The fluid content of salt rocks is an important parameter to evaluate their barrier properties. The measurements are time intensive, and the results are highly dependent on the sample selection and preparation. Nuclear magnetic relaxation relaxometry is an established non-invasive petrophysical method, but it has not been used extensively for rock salt to date. The first results show that NMR has promising features with respect to the analysis of the fluid content of salt rocks.

In phase II siting regions will be explored above ground. The exploration requirements for the siting regions define the methods to be used. BGR develops a database, GeM-DB, that allows the research for exploration methods. The database entries consist of a description, attributes and the evaluation of the suitability and applicability for the host rocks and exploration objectives. Filters and selection options allow queries of the database content to generate sequences of exploration methods.

This contribution outlines that the BGE, implementer of Germany’s site selection procedure for a nuclear waste repository, likely underestimates the time necessary to characterize claystones within potential siting regions. Our latest experience originates from two research projects that developed sequence stratigraphic frameworks for largely homogenous claystone successions in Germany. We reckoned a total duration of 5 years for the workload in each of the abovementioned research projects.