• Featured in Physics

Record of Cycling Operation of the Natural Nuclear Reactor in the Oklo/Okelobondo Area in Gabon

A. P. Meshik, C. M. Hohenberg, and O. V. Pravdivtseva
Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 182302 – Published 27 October 2004
Physics logo

Abstract

Using selective laser extraction technique combined with sensitive ion-counting mass spectrometry, we have analyzed the isotopic structure of fission noble gases in U-free La-Ce-Sr-Ca aluminous hydroxy phosphate associated with the 2 billion yr old Oklo natural nuclear reactor. In addition to elevated abundances of fission-produced Zr, Ce, and Sr, we discovered high (up to 0.03cm3   STP/g) concentrations of fission Xe and Kr, the largest ever observed in any natural material. The specific isotopic structure of xenon in this mineral defines a cycling operation for the reactor with 30-min active pulses separated by 2.5 h dormant periods. Thus, nature not only created conditions for self-sustained nuclear chain reactions, but also provided clues on how to retain nuclear wastes, including fission Xe and Kr, and prevent uncontrolled runaway chain reaction.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 13 May 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.182302

©2004 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

A. P. Meshik, C. M. Hohenberg, and O. V. Pravdivtseva

  • Physics Department, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA

See Also

The Pulse of a Nuclear Reactor

Adrian Cho
Phys. Rev. Focus 14, 18 (2004)

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 93, Iss. 18 — 29 October 2004

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×