The scientists of Natural System study the Yucca Mountain site to predict what will happen if a repository stores highly radioactive materials there. This information helps determine how effectively the rocks of Yucca Mountain would limit the movement of radioactive materials. Researchers study both natural processes, primarily water flow that could move radioactive materials from the site, and site features that could limit or delay this movement.
Radioactive materials can be dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years.
Therefore, the staff must define the range of conditions that could occur in the future. This time period is very long in human terms, but relatively short for the geologic processes being studied. To predict what will happen, researchers collect data of past and present conditions at Yucca Mountain. With this data, they will establish the range of conditions expected in the future, including possible long-term climate changes. Scientists test the soil, water, and rock, and record weather patterns, rainfall, and temperatures.