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Geophysical model studies of the Tularosa Basin, New Mexicoico. Final technical report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6480286

The Tularosa and Jornada del Muerto Basins are two prominent north-south valleys in southern New Mexico. In 1975 two one hundred ton TNT equivalent tests were conducted in the Tularosa Basin by the Defense Nuclear Agency as part of the Dice Throw high explosive test series. In 1976, 620 tons of explosive were detonated in the Jornada del Muerto. Seismic records of these events revealed apparent anomalous surface wave propagation within the basins. Results of a shear wave refraction profile as well as reflection, gravity, and magnetic data have been used as input for theoretical computation of Rayleigh wave characteristics within the basins. The theoretically predicted group and phase velocities, as well as ellipticities, correlate well with those measured from seismic records of the surface waves excited within the basin. In general, the slowest surface wave group corresponds to the fundamental mode of the Rayleigh wave, while the earlier surface wave arrival can be correlated with the higher modes of the Rayleigh wave. The observed surface wave behavior has placed additional constraints upon the interpretation of the geophysical surveys of the basins. (Author)

Research Organization:
Southern Methodist Univ., Dallas, TX (USA). Dallas Geophysical Lab.
OSTI ID:
6480286
Report Number(s):
AD-A-054161
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English