1

Trevion Brailsford, Cole Britt, Kameron Scroggins, Jacob Wallace

Dr. Mahmoud Gharavizadeh

Geology 111-13

30 September 2018

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is when nuclear reactions releases energy to generate heat. Nuclear

reactions are created from fissile uranium material. This fissile uranium isotope is known as U-

235. Nuclear power is a unique source of energy because the emissions from nuclear fission are

remarkably lower than those associated with oil, coal, and other fossil fuels. Nuclear energy does

have environmental impacts as a result of the nuclear fuel cycle, operation, and the occurrence of

nuclear accidents (Pappas). Nuclear energy can produce massive outputs of power and can easily

meet the energy demands of a large population. It’s geologic

origin, environmental impact, economic benefits, all make

nuclear energy a viable source of energy.

Nuclear energy’s source material, uranium isotope U-

235 makes up only .7% of all uranium material in the earth’s

crust. However, this isotope is the only type of Uranium that

can be used in nuclear fission. Uranium is primarily extracted

from an ore called uraninite or pitchblende as it was previously

known. Uranium occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and water. It appears with a silvery-white

metallic appearance (Montoro). It’s radioactive properties cause it to combine with other

minerals and thus can be found in traces almost anywhere. Uranium deposits can be found in

many different types of rocks. Typically, uranium forms in porous rocks, filling the voids left
 2
behind by biologic material such as plant fossils and

algae. Uranium deposits can form inside of

sandstone, as by-products of copper inside of iron-

oxide breccia, or through intrusion of granite. Vein

deposits and volcanic hosted deposits can also occur

(World Nuclear Association). The areas with the

largest concentration of these deposits are Australia, Russia, Canada, and the United States. Once

extracted, it must be processed of impurities and other minerals. During this process suitable

uranium is produced after going through various changes; from yellowcake to uranium

hexafluoride (Ragheb).

Environmentally, people believe

that Nuclear Energy is a clean source to

use because it does not emit carbon

dioxide like other sources of energy like

coal. This is true, although, there are other

repercussions on the environment from

using this energy source. Building power

plants takes a toll on the environment

because high amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere during the process of

construction. Nuclear power plants use uranium as fuel. The process of mining uranium releases

high amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment as well (Rose). A huge concern, regarding

environmental effects from nuclear power, revolves around the radioactive waste that the plants

produce. Currently, there is no definitive plan on how to store or get rid of all the radioactive
 3
waste produced from these power plants. This radioactive waste can remain active for over one

hundred years which has detrimental effects on the environment. The current solution is to keep

it within the power plant; but due to space constraints another proposed solution is to bury it in

casks in the Yucca Mountains in Nevada.

Economically, nuclear energy is an

expensive but viable option. While the

infrastructure for nuclear power is not as

readily available as coal or gas; nevertheless

uranium and its ores are not uncommon in

nature making them feasible for energy

dependence. Oftentimes, uranium ore is

simply extracted alongside other metals like

nickel and copper. Extraction is not the issue

holding back uranium. The largest economic strain is separating and uranium to a usable

condition for fuel. Another economic roadblock for the cost of transporting and storing the

leftover nuclear waste. While some by

products of uranium can be used for other

things, such as depleted uranium armor and

shells in tanks, most uranium by products

are hazardous and don’t decay easily

(Pappas). These by products require a

suitable remote site to decay. The cost of

cleaning up nuclear accidents, like the

 4
Fukushima disaster in Japan, also are quite expensive.

Nuclear energy holds a great potential to be a cornerstone in human energy dependence.

Nuclear power can produce amazing amounts of energy and its geologic abundance makes it

possible to extract in large amounts. Comparatively, it results in low environmental impact and

economically it isn’t outside of the realm of affordability. Continued research and investment

will further nuclear energy’s potential as an alternative energy source of tomorrow.

 5
Works Cited

International Montoro Resources Inc. “Uranium.” Montoro Resources, 2018,

www.montororesources.com/uranium.

Kivi, Rose. “How Does Nuclear Energy Affect the Environment?” Sciencing, 25 Apr. 2018,

sciencing.com/nuclear-energy-affect-environment-4566966.html.

“Geology of Uranium Deposits.” Nuclear Power in Canada - World Nuclear Association,

http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/uranium-

resources/geology-of-uranium-deposits.aspx

“World Uranium Mining Production.” Nuclear Power in Canada - World Nuclear Association,

www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/mining-of-

uranium/world-uranium-mining-production.aspx.

Pappas, Stephanie. “Facts About Uranium.” LiveScience, Purch, 24 July 2017,

www.livescience.com/39773-facts-about-uranium.html.

Ragheb, Mounir. (2007). ISOTOPIC SEPARATION AND ENRICHMENT.