Posts by Colby in California

Fukushima reactor core battle continues

Mr. Page wrote a very well reasoned article. But..

The steel containment vessel surrounding one of the reactors at Fukushima has been breached. The last line of defense is gone, the material inside the core including the fuel rods are now freely interacting with oxygen and igniting. Radioactive materials are melting. Emergency workers who have desperately brought sea water in to the reactors and risked their lives these past 3 days have been pulled from the plant.

They have left.

I wanted to believe that the plant and its amazing design would make it. But I think this disaster is going to win. I think this is a terrible tragedy for the Japanese people, and the world. Nuclear energy is also a triumph, don't read me wrong. But, I think Mr. Page spoke too soon.

There is an AMAZING article on Wikipedia about the Chernobyl disaster. If you are finding yourself compelled by this natural disaster at the Fukushima plant in Japan, read about the accident at Chernobyl. And pray for the Japanese :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_disaster

Colby in California

Great analysis!

I feel that you are right on the money here :) You must have read the Chernobyl Disaster wiki; what a fascinating read. I hope you are absolutely correct and that no unforeseen physics or materials get included in the melt that breaches the containment vessel.

Colby in California