TITLE:
The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in the Active Tectonic Zone of Armenia is a Potential Caucasian Fukushima
AUTHORS:
Rauf Nadirov, Ogtay Rzayev
KEYWORDS:
Nuclear Disaster, Metsamor, Evaluation of Seismic Hazards, Tectonic Active Zone, Armenia
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.5 No.4,
April
19,
2017
ABSTRACT: This article describes complex geological structure of the region where Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant (MNPP) in Armenia is located. This region of the Lesser Caucasus is characterized by high volcanic activity, tectonic stresses, and movements along the edges of active, highly seismic tectonic blocks. Moreover, this station literally sits on the active tectonic fault of compression type. When construction of the plant commenced, seismic risks were significantly understated. This fact was confirmed by destructive Spitak earthquake with over 25 thousand death tolls. Analysis of intensitys of the earthquakes in the area of the MNPP, their focal mechanisms and risks of movements along active tectonic faults is given in the article. With reference to numerous papers of Armenian, Russian and European researchers regarding seismic hazards and risks in the area of the Nuclear Power Plant, the conclusion about the soonest shutdown and conservation of Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has been made.