It is hard for me to imagine

[thcri]

That a small town of 17k people has 10k of its population wiped out in less than minutes. I think we should allhug our loved ones tonight.

 

[Lia]

I entirely agree... something like this makes one re-examine their priorities.

 

[AAUTOFAB1]

For the most part we all take some things in life for granted..untill something tragic occurs,we all should take stock in our lives once and awhile to remember that disasters happen,and no matter how bad they seem the human race is caring and helpful,(for the most part) i know that most of the members here have donated their time and money to good causes and this tragic event will be no different, my thoughts and prayers go out to those in need and i know I'm not the only one.

 

[mak2]

This might end up being the biggest tragedy of our lifetimes, I wonder how the nuclear reactors will turn out.

 

[tsaw]

This might end up being the biggest tragedy of our lifetimes, I wonder how the nuclear reactors will turn out.

From what I've read all day today is that the nuclear threat is not what the news media hopes it to be. (ie: the sky is falling)
These points are key:
1) The nuclear power plants all shut down when the earthquake struck.
Control rods were automatically inserted to stop additional fusion.

2) Shutting down a nuclear reactor is not the same as turning off your car.
It is more like going 100 mph down the highway and turning off the ignition. It will take a while to coast to a stop.

3) During this coasting period - there is no additional combustion to make your car go faster - or even keep the same speed. You WILL slow down.

4) The problem is: The nuclear reactors lost it's cooling ability. Just as given the car scenario - you had better still be able to steer... the reactor needs water to cool and slow down process.

5) The worst case scenario:
is that the shut down process without the proper water to cool - melts the containment chamber. IE: Meltdown.

6) Even then this is no Chernobyl. That disaster had a graphite system in place that lead to a "nuclear fire" The plant was at full speed ahead.. and
blew up.

7) What we have here is a nuclear reaction shut down immediately.
and every hour that goes by - it is coasting to a stop.

I'm only telling what I've learned - I'm no expert.
Anyone who knows better can reply of course.

 

[mak2]

best explanation I have heard so far.

 

[waybomb]

And the recurring spikes in mSv is from venting, which is THE plan for shutting down a damaged reactor. Then more water is added along with more boron. Duh.

There will be no "meltdown", which by itself is not a technical term, but a term conjured up for that o-so-stoopid movie China Syndrome. It is a wonder that somebody in the press has yet to figure out where on this earth is the other side side of the earth directly across from Japan's damaged reactors, and setting up a remote there to record when the fuel rods burn up through the ground from Japan.

I mean, think about it, it "could" happen.

Jeez.