Mechanism

Surface traces

Surface traces can be part of mediated transmission mechanisms (e.g. alternative reuse of the disposal

Characteristics

site, intangible cultural heritage, education and research) and may be deliberately maintained over time,

but are notably conceived as a mechanism that does not rely on intermediary generations to

maintain/incite awareness.

As a deliberate RK&M preservation mechanism, it is recommended that a variety of actors and disciplines

are consulted about the concept and design of surface traces. This should extend beyond the

Actors

implementing agency and regulator, e.g. geologists, ecologists, historians, archaeologists, local

communities, and make connections with other on-site RK&M preservation mechanisms (e.g. markers,

alternative reuse of the disposal site/infrastructure).

Main

Whether intentional or unintentional, surface traces are likely to remain visible at a disposal site for a

very long time. Their implementation may be achieved at a reasonably low cost, or even at no additional

strengths/benefits

cost when evolving naturally from the disposal project (e.g. altered waterways, excavations).

It may be impossible to restore the surface environment to a purely “natural” state. In other words, this

mechanism is hard to avoid and thus best taken into account and addressed explicitly. For instance,

Specific

surface traces at a site for which other RK&M preservation mechanisms have been lost may lead to sub-

surface investigations or excavations (industrial archaeology). In themselves, surface traces are unlikely

issues/challenges

to provide a straightforward message about the disposal site. Complementary mechanisms thus need to

be provided (e.g. sub-surface markers, references to the meaning of the surface traces in other

mechanisms such as the SER and the KIF).

International

The interest in industrial landscapes is growing internationally.

The concept and design of surface traces and their evolution over time may be discussed and followed

dimension

up internationally.

Markers (should aid surface traces in fulfilling their function of avoiding inadvertent intrusion)

Connection to other

Dedicated repository records: SER; KIF (can explain the meaning of surface traces)

Culture, education and art: Alternative reuse of the site and/or its infrastructure; industrial heritage; local

approaches/

history societies; education, research and training (can aid the preservation of awareness and meaning of

mechanisms

the surface traces)

Oversight provisions: Land use control.

• A. Storm, “Heritage messages of a post-nuclear nature”, in NEA (2015), Radioactive Waste Management

Information resources

and Constructing Memory for Future Generations: Proceedings of the International Conference and

Debate, 15-17 September 2014, Verdun, France, p. 71-73, OECD, Paris.

issued by the RK&M

• NEA (2013), A Literature Survey on Markers and Memory Preservation for Deep Geological Repositories,

initiative

study prepared in the framework of the NEA Initiative on the Preservation of Records, Knowledge and

Memory (RK&M) across Generations, OECD, Paris.

Other information

• Wisbey, S. (2012). “Marking the Location of Radioactive Waste Disposals – a UK Perspective”, Waste

Management Conference, Phoenix, Arizona, US. WM Symposia, US.

resources

• Storm, A. (2014), Post Industrial Landscape Scars, Palgrave Macmillan, US.

•

Neolithic hill forts

Examples

•

Mediaeval strip farming

• Open cast mines and quarries

Mechanism

Large, visible time capsules

Approach

Time capsules

Large, visible time capsules are purpose-built, sealed enclosures of a considerable size, kept visibly above

ground on the disposal site or elsewhere. They contain a cache of information items (which can include

Definition/description

documents as well as relatively small objects), dedicated to the repository or including references to the

repository among information about other topics. The large, visible type of time capsules are mainly

designed to be opened at pre-defined time(s) in the future.

Large visible time capsules can contain a large variety of information items, which should be chosen and

combined to be as self-explanatory as possible. The capsules can be designed for opening at an

How does this

indefinite time (non-mediated transmission), or, in the case of some specific large, visible time capsules,

notably for opening and re-sealing at specific times (mediated transmission). In the latter case, they may

mechanism contribute

be designed, potentially with duplicate capsules, to be opened, checked/curated, and re-closed. The

to RK&M preservation/

opening times can be inscribed on the outer surface of the capsule or an outer enclosure. The openings

How can it be

of large, visible time capsules are often overseen by a group of people and connected to

implemented?

commemorations or rituals, which creates an additional, intangible form of RK&M preservation,

complementary to the content of the time capsule. When placed at the disposal site, they may also serve

in first instance as a type of marker.

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Mechanism

Large, visible time capsules

Information: X

Records: X

Knowledge:

Memory:

Awareness: X

Scope

Low level of detail:

High level of detail: X

Depending on their content, large time capsules can preserve information with a high level of detail.

What is the main geographical or administrative-political scope

(development/implementation/operation) of the mechanism? On which scale does the mechanism

notably enable RK&M preservation?

[Note also the field “International dimension” further below.]

Local: X

Regional: X

National: X

International:

Virtual:

The awareness preservation function of on-site, large and visible time capsules functions locally. But the

opening of a large, visible time capsule, especially when organised as a commemoration or ritual, would

be a noteworthy event, to be communicated on a national or even an international scale. Virtual

coverage of the content and the opening of the time capsule could also be possible.

