Geologic and hydrologic characterization and evaluation of the Basin and Range Province relative to the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Part II. Geologic and hydrologic characterization

Technical Report · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/60585· OSTI ID:60585

Sargent, K A; Bedinger, M S

The geology and hydrology of the Basin and Range Province of the western conterminous United States are characterized in a series of data sets depicted in maps compiled for evaluation of prospective areas for further study of geohydrologic environments for isolation of high-level radioactive waste. The data sets include: (1) average precipitation and evaporation; (2) surface distribution of selected rock types; (3) tectonic conditions; and (4) surface- and ground-water hydrology and Pleistocene lakes and marshes. Rocks mapped for consideration as potential host media for the isolation of high-level radioactive waste are widespread and include argillaceous rocks, granitic rocks, tuffaceous rocks, mafic extrusive rocks, evaporites, and laharic breccias. The unsaturated zone, where probably as thick as 150 meters (500 feet), was mapped for consideration as an environment for isolation of high-level waste. Unsaturated rocks of various lithologic types are widespread in the Province. Tectonic stability in the Quaternary Period is considered the key to assessing the probability of future tectonism with regard to high-level radioactive waste disposal. Tectonic conditions are characterized on the basis of the seismic record, heat-flow measurements, the occurrence of Quaternary faults, vertical crustal movement, and volcanic features. Tectonic activity, as indicated by seismicity, is greatest in areas bordering the western margin of the Province in Nevada and southern California, the eastern margin of the Province bordering the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and in parts of the Rio Grande valley. Late Cenozoic volcanic activity is widespread, being greatest bordering the Sierra Nevada in California and Oregon, and bordering the Wasatch Mountains in southern Utah and Idaho. 43 refs., 22 figs.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
• OSTI ID: 60585
• Report Number(s): USGS-CIRC--904-B; ON: TI85901877
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
58 GEOSCIENCES
ARGILLITE
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
EVAPORITES
GEOLOGY
GRANITES
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HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY
HYDROLOGY
IDAHO
NEVADA
NEW MEXICO
OREGON
PERMEABILITY
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
SEISMICITY
TECTONICS
TEXAS
TUFF
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
UTAH
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