- a) Briefly describe what nuclear fission is. Why were scientists initially intrigued by the
Oklo deposit and other local deposits?
b) What are the conditions that would be necessary for a uranium body to spontaneously
undergo self-sustained fission?
c) What are the three main questions that the author and his colleagues sought to
answer? - What is “neutron capture” and how is it an important mechanism that maintains a nuclear
reaction? How does the abundance of light elements help scientists estimate the duration
and energy output at Oklo? - a) What is xenon? How is the presence of xenon in certain mineral deposits proof that
Oklo was or was not a closed system?
b) How was Oklo able to maintain itself as a self-regulating reactor? - How does the study of Oklo and similar deposits help scientists and engineers with
managing the disposal of nuclear waste? In your personal opinion, do you think these are
worthwhile solutions? Please explain.