2026, Issue 2

EDN: FMWDJD

Authors & Affiliations

Shkarupa I.L., Ivanov A.S.
A.I. Leypunsky Institute of Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, Russia

Shkarupa I.L. – Head of Group, Cand. Sci. (Tech.). Contacts: 1, pl. Bondarenko, Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249033. Tel.: +7 (484) 399-70-00 (add. 55-84); e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ivanov A.S. – Research Engineer.

Abstract

The article describes models of natural nuclear georeactors. Estimates are given for their possible operability at present. At the time of Earth's formation about 4.54 billion years ago, there was approximately 76 % of ²³⁸U, 24 % of ²³⁵U and the total amount of uranium was roughly 2.6 times greater than it is today. The quantity and concentration of ²³⁵U were sufficient to form a critical mass in which both thermal neutron and fast neutron chain reactions could take place. The heat emission from Earth is estimated to be about 2.5 times higher than what would result solely from the radioactive decay of elements in the crust (radiogenic heat) and initial heating processes. This excess can plausibly be explained by the potential functioning of natural georeactors. A hypothesis is considered regarding the existence of natural nuclear reactors during the early stages of Earth’s formation when the isotopic composition of uranium differed significantly from that found today. These conditions may have created an environment conducive to the operation of multiple reactors, some of which might have produced new fissile materials. Therefore, there remains a possibility that such natural nuclear reactors still exist today. Studying these phenomena has significant implications for understanding the evolution of Earth's geochemical environment and mechanisms influencing its development. An evaluation of the likely isotope composition of current-day georeactors is presented along with a hypothesis on their most probable location. It is demonstrated that sustained self-sustaining chain reaction cannot occur in modern georeactors unless one considers that ancient georeactors operated as breeders over extended periods. The most plausible chemical composition of hypothetical currently active georeactors is also described.

Keywords
georeactor, plutonium, isotopic composition, breeders, coffinite, casalite, tyuyamunite, earth's crust, mantle, volcanoes

Article Text (PDF, in Russian)

References

UDC 621.039.5

Problems of Atomic Science and Technology. Series: Nuclear and Reactor Constants, 2026, no. 2, 2:10