Assessment of near-surface dissolution at and near the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), southeastern New Mexico
The area at and near the WIPP site was examined for evidence of karst development on the geomorphic surface encompassing the site. Certain surficial depressions of initial concern were identified as blowouts in sand dune fields (shallow features unrelated to karstification). An ancient stream system active more than 500,000 yr ago contained more water than any system since. During that time (Gatuna, Middle Pleistocene), many karst features such as Clayton Basin and Nash Draw began to form in the region. Halite was probably dissolved from parts of the Rustler Formation at that time. Dissolution of halite and gypsum from intervals encountered in Borehole WIPP-33 west of the WIPP site occurred during later Pleistocene time (i.e., <450,000 yr ago). However, there is no evidence of active near-surface dissolution within a belt to the east of WIPP-33 in the vicinity of the WIPP shaft. 26 refs., 11 figs., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5585308
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-84-7178; ON: DE85016225
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Assessment of the potential for karst in the Rustler Formation at the WIPP site.
Summary of site-characterization studies conducted from 1983 through 1987 at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site, southeastern New Mexico
Related Subjects
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
58 GEOSCIENCES
580100 -- Geology & Hydrology-- (-1989)
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CALCIUM SULFATES
CENOZOIC ERA
DISSOLUTION
EVAPORITES
FEDERAL REGION VI
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGY
GYPSUM
MANAGEMENT
MINERALS
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PILOT PLANTS
QUATERNARY PERIOD
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
ROCKS
SALT DEPOSITS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SITE SELECTION
STRATIGRAPHY
SULFATE MINERALS
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACES
TERTIARY PERIOD
USA
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT