Jakarta -In 1972, an extraordinary discovery in Oklo, Gabon, Central Africa, shocked the scientific world. A natural nuclear reactor estimated to be 2 billion years old was discovered.
Before humans designed nuclear energy as it is now, nature developed a sustainable chain reaction of fission. These natural nuclear sites, unlike modern humans, help outsiders discover the fascinating and mysterious history of our planet.
The discovery began when psychologists in France noticed something strange about the uranium sample in Oklo. Usually, natural uranium contains 0.72% of the uranium-235 (U-235) isotope, which is sought after in the nuclear fission process. However, the Oklo sample has a slightly lower isotope concentration, at 0.717%. Although subtle, this difference meant a revolution for them.
As quoted from Ecoticias, in order for this to be realized, special conditions are required. The concentration of U-235 in natural uranium was 3% two billion years ago and decayed much faster than uranium-238.
Finally, water acts as a neutron moderator to slow it down and control the chain reaction in groundwater. So, uranium deposits, water supplies, and geology create natural reactors that sometimes function for several thousand years.
Like most current light water reactors, the Okel operation is also a steady-state chain reactor. Neutrons are slowed down by pouring water into the uranium deposit, causing fission. Water must be heated before it reacts with sulfur trioxide to form sulfuric acid. This means that when the water is heated, it evaporates, and the reaction stops.
The area repeatedly experiences flooding, then evaporates when the area becomes cold, and water re-enters the area. This self-regulating process has been ongoing for thousands of years.
The uranium deposits are large enough and concentrated in sufficient quantities to form a critical mass. All other potential natural analog reactors may have eroded or been subducted quickly, but Gabon’s specific geology has preserved this phenomenon. The reactor had to stop its operation. This occurs naturally after the reactor can no longer undergo the fission process, or in other words, after using up U-235.
Revolutionizing Nuclear Waste Disposal
Basically, this discovery draws attention to the possibility of ancient reactors and provides evidence that nature can form complex systems similar to the advanced technology available to humans. It is truly remarkable to know that the forces present on Earth have had extraordinary dynamics throughout the history of this planet.
The discovery in Oklo has profound philosophical significance. First, as a source of sustainable nuclear fission, it provides information on how the process occurs without human intervention. This is very helpful in simplifying the nuclear reaction model and leading to improved reactor safety.
In addition, this site has also been analyzed for its potential role in nuclear waste disposal. However, after billions of years of radioactive decay, the fission products from the Oklo reactor did not spread from their deposits. By learning from this natural example of radioactive containment, lessons can be drawn for modern nuclear waste management and disposal guidelines.
Uncover the History of Earth
Currently, the Oklo reactor is stored in a museum and is being analyzed by scientists around the world. For example, the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria, has assembled parts of the ancient reactor and offers people the opportunity to contemplate this wonder. Most of these samples contain low-level radioactivity, and with proper precautions, the specimens can be easily handled and represent pieces of the Earth from millions of years ago.
Natural events provide a strong example through the natural reactor of Oklo. Researchers have confirmed that billions of years ago, Earth formed a nuclear reactor in an environment so precise that it rivals human construction. This discovery not only significantly changed our understanding of nuclear fission but also made humanity aware of the true power of nature.
