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Modeling unsaturated-zone flow at Rainier Mesa as a possible analog for a future Yucca Mountain

Conference ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/776449· OSTI ID:653928
Rainier Mesa is structurally similar to Yucca Mountain, and receives precipitation similar to the estimated long-term average for Yucca Mountain. Tunnels through the unsaturated zone at Rainier Mesa have encountered perched water and, after the perched water was drained, flow in fractures and faults. Although flow observations have been primarily qualitative, Rainier Mesa hydrology is a potential analog for Yucca Mountain hydrology in a wetter climate. In this paper, a groundwater flow model that has been used in the performance assessment of Yucca Mountain--the weeps model--is applied to Rainier Mesa. The intent is to gain insight in both Rainier Mesa and the weeps flow model.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); USDOE Assistant Secretary for Management and Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
653928
Report Number(s):
SAND--97-2743C; CONF-980516--; ON: DE98004100; BR: NM2690200
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English