Disposing of nuclear waste under Earth's crust

  • Thread starter Antiphon
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Nuclear
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of disposing nuclear waste by pushing it into the molten magma below Earth's crust. The idea has been suggested before, with the potential benefits of diluting the waste and confining it for long periods of time. However, concerns about potential risks, such as creating a dirty radioactive cloud, have also been raised. Some suggest dumping the waste in a geologically stable pit far below ground to avoid any potential hazards.
  • #1
Antiphon
1,686
4
This may perhaps belong in a Geology forum but here goes.

Can anyone comment on the possibility of pushing nuclear wastes into the
molten magma below Earth's crust? I believe someplace near the Mojave
desert in the US the Earth's crust is only 4 or 5 miles thick.

I'm thinking that this would:
1) Perhaps greatly dilute the waste through a huge volume of viscous fluid
2) Confine it for enormous periods of time
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
i had the same idea maybe even on this forum. from all other options yous is the best.
 
  • #3
rofl, its the biggest trash compactor ever!
 
  • #4
This idea has been suggested already. The waste would be dropped into the rifts in the ocean, however, not on land.
 
  • #5
What would happen if the stuff gets into a nearby volcano? You could get a dirty radioactive cloud!
 
  • #6
mathman said:
What would happen if the stuff gets into a nearby volcano? You could get a dirty radioactive cloud!

mathman,

I think the subduction zones are far enough away, and sub-mantle
transport of material is slow enough; such that by the time the waste
reaches an active volcano - the residual radioactivity is neglible.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 
  • #7
Why bother? Dump the stuff in a geologically stable pit far below, and distant from the nearest water table, and forget about it.
 

1. How is nuclear waste disposed of under Earth's crust?

Nuclear waste is typically disposed of by burying it deep underground, usually in a specially designed repository. This repository is located under the Earth's surface and is often located in a stable geological formation, such as deep bedrock.

2. Why is disposing of nuclear waste under Earth's crust necessary?

Nuclear waste contains radioactive materials that can be harmful to humans and the environment. By disposing of it deep underground, we can ensure that it is isolated and contained, reducing the risk of exposure to these radioactive materials.

3. How does disposing of nuclear waste under Earth's crust affect the environment?

Disposing of nuclear waste under Earth's crust can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. On one hand, it removes the risk of exposure to radioactive materials. However, there is also a risk of contamination to groundwater and soil if the repository is not properly designed and maintained.

4. How long does nuclear waste need to be stored under Earth's crust?

Nuclear waste can remain radioactive for thousands of years, so it is typically stored under Earth's crust for a very long time. The exact length of time varies depending on the type of waste and the design of the repository, but it is typically stored for at least several hundred years.

5. Are there any alternatives to disposing of nuclear waste under Earth's crust?

There are some alternative methods for disposing of nuclear waste, such as reprocessing or deep sea disposal. However, disposing of waste under Earth's crust is currently the most commonly used method and is considered the safest option for long-term storage.

Similar threads

Replies
20
Views
9K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
13
Views
12K
Writing: Input Wanted Great Lakes Earth Map
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
57K
Back
Top