Japanese volcanologists: several nuclear power plants at risk if major eruptions happen

japanese-volcanologists-several-nuclear-power-plants-at-risk-if-major-eruptions-happen

In a survey conducted by Mainichi Shimbun Japanese volcanologists said that several nuclear power plants around the country face dangers from potential large-scale volcanic eruptions. Survey was done by questionnaires distributed to nationwide volcanologists (university professors and associate professors).

50 out of 134 questionnaires were responded to in what is now the first quantitative expertise from the field of volcanology that has focused on possible risks to nuclear power plants from volcanic activity.

Respondents were asked to specify which of the nuclear power plants were at risk from a pyroclastic flow of rock and other fragments in the event of a large-scale volcanic explosion within the plants' maximum 60-year operating life, with multiple responses permitted. The Sendai plant received the highest number of responses at 29, followed by the Tomari plant at 25.

The Tomari plant, as well as the Higashidori Nuclear Power Plant in Aomori Prefecture (18 responses) and the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant in Saga Prefecture (16 responses), were also indicated as being in danger from calderas located along their peripheries. The Ikata Nuclear Power Plant in Ehime Prefecture received 11 responses, and the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture nine — indicating a decrease in risk the farther away that the plants are located from calderas.

Image credit: USGS

Nuclear power plants in Japan. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Multiple volcano experts said the reactivation of Japanese nuclear reactors should be deliberated only after the public has been informed of the risks volcanic explosions pose to nuclear reactors.

Nineteen researchers voiced their opposition to restarting the Sendai nuclear plant. Next on the list were Tomari at 15, Higashidori at 11, Genkai at nine, and Ikata at five.

The likelihood of major eruption within 60 years of nuclear power plants' life is small, but experts point out the risk precisely because there is a chance, however remote it is.

Source: Mainichi

Featured image: sakurajima by http://www.flickr.com/photos/52997533@N08/5660426714

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