Geomorphic estimates of the stability of a uranium mill tailings containment cover: Nabarlek, Northern Territory, Australia

Autor:	S. J. Riley
Rok vydání:	1995
Předmět:	Hydrology Soil Science Fluvial chemistry.chemical_element Windthrow Development Uranium Tailings Universal Soil Loss Equation Denudation chemistry Erosion Environmental Chemistry Surface runoff Geomorphology Geology General Environmental Science
Zdroj:	Land Degradation and Development. 6:1-16
ISSN:	1099-145X 1085-3278
Popis:	The geomorphic stability of the cover (cap) over the pit of Nabarlek Uranium Mine in Arnhem Land, Northern Australia, is important because radon gas and other long-lived radio-nuclides arising from mill tailings must be contained for long periods. The primary agents of denudation in the region's seasonally wet tropical environment of low relief are rainwash, overland flow, rilling and gullying. Other agents of erosion are of less concern, although biogenic agents of erosion (e.g. termites and windthrow) may enhance fluvial activity. A combination of modelling, using the Universal Soil Loss Equation, and analogue estimates of denudation and thresholds of rilling and gullying from areas with similar geology, topography and climate are used to estimate the stability of the Nabarlek cover. Denudation rates are conservatively estimated at less than 100mm ky−1. It is suggested that with some minor design modifications the cover will retain its integrity for several thousand years.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz:	https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_________::425549d20be8f30201a73de457544c99 https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3400060102 Zobrazit plný text záznamu Plný text