INFILTRATION VELOCITIES AT SEDAN AND SCOOTER CRATERS. Final Report
Explosive cratering in desert alluvium may be likened to the blow of a giant hammer. The explosion causes crushing and compaction; and reduces the porosity and permeability of the dry alluvium. Infiltration velocities determined with 3 double-ring infiltrometers at 16 sites around Sedan crater and 18 sites in and around Scooter crater when compared to 16 sites on the unaffected flat show decreases in the mean infiltration velocity of 29 to 40 percent, from an average 2.78 inches per hour for the unaffected alluvium, to 1.98 in./hr at Sedan, and 1.58 in./hr at Scooter. Infiltration experiments indicate the relation between infiltration velocity and the other hydrologic properties, porosity, specific yield, specific retention, and permeability. Although all hydrologic properties of the surficial alluvium are adversely affected in the intake, storage, and yield of ground water, the alluvium retains sufficient characteristics to be classed as a good aquifer and a poor aquiclude. Measurements were made principally in the failback material. Three pits in the plastic zone and one pit in the compacted zone gave infiltration velocities lower than the average for the unaffected alluvium. The statistical sample in the plastic and compacted zones is too small for any conclusion. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Geological Survey, Denver
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-034066
- OSTI ID:
- 4680989
- Report Number(s):
- PNE-221F
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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