Geothermal Systems as Natural Analogues for Yucca Mountain Coupled Processes
Patrick Dobson and Timothy Kneafsey
Contact: Patrick Dobson, 510/486-5373, pfdobson@lbl.gov
Reserach Objectives
Geothermal systems provide an ideal opportunity for examining the long-term effects of coupled thermal-hydrological-chemical (THC) processes expected for the proposed radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Active and fossil geothermal systems provide important insights into the consequences of processes such as boiling, condensation, fluid mixing, and water-rock interaction associated with fluid flow in matrix and fractures, and can be used to test coupled-process models. Geothermal systems also allow observation of the effects of processes over much larger volumes and longer time scales than would be possible in laboratory or field experiments. The objective of this study is to evaluate potential changes in fluid flow resulting from the thermal impacts of storing high-level radioactive waste in fractured ash flow tuffs through characterization of the effects of water-rock interaction in geothermal systems.
To continue reading more about this project, view the 1-page pdf here.
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 Simplified log of the geology, porosity, and matrix permeability of the Y-8 Yellowstone core. Silicification in the lower portion of the volcaniclastic sandstone unit has resulted in reductions in porosity and permeability, thereby forming an effective seal to the unerlying convceting geothermal reservoir.
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