Current status of the geoscientific research for long-term stability of the geological environment in the JNC's R & D programme

Abstract

  The concept of geological disposal of HLW in Japan is based on a multibarrier system which combines a stable geological environment with an engineered barrier system. However, special consideration is given to the long-term stability of the geological environment, taking into account the fact that Japan is located in a tectonically active zone. Development of research/prediction technologies for geotectonic events has been carried out to evaluate the long-term stability of geological environment in any given site. This paper describes an overview of geotectonic events in Japan from the point of view of the long-term stability of geological environment. Moreover, the current status of research/prediction technologies developed by JNC is summarized.