Structure of Crater Flat and Yucca Mountain, southeastern Nevada, as inferred from gravity data
- Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA (United States)
- Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
Existing gravity data in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain and Crater Flat have been examined to determine if these data support only the caldera model or if they support other geologic models such as for a high-angle graben or detachment fault. The west to east isostatic gravity profile reduced for a density of 2.0 g/cm shows a gravity low of about 20 mGal centered only 2 km from the eastern edge of Crater Flat relative to a gravity high over the eastern boundary of Yucca Mountain. In the western part of Crater Flat, isostatic anomalies rise about 50 mGal across the flat, reaching a maximum gradient of 9 mGal/km about 3 km east of the Bare Mountain range-front fault. Computer modeling of these data indicate that a model that consists of a detachment fault that dips to the west at 12{degrees} under Yucca Mountain and interacts a 27{degrees} east-dipping Bare Mountain fault fits the observed gravity data generally as well as the caldera model.
- Research Organization:
- American Nuclear Society, La Grange Park, IL (United States); American Society of Civil Engineers, New York, NY (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 145389
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930408--Vol.2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Major results of gravity and magnetic studies at Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Major results of gravity and magnetic studies at Yucca Mountain, Nevada