Pranesh Sengupta

Pranesh Sengupta

Materials Science Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085

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Homi Bhabha National Institute, Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai 400 094

‘Processes in the continental crust’ studies have largely remained focused on deciphering the Erath’s evolution since its inception. However, these knowledgebase provides very useful information while identifying/ designing / developing multiple barrier systems for interim storage and geological disposal of nuclear wastes. Depending on the ‘nuclear fuel cycle’ adopted by a specific country to pursue its peaceful atomic energy program, the requirements for geological repository vary. However, in general, depending upon the radioactive decay of waste components, such isolation period can be as long as 1 million years. This time length is much beyond any historical records and also our limit of imagination, popularly known as ’Deep Time’. Also carrying out any relevant experimental study, simulating the harsh service conditions, uncertain geological/societal scenarios over the predicted long time scale, is impractical. In this context, findings of ongoing multidisciplinary crustal studies constitute important basis of ‘long term safety assessments’ of man-made structures such as ‘nuclear waste disposal facilities’ and also to design more relevant ‘natural analogue’ study programs. Few such examples will be briefly discussed.