Conceptual hydrologic model of flow in the unsaturated zone, Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Technical Report · Mon Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:59692

Montazer, P; Wilson, W E

The purpose of this report is to propose a conceptual hydrologic model that reasonably describes the flow of fluids through the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, for use as a basis for preliminary site-performance assessment and as a guide to further investigations. Scott and others (1983) presented an initial conceptual hydrogeologic model for the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, based on detailed geologic, but very limited hydrologic, information. In this report, some of their concepts are examined and either supported or modified, and new concepts are developed. The model describes the manner in which flow probably occurs at Yucca Mountain and is based on: (1) current understanding of the hydrogeologic framework; (2) application of the principles of unsaturated flow; and (3) interpretation of some preliminary data from ongoing field and laboratory investigations. Included are extensive geologic information but relatively few hydrologic data that currently exist from the unsaturated zone in the Yucca Mountain area. Many uncertainties remain to be resolved concerning hydrologic conditions and processes. As a result, most of the concepts presented are intentionally descriptive and conjectural, with little quantitative basis provided. However, for the sake of directness and simplicity of expression, the model is presented as if it were a true expression of the facts. The authors recognize, and the reader should be aware, that the proposed model probably is not the only reasonable description that could be made at this point, and it certainly is subject to revision and quantification as more data become available. Although various alternative models probably could be developed, the one described in this report seems to fit current understanding of the unsaturated flow through a section of layered, fractured-rock formations with contrasting hydrologic properties, such as occurs at Yucca Mountain. 41 refs., 14 figs., 1 tab.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Lakewood, CO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AI08-78ET44802
• OSTI ID: 59692
• Report Number(s): USGS/WRI--84-4345; ON: DE85008346
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
58 GEOSCIENCES
ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FLUID FLOW
GEOLOGIC FISSURES
GROUND WATER
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY
HYDROLOGY
HYSTERESIS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
TUFF
YUCCA MOUNTAIN
Yucca Mountain Project