Geophysical Exploration of Deep Geological Repository Sites for Radioactive Waste

Course Description

This comprehensive training course offers a detailed introduction to the geophysical exploration of potential repository sites for radioactive waste. The course is designed for geoscientists, engineers, and professionals involved in the planning and execution of exploration programs for repositories. The aim of the course is to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement geophysical exploration programs tailored to regulatory requirements, specific geological conditions and exploration objectives for repository sites. The course will assist participants in understanding the specific geological and geophysical challenges of the site selection process and in developing customized exploration programs. These programs are designed to address key questions such as determining the location, extent, and thickness of the host rock formations and the spatial characterization of the major geological barriers. Another focus of the course is the evaluation of geomechanical and hydrogeological parameters that are crucial for the long-term safety of the repository. Participants will learn how these parameters can be linked to petrophysical properties determined geophysically. Practical exercises at several stages of the course will enhance the understanding of the participants for the needed prameters.

The course provides a comprehensive overview of geophysical methods that can be applied from the Earth's surface, as well as borehole geophysical techniques. Within the course materials these methods will be made prominent. Participants will learn how to effectively use and combine these methods to obtain detailed information about the subsurface. Techniques such as seismic, aero-geophysics, electromagnetic surveys, and gravimetry are included. These methods enable the creation of a detailed image of the geological structure and the early identification of potential risks.

A central component of the course is the integration of results from surface geophysics and borehole geophysics. Participants will learn how to combine these data to obtain a comprehensive image of the potential repository site and address the key questions for repository characterization. This integration is crucial for fully understanding the geological structure and ensuring the long-term safety of the repository. Participants will be equipped to analyse and interpret data from various sources to make informed decisions.

As part of the training program, participants are encouraged to develop their own geophysical exploration programs. Using case studies and practical exercises, participants will create programs tailored to specific geological conditions of different host rocks. These exercises enhance the understanding of the course content and allow participants to apply what they have learned directly. 

The course is aimed at professionals in the fields of geosciences, engineering, and environmental sciences who are involved in the exploration and evaluation of repository sites. By the end of the course, participants should be able to plan and implement geophysical exploration programs that meet the specific geoscientific evaluation criteria in the site selection process to ensure the safety and stability of a repository. 

The course offers a unique opportunity to become familiar with the latest geophysical methods and techniques and to gain practical experience in developing exploration programs. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and skills that they can apply in their professional activities. The course promotes the exchange of ideas and experiences and contributes to improving the site selection process and therefore also the safety and efficiency of radioactive waste disposal. 

Course Outline

1: Introduction to Radioactive Waste Management 

Overview of radioactive waste types and disposal methods Importance of geological repositories.

2: Geological Conditions and Repository Site Selection

Understanding specific geological conditions Geoscientific evaluation criteria in the site selection process Regulatory requirements.

3: Exploration Objectives and Challenges

Defining exploration objectives Addressing geological and geophysical challenges.

4: Geomechanical and Hydrogeological Parameters

Key geomechanical and hydrogeological parameters for repository safety Linking geomechanical and hydrogeological parameters to petrophysical properties.

5: Petrophysical Properties and Geophysical Linkages

Understanding petrophysical properties Techniques for geophysical determination.

6: Surface Geophysical Methods

Seismic methods and applications Aero-geophysics, electromagnetic and gravity surveys.

7: Borehole Geophysical Techniques Section

8: Case Studies and Practical Exercises

Development of specific geophysical exploration programs as part of the site selection process. Performance of several practical exercises during the different sections of this course.

Participants’ Profile

This comprehensive training course offers a detailed introduction to the geophysical exploration of potential repository sites for radioactive waste. The course is designed for geoscientists, engineers, and professionals involved in the planning and execution of exploration programs for repositories. The aim of the course is to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement geophysical exploration programs tailored to regulatory requirements and specific geological conditions.

Prerequisites

Basic Knowledge of fundamental concepts in geology, including different rock types, geological formations, and tectonic processes. Good knowledge of geophysical methods such as seismic surveys, electromagnetic methods, and gravimetry. Familiarity at a basic level with the principles and applications of borehole geophysical techniques, including logging methods and instrumentation.

About the Instructor

Dr. Dirk Orlowsky is a distinguished geophysicist with over 35 years of experience at DMT GmbH & Co. KG, specializing in exploration, engineering, consulting, and geosciences across various sectors including mining, oil & gas, civil engineering, and infrastructure. He holds a Diploma in Geophysics from Ruhr-University Bochum, where he also completed his doctoral thesis on seismic techniques. His career at DMT began with a focus on underground coal mines and expanded to high-resolution geophysical techniques for civil engineering and raw material exploration. Dr. Orlowsky has held several leadership roles at DMT, including Geophysicist in Charge and Project Manager, and has been instrumental in managing national and international projects. He has chaired international geoscientific societies such as EEGS-ES and the Near Surface Geoscience Division of EAGE and served as President of EAGE from 2019 to 2022, where he initiated the EAGE Division-Circles concept focusing on energy diversity, climate change, and mineral exploration. Dr. Orlowsky is actively involved in various committees, including the German Geophysical Society (DGG), the Union of German Geo-Scientists (BDG), and the German Society for Non-destructive Testing (DGZfP). He has organized numerous academic events, including international workshops and conferences on topics such as carbon capture and storage, deep geothermal and storage, and seismic imaging of complex structures. His teaching and mentoring efforts have guided around 50 students and trainees, and he has supervised several master's degree students in collaboration with universities. Dr. Orlowsky has published approximately 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, contributing significantly to the field of geophysics. His work has been recognized with various awards and distinctions, highlighting his integrative achievements and foresight in geosciences. As a peer reviewer and associated editor, he continues to influence the geophysical community, promoting innovative methods and solutions for complex geological challenges. Dr. Orlowsky's career reflects a commitment to advancing geophysical exploration and ensuring the safe disposal of radioactive waste through cutting-edge research and collaboration.

Dr. Andreas Schuck is a distinguished geophysicist with over 35 years of experience in seismic exploration, engineering geophysics as well as consulting and research across various sectors including geothermal energy, deep geological repositories, salt deposits, oil & gas, and civil engineering. He holds a Diploma in Geophysics from the Ruhr-University Bochum and completed his doctoral thesis on seismic wave propagation in anisotropic media at the Technical University of Berlin. Throughout his career, Dr. Andreas Schuck has held several leadership positions, including research group leader, head of the Seismic Processing and Interpretation section, and head of the Geophysics Department. Currently he is co-owner and managing director of the GGL Geophysik and Geotechnik Leipzig GmbH. Moreover, he was a lecturer in Applied Seismics at the University of Leipzig and for Geophysical Methods at the Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg for several years and he has supervised numerous master's theses in this context. Dr. Andreas Schuck is member of the committee of “Final Disposal of Radioactive Waste” of the Nuclear Waste Disposal Commission, which advises the German Federal Ministry for the Environment on scientific and technical aspects relating to the final disposal of radioactive waste. Within the German Geophysical Society he is active as spokesperson for the working groups on Applied Geophysics and on Geophysics of Final Repositories. In addition, as member of the EAGE he recently chaired workshops on radioactive waste storage.