Which timescale(s) is this mechanism mainly aimed at (target timescale)?

Long term: X

Medium term: X

Short term:

Very short term:

Time capsules are typically designed for a minimum of 100 years, some have planned lifetimes for over

6000 years. Depending on their opening strategy, they can target the medium term as well as the long

term (in which case they may aid to install a renewed period of oversight).

When should this mechanism be implemented? This may or may not be equal to the target timescale.

Pre-operational:

Operational:

Pre-closure: X

Post-closure: X

The implementation of this mechanism refers to the closure of the filled time capsule and its definitive

Timescales

emplacement. In order for them to include as much information as possible about the disposal project,

this would happen in the preor post-closure phase.

When should this mechanism be developed? This may or may not be equal to the implementation

timescale.

Done: X

Pre-operational:

Operational: X

Pre-closure: X

Post-closure:

Some time capsules already exist (hence: done), but these are not related to disposal projects. Repository

related information may also be added to existing, mediated time capsules if such adding of information

fits their strategy. The development of new time capsules dedicated to or including repository

information would best be developed during the operational phase, to be ready for installation upon

repository closure.

Should the mechanism be implemented intentionally (e.g. time capsules) or is its emergence largely

unintentional (e.g. surface traces) or can it not be fully controlled (e.g. art work)?

Intentional: X

Unintentional:

Cannot be controlled:

Time capsules are a clear example of intentional implementation.

Is the mechanism mainly tangible or intangible?

Characteristics

Tangible: X

Intangible:

Large time capsules and their content are tangible. Strategies around their opening are intangible.

Does the mechanism mainly rely on mediated transmission or non-mediated transmission?

Mediated transmission:

Non-mediated transmission: X

Time capsules can function and notably be seen as a non-mediated RK&M transmission mechanism.

Nevertheless, visible time capsules can be developed to deploy a mediated transmission mode

(including maintenance, openings, content checks/updates and re-sealing), too. Then, they combine

both mediated and non-mediated transmission modes.

Time capsules can involve a very large array of actors (families, corporations, societies, etc.). Large, visible

time capsules dedicated to waste disposal related RK&M preservation could be the responsibility of the

Actors

implementing agency, working alongside the host community and local authorities, and involving

multiple disciplines (communication specialists, material scientists, artists, etc.) and organisations (e.g.

local history societies) for their development and implementation. National and international agencies

may be involved e.g. for registering their existence.

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Mechanism

Large, visible time capsules

Large time capsules can be designed to be visible, robust, immobile and long-lasting. Some time

capsules have planned lifetimes of over 6 000 years. They are thus fit for non-mediated transmission

aimed at the long term.

The time capsule concept is well developed and “ready-to-go”.

Main

The opening of the (control) capsule at regular intervals provides the basis for a recurring ritual, as well

strengths/benefits

as the opportunity to apply the most recent preservation techniques for improving the longevity of its

content and potentially arresting or reversing degradation.

Overall, time capsules have the potential to be well-integrated with other mechanisms within a systemic

approach (see also below), but they can ultimately also preserve an independent RK&M function should

other mechanisms have failed.

Large, visible time capsules may be expensive to develop and install, and may quite quickly be viewed as

anachronistic. Quality control related to their content over time cannot be assured. The relevance and

Specific

interpretability of their content cannot be guaranteed over time, especially in the case of non-mediated

issues/challenges

transmission.

They are also vulnerable to naturally and human-induced degradation (severe weather conditions,

vandalism).

International

There is general interest in time capsules across the international community (and a number of informal

associations, such as the International Time Capsule Society). Large time capsule projects are discussed

dimension

and registered internationally.

Markers: Surface markers; Monuments (time capsules can be seen as a particular type of marker themselves

and they can also work together with other markers, e.g. being part of a monument)

Memory Institutions: Archives (a maintained time capsule containing records can be seen as a sort of archive

Connection to other

or a complement to traditional archives)

International Mechanisms (international time capsule societies and registers exist)

approaches/

Dedicated Repository Records: SER; KIF (can be included in a large time capsule)

mechanisms

Culture, Education and Art: Local history societies (can be involved with the content of time capsules);

Intangible cultural heritage (openings can be part of commemorations or rituals)

Oversight (maintained time capsules can form part of oversight activities and oversight information can be

included in their content)

Information resources

• Pescatore, C. and Van Luik, A. (2016). Millennial Time Capsules as a Promising Means for Preserving

issued by the RK&M

Records for Future Generations. Waste Management Conference. Phoenix, Arizona, USA. WM

initiative

Symposia, USA

Other information

• Jarvis, W. E. (2003). Time Capsules: a cultural history. McFarland & Co., Inc. Jefferson, North Carolina.

resources

• The International Time Capsule Society (ITCS) in Atlanta USA provides a registry of time capsules

around the world, making sure that they are properly recorded. They provide a free online registration

form for anyone wishing to register a time capsule. The ITCS has a registry with about 1400 groups

and it estimates there are 14 000 to 15 000 in existence. https://crypt.oglethorpe.edu/international-

