Contribución de los isótopos estables a la gestión de residuos radiactivos de alta actividad

Abstract

Stable Isotope Geochemistry can contribute by means of the study of variations of δ¹⁸O, δ¹³c, δ²H and δ³⁴S values in the different phases present in the geologic formation selected as definitive radioactive waste repository, not only to the obtention of geothermometric data, but also to the knowledge of the groundwaters present in the formation. Moreover, the study of fissure fillings yield information on possible past hydrothermal events altering the host rock, paleoclimatic data, and, above all, paleohydrologic data, which are quite necessary for a repository evaluation. Isotopic studies of surrounding materials can give information on paleoclimatic and environmental parameters. Specifically, isotopic composition of clays, and lacustrine and edaphic carbonates yield data on ancient environment. The speleothems would give accurate paleothermometric information, and the study of other materials such as vegetation, phosphate fossils, etc., would complement the repository environmental information.