A reconnaissance investigation of hydrogeochemistry and hydrology of Rainier Mesa
Rainier Mesa, in the northern part of the Nevada Test Site, provides a unique opportunity to study unsaturated flow in volcanic tuffs. This was accomplished by sampling soil waters on the mesa top and comparing them with waters in tunnels 200 to 350 meters below the surface. Discharge measurements were also made in the tunnels. The sampling was undertaken as a function of time over approximately a six month period in 1980. Analyses demonstrate the effects of evaporation and soil mineral dissolution on the concentration ratio of cations to silica. The residence time of Rainier Mesa waters was estimated in two ways. The first used a long-term trend in the cation to silica ratio observed in the tunnels which showed a maximum in June which might correspond to recharge of waters six weeks to three months prior. Groundwater seepage rates into the tunnels was the second method. Increased tunnel discharge was observed between three and six months after the estimated recharge event. Both methods indicate relatively short water residence times.
- Research Organization:
- Nevada Univ., Reno, NV (United States). Desert Research Inst.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-85NV10384
- OSTI ID:
- 60081
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NV/10384--05; ON: DE87008512
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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