Seismic Refraction Investigation at a Radioactive Waste Disposal Site

The earth is characterized by many layers, each with different physical properties. When sound waves travel through the earth encounter a change in the physical properties of the material in which they travel, they will either reflect back to the surface or penetrate deeper into the earth; where they may again be reflected at another interface. At a geological interface some seismic energy will react when it encounters a subsurface layer. This physical property is closely associated with the density of a layer. A site earmarked for a radioactive waste disposal facility was assessed by means of seismic refraction survey for purposes of revealing the sub-surface information and to ascertain whether or not the site is ‘competent’ to host a radioactive waste disposal facility. The processed seismic information obtained indicates discontinuity in the rock-formation at certain points on the survey lines. These points have been mapped as the weak zones at stations 25 meters and 65 meters along line 2 and at stations 25 meters, 50 meters and 100 meters along line 3-spread 1.