Contrary to the information released by Tempco the Fukishima reactors were reported to have began melting down before the Tsunami hit and took out the backup Diesel gen sets. I think that most reactor documentation requires the recording of X-ray welds to the plumbing which keeps the whole pile cool i.e static pressure testing. I don't think that the welds are tested for shear forces so even a relatively minor earthquake could prove to be quite disastrous.

http://vimeo.com/27481567

Just goes to show that even a reactor can begin to fall apart quite drastically just to lack of maintenance and rodents chewing cables.


BTW I hope the radioactive fall out mentioned in a previous thread (postulated that it was a buildup of Radon Gas in the atmosphere) doesn't herald a massive quake in the next few weeks.

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=229952#Post229952