LONG-TERM FORECAST OF DENUDATION FOR NUCLEAR WASTE-DISPOSAL (WITH THESOUTH URALS AS AN EXAMPLE)

The problem considered in the paper is related to the safety of nuclea r waste disposal. The analysis of topographic maps and published data reveal factors that affect recent relief-forming processes in the Sout h Urals. These processes are characterized by the weak activity of den udation and accumulation. Studies of Cenozoic sedimentary cover confir med low morphodynamic activity of the relief during previous tectonic- climatic epochs. Reconstruction of ancient denudation surfaces made it possible to evaluate average denudation rates in the region. Extrapol ation of these rates into the distant future indicates the safety of d isposal of nuclear waste at a depth of several hundreds of meters belo w the day surface. The influence of denudation factor variability on i ts rate is considered.