Geo-scientific evidence to support the I2 isolation function (geology & long-term evolution) as part of the Safety and Feasibility Case 1 (SFC1)

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Abstract

In preparation of the safety and feasibility case 1, the long-term geodynamic/tectonic/climatic evolution of Boom Clay and its geological environment in the Campine, NE-Belgium is studied. Time frames considered are the geological past (generally several millions of years) and the future 1 million year. The idea is that the present is a key to the past, and similarly, the past long-term evolution can be extended to predict what might happen in the future. It is expected that the future geodynamic evolution of the Campine will be closely related to the evolution of the Roer Valley Graben. Seismic activity and earthquakes will occur in the Roer Valley Graben and to a lesser extent in the adjacent Campine, possibly inducing re-activation of pre-existing faults. Subsidence and uplift will be the dominant geodynamic processes. Future climate evolution is expected to continue similarly as during the Quaternary, with an alternation of warm interglacial periods and cold glacial periods. Several representative climate conditions and/or transitions are identified for NE-Belgium, including a warm climate with and without a marine transgression, a cold climate with and without permafrost, and the presence of an ice sheet advancing over NE-Belgium, although the latter has a very low likelihood.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherSCK CEN
Number of pages120
Volume1
Edition0
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Publication series

NameSCK CEN Reports
PublisherStudiecentrum voor Kernenergie
No.ER-184

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