Knowledge Centre
Here, you can find scientifically sound information on the topic of radioactive waste and its safe disposal.
Deep boreholes
Deep boreholes provide direct insight into the underground geological environment and its structure. Since 2019, Nagra has been drilling deep boreholes for the detailed investigation of the rock formations in the potential repository siting regions for a deep geological repository, Jura Ost, Nördlich Lägern and Zürich Nordost.
Offers for schools
Radioactive waste must be safely disposed of for up to one million years until it no longer poses a hazard. Is it even possible to find a safe solution for such an enormously long time? Nagra’s researchers believe that, yes, this can indeed be done. They rely on geology and on the fact that deep beneath the earth’s surface, time practically stands still.
Have repositories been constructed?
Deep geological disposal is an internationally recognised waste management solution. Some countries are already successfully operating low- and intermediate-level waste repositories, and Finland is constructing the first high-level waste repository, which will be ready in the next few years.
Mont Terri Rock Laboratory
The Mont Terri Rock Laboratory is an underground research laboratory in Canton Jura where 22 partners from 9 nations work together. As the primary research partner, we will gladly guide you through the rock laboratory, which is managed by swisstopo, the Swiss Federal Office of Topography.
Seismic surveys
Seismic measurements provide images of the underground geological environment that can be compared to those obtained from ultrasound. Seismic images capture information on the structure of the rock layers and the presence of geological fault zones. In recent years, Nagra has conducted various 2D and 3D seismic measurement campaigns.