Making a 3D model of the overburden and adjoining rock of the Morsleben nuclear waste repository
Country / Region: Germany
Begin of project: December 1, 2019
End of project: May 15, 2022
Status of project: March 14, 2022
Surface facilities of the Morsleben radioactive waste repository
Source: BGR
The aim of the project is to make a geological-tectonic 3D model of the overburden and adjoining rock of the Morsleben radioactive waste repository (ERAM), focussing on a 3D fault model and the fault block pattern above the salt structure and in the pre-evaporitic base of the salt sequence.
The 3D model incorporates the results of the seismic survey of the deeper horizons of the Allertal structure, as well as the surface mapping of the Helmstedt geological map produced by LAGB. The 3D model is also correlated with the borehole data, with the ultimate aim of producing an integrated 3D model, and to validate the geological interpretation of the genesis of the Allertal zone.
The 3D model acts as the database for hydrogeological modelling, as well as a 3D geological representation of the accumulated knowledge on the structure, and a visualisation tool for the planning approval procedure.
The modelling includes the following stratigraphic units: Tertiary and Quaternary (t+q), Upper Cretaceous (kro), Jurassic (ju), Keuper (k undifferentiated) in the structural zone; top Steinmergel facies to Upper Rheatian (kou-koo), Steinmergelkeuper (kmSM), Upper Gipskeuper (kmSO), Schilfsandstein (kmS), Röt (so-m), Middle Bunter Sandstone (sm), cap rock (cr), top and base Zechstein (z), top salt, faults.
Planned results:
When the work has been completed, a geological-tectonic 3D model of the overburden and adjoining rock of the Morsleben nuclear waste repository (ERAM) which comprises a 3D fault model and the fault block pattern above the salt structure will have been created according to the scientific and technical state-of-the-art. This incorporates the results of the seismic surveys (reflection and shallow seismic). It also considered the surface mapping undertaken by the Geological Survey of Sachsen-Anhalt, and then will be elaborated as an integrated 3D model. The model zones are then rated as certain, probable or assumed, to highlight any uncertainties.