Distribution and chemistry of diagenetic minerals at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada
Yucca Mountain is being studied as a potential site in southern Nevada for an underground high-level nuclear waste repository. A major consideration for selecting this site is the presence of abundant zeolites in Miocene ash-flow tuffs underlying the region. We have studied the distribution and chemistry of diagenetic minerals at Yucca Mountain using optical petrography, x-ray powder diffraction, electron microanalysis, and x-ray fluorescence spectrometry to identify factors controlling the distribution of these minerals and to understand the diagenetic history at Yucca Mountain. Diagenetic alteration is best developed in nonwelded ash-flow tuffs and in the nonwelded tops and bottoms of welded ash-flow cooling units having crystallized interiors. These nonwelded tuffs were vitric tuffs become progressively less hydrous with depth, and four diagenetic mineral zones are recognized beneath most of Yucca Mountain. 12 refs., 12 figs., 7 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 60098
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NBM--7013292; LA-UR-85-4032; ON: DE87013292
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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