Disposing of nuclear waste under Earth's crust

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of disposing of nuclear waste by pushing it into the molten magma beneath the Earth's crust. Participants explore various implications of this method, including its potential effectiveness and risks, while considering geological factors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that injecting nuclear waste into molten magma could dilute the waste and confine it for long periods.
  • Another participant expresses agreement with the idea, considering it the best option among alternatives.
  • A humorous remark refers to the concept as the "biggest trash compactor ever."
  • It is noted that a similar idea has been proposed, suggesting disposal in oceanic rifts rather than on land.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for nuclear waste to enter a nearby volcano, leading to the release of radioactive materials.
  • A later reply argues that the distance of subduction zones and the slow transport of materials would render the radioactivity negligible by the time it reaches an active volcano.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative method of disposing of nuclear waste in a geologically stable pit, away from water tables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of support and skepticism regarding the idea of disposing of nuclear waste in molten magma, with some favoring alternative methods. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the geological implications or the specific conditions required for safe disposal, leaving assumptions and potential risks unaddressed.

Antiphon
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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
 
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i had the same idea maybe even on this forum. from all other options yous is the best.
 
rofl, its the biggest trash compactor ever!
 
This idea has been suggested already. The waste would be dropped into the rifts in the ocean, however, not on land.
 
What would happen if the stuff gets into a nearby volcano? You could get a dirty radioactive cloud!
 
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
 
Why bother? Dump the stuff in a geologically stable pit far below, and distant from the nearest water table, and forget about it.
 

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