Selection of areas for testing in the Eleana formation: Paleozoic geology of western Yucca Flat

Technical Report · Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6872743· OSTI ID:6872743

Sweeney, J J

The Paleozoic geology of NTS is reviewed to select an area for underground nuclear testing in shale. Constraints on possible areas, dictated by test program requirements and economics, are areas with topographic slope less than 5/sup 0/, depths to working point less than 3000 ft., and working points above the water table. The rock formation selected is Unit J (argillite) of the Mississippian age Eleana Formation. Within NTS, Western Yucca Flat is selected as the best area to meet the requirements. Details of the Paleozoic structure of western Yucca Flat are presented. The interpretation is based on published maps, cross-sections, and reports as well as borehole, refraction seismic, and gravity data. In terms of subsurface structure and areas where Eleana Formation Unit J occurs at depths between 500 ft to 3000 ft, four possible testing areas are identified. The areas are designated here as A, B, C and the Gravity High. Available data on the water table (static water level) is reviewed for western Yucca Flat area. Depth to the water table increases from 500 to 600 ft in Area A to 1500 ft or more in the Gravity High area. Review of the water table data rules out area A and B for testing in argillite above the water table. Area C is relatively unexplored and water conditions are unknown there. Thus, the Gravity High is selected as the most promising area for selecting testing sites. There is a dolomite thrust sheet of unknown thickness overlying the argillite in the Gravity High area. An exploration program is proposed to better characterize this structure. Finally, recommendations are made for procedures to follow for eventual site characterization of a testing site in argillite. 22 references, 12 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6872743
• Report Number(s): UCID-20131; ON: DE84016427
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
58 GEOSCIENCES
NEVADA TEST SITE
GEOLOGY
STRATIGRAPHY
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
SITE SELECTION
BOREHOLES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
RECOMMENDATIONS
SHALES
WATER TABLES
CAVITIES
EXPLOSIONS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SURVEYS
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
450202* - Explosions & Explosives- Nuclear- Weaponry- (-1989)
580100 - Geology & Hydrology- (-1989)