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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Saturation levels and trends in the unsaturated zone, Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Conference ·
OSTI ID:145288

The unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, consists of interstratified nonwelded tuffs, which are locally altered to zeolites and clays, and welded tuffs which have laterally extensive lithophysal and nonlithophysal zones. The vertical heterogeneity and lateral homogeneity in rock types control the physical and hydrological properties. Water content and porosity within the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain can be quantified using geophysical logs. A log-based approach offers the advantage of in-situ measurements, continuous throughout a borehole. Water content and porosity can be determined with a pair of geophysical logs, such as the density and dielectric logs, as outlined in this paper.

Research Organization:
Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AI08-92NV10874
OSTI ID:
145288
Report Number(s):
CONF-940553--67; ON: DE94013978
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English