Preliminary analysis of three-dimensional moisture flow within Yucca Mountain, Nevada
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (United States)
- BRGM, Orleans (France). Departement Eau
The continuous development of the three-dimensional site-scale model of Yucca Mountain Nevada is described. Three-dimensional moisture flow simulations are conducted, that show how the stratigraphic units and fault offsets and properties at Yucca Mountain create complex three-dimensional flow patterns. Even for a really uniform infiltration rates, these geological complexities result in large lateral flow components and often concentrated flow into the water table. When the major faults are assumed to act as capillary barriers, moisture buildup occurs close to the faults. Conversely, when the faults are assumed to readily absorb water and allow for vertical migration, lateral flow is greatly enhanced and relatively dry conditions are found in the rock matrix adjacent to the faults. These results suggest that careful observations of saturations and rock matrix conditions in rock masses near major faults may help determine the hydrological characteristics of the faults. The site-scale model has been used to predict conditions in wells UZ-16 and other wells, in order to investigate the predictive capabilities of the model. Gas flow and the Geothermal gradient have been incorporated into the model.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 145210
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-35388; CONF-940553-63; ON: DE94013097; TRN: 94:006214
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International high-level radioactive waste management conference, Las Vegas, NV (United States), 22-26 May 1994; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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