Multi-geophysical Investigation of Geological Structures in a Pre-selected High-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Area in Northwestern China

摘要

A potential high-level radioactive waste (HLRW) disposal site in northwestern China was investigated to determine its suitability for such a use. The site is primarily covered with well-developed metamorphic granite rocks. The primary targets for geological repositories are three granite rock masses (I, II, and III). Only surface geological data were available from previous studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the rock mass and identify any weak geological structures that could jeopardize this future underground repository. We used gravity and aeromagnetic data on a large scale to study the regional geological structures within and around the three rock masses. Subsequently, in 2009, a controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) survey was conducted to study rock mass I in more detail.