic events since the Holocene, which conformed to the periodic model with a period of 1.37 ± 0.11 ka. The elapsed time since the latest event (2.0 ka) has exceeded the earthquake recurrence period; thus, the area is currently at risk of anM7.4–8.0 earthquake. The NE‐striking LPF and E‐W‐striking WSPF are connected by two left‐stepping small fault segments. The E‐W‐striking WSPF and NW‐striking ESPF are connected by a large triangular relay ramp.

Earthquake effects and insights on fault activity at the Beatrice Cenci cave (Abruzzo, Central Apennines)

he focus of this study is the analysis of a cave in Central Italy, the Beatrice Cenci cave, in order to point out and constrain evidence of possible past earthquakes and of fault activity in the area. We performed a survey of seismic related damages within the cave. This included the analysis of broken/collapsed speleothems, the recognition of structural collapse, of tilting/growth alteration in the speleothems, and the mapping of fractures, joints and/or faults. To timely set the occurrence of the recognized damage, organic sediments were dated with 14C radiocarbon method. The results merged toward the recognition of two distinct seismic shaking events affecting the cave environment, one older than 30 kyr and another around 7 kyr. The deformation observed within the cave led us to the hypothesis that the events of damage were possibly linked to the activity of the regional tectonic lineament that crosses the cave, i.e., the Liri normal fault. The morphology and the evolution of the cave appear controlled by the fault zone. These speleoseismological results provided a new contribution on the knowledge of the past activity of the Liri fault and on the earthquake history of this sector of Central Apennines.

Deep borehole disposal of intermediate-level waste

Abstract. Around the world, deep borehole disposal is being evaluated for intermediate-level waste (ILW), high-level waste (HLW), spent nuclear fuel (SNF), separated plutonium waste and some very high specific activity fission product waste. In Australia, long-lived ILW from research reactors and radiopharmaceutical production represents the principal waste stream that requires deep geologic disposal. Whilst the Australian government has not yet made a decision on its preferred strategy for ILW disposal, deep borehole disposal of small volumes of ILW would be a more cost-effective and modular solution compared to a conventional geologic disposal facility (GDF). CSIRO, ANSTO and SANDIA have created an international partnership to execute a full-scale borehole research, development and demonstration (RD&D) project in Australia. The project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the long-term safety of borehole disposal in deep geological formations. The execution of this project could also demonstrate options for nuclear waste disposal that would reduce proliferation risks, potentially up to the termination of compliance with international safeguards requirements. The RD&D includes demonstration of surface handling and waste/seal emplacement capabilities, basic research on foundational science areas, and full-scale field testing in both a deep characterization borehole and a larger-diameter (0.7 m or 27.5 inch) 2000 m deep demonstration borehole. The multi-barrier system designed for such a deep disposal borehole concept places much less reliance on engineered barriers at the disposal zone to achieve safety as compared to a conventional GDF. It rather relies on geological features for waste containment. The concept being explored uses disposal containers with primary waste packages, such as vitrified waste canisters, inside; to be both cost effective and fit for purpose, such a container could have a mild steel-based structural component with copper coating. A critical review of six coating technologies showed that cold spray has the greatest advantages, such as minimal porosity and compressive residual stress. The RD&D has delivered novel enabling tools that assist with site screening, borehole design and post-closure safety assessments. For instance, an automated geological fault mapping and meshing tool was developed that assists with ranking the suitability of potential disposal sites based on proximity to faults. New codes were developed for better representation of fault zones in 2D/3D numerical flow and transport models, while also being more efficient to execute. Post-closure safety assessments tested the sensitivity of long-term safety with respect to disposal depth, rock permeability and sorption. Heat transport calculations explored the sensitivity of temperature evolution within the borehole to parameters such as heat load, borehole depth, geothermal gradients and rock thermal conductivity. For verification of host rock tightness while also demonstrating the absence of recent groundwater, a new noble gas analytical facility has been established for measuring rare noble gases in mineral fluid inclusions as indicators of very old pore fluids.