Examples

time-capsule-society/

• The Osaka Castle time capsule is a “dual-time” time capsule: two identical time capsules were buried

in 1970, with the control version designed to be recovered in the year 2000, and every 100 years

thereafter. See http://panasonic.net/history/timecapsule/

• The Crypt of Civilization Time Capsule at Oglethorpe University, sealed on May 28, 1940 and not to be

opened until May 28, 8113. See http://crypt.oglethorpe.edu/

Mechanism

Large, invisible time capsules

Approach

Time capsules

Large, invisible time capsules are purpose-built, sealed enclosures of a considerable size, buried at or

near the disposal site or elsewhere. They contain a cache of information items (which can include

Definition/description

documents as well as small objects), dedicated to the repository or including references to the repository

among information about other topics. They can be designed to be opened at pre-defined time(s) in the

future or upon accidental discovery.

Large invisible time capsules can contain a large variety of information items, which should be chosen

and combined to be as self-explanatory as possible. The capsules can be designed for opening at an

How does this

indefinite time (non-mediated transmission), or for opening and re-sealing at specific times (mediated

transmission). In the latter case, they may be designed, potentially with duplicate capsules, to be

mechanism contribute

opened, checked/curated, and re-closed. The opening time(s) can be inscribed on the outer surface of

to RK&M preservation/

the capsule, an outer enclosure or an accompanying surface marker. The openings of large, buried time

How can it be

capsules are often overseen by a group of people and connected to commemorations or rituals, which

implemented?

creates an additional, intangible form of RK&M preservation, next to the content of the time capsule.

When placed at the disposal site, they may also serve in first instance as a type of sub-surface marker to

create awareness.

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Mechanism

Large, invisible time capsules

Information: X

Records: X

Knowledge:

Memory:

Awareness:

Scope

Low level of detail:

High level of detail: X

Depending on their content, large time capsules can preserve information with a high level of detail.

What is the main geographical or administrative-political scope

(development/implementation/operation) of the mechanism? On which scale does the mechanism

notably enable RK&M preservation?

[Note also the field “International dimension” further below.]

Local: X

Regional: X

National: X

International:

Virtual:

The awareness raising function of on-site, large and invisible time capsules functions locally. But their

opening, especially when organised as a commemoration or ritual, could be appreciated as a

noteworthy event, to be communicated on a national or even an international scale. Virtual coverage of

the content and the opening of the time capsule could also be possible.

Which timescale(s) is this mechanism mainly aimed at (target timescale)?

Long term: X

Medium term: X

Short term:

Very short term:

Time capsules are typically designed for a minimum of 100 years, some have planned lifetimes of over

6000 years. Depending on their opening strategy, they can target the medium term as well as the long

term (in which case they may contribute to initiating a renewed period of oversight).

When should this mechanism be implemented? This may or may not be equal to the target timescale.

Pre-operational:

Operational:

Pre-closure: X

Post-closure: X

The implementation of this mechanism refers to the closure of the filled time capsule and its definitive

Timescales

emplacement underground. In order for them to include as much information as possible about the

disposal project, this would happen in the preor post-closure phase.

When should this mechanism be developed? This may or may not be equal to the implementation

timescale.

Done: X

Pre-operational:

Operational: X

Pre-closure: X

Post-closure:

Some sub-surface time capsules already exist (hence: done), but these are not related to disposal

projects. Repository related information may also be added to existing, mediated time capsules if such

adding of information fits their strategy. The development of new time capsules dedicated to or

including repository information would best be developed during the operational phase, to be ready for

installation upon repository closure.

Should the mechanism be implemented intentionally (e.g. time capsules) or is its emergence largely

unintentional (e.g. surface traces) or can it not be fully controlled (e.g. art work)?

Intentional: X

Unintentional:

Cannot be controlled:

Time capsules are a clear example of intentional implementation.

Is the mechanism mainly tangible or intangible?

Characteristics

Tangible: X

Intangible:

Large time capsules and their content are tangible. Strategies around their opening are intangible.

Does the mechanism mainly rely on mediated transmission or non-mediated transmission?

Mediated transmission:

Non-mediated transmission: X

Time capsules can function and notably be seen as a non-mediated RK&M transmission mechanism.

Nevertheless, large time capsules can be developed to deploy a mediated transmission mode (including

retrieval, maintenance, openings, content checks/updates and re-sealing), too. Then, they combine both

mediated and non-mediated transmission modes.

Time capsules can involve a very large array of actors (families, corporations, societies, etc.). Large,

invisible time capsules dedicated to waste disposal related RK&M preservation could be the

Actors

responsibility of the implementing agency, working alongside the host community and local authorities,

and involving multiple disciplines (communication specialists, material scientists, etc.) and organisations

(e.g. local history societies) for their development and implementation. National and international

agencies may be involved e.g. for registering their existence.

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