Hydrogeologic Framework Model for the Saturated-Zone Site-Scale Flow
Yucca Mountain is being evaluated as a potential site for development of a geologic repository for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Ground water is considered to be the principal means for transporting radionuclides that may be released from the potential repository to the accessible environment, thereby possibly affecting public health and safety. The ground-water hydrology of the region is a result of both the arid climatic conditions and the complex geology. Ground-water flow in the Yucca Mountain region generally can be described as consisting of two main components: a series of relatively shallow and localized flow paths that are superimposed on deeper regional flow paths. A significant component of the regional ground-water flow is through a thick, generally deep-lying, Paleozoic carbonate rock sequence. Locally within the potential repository area, the flow is through a vertical sequence of welded and nonwelded tuffs that overlie the carbonate aquifer. Downgradient from the site, these tuffs terminate in basin fill deposits that are dominated by alluvium. Throughout the system, extensive and prevalent faults and fractures may control ground-water flow. The purpose of this Analysis/Modeling Report (AMR) is to document the three-dimensional (3D) hydrogeologic framework model (HFM) that has been constructed specifically to support development of a site-scale ground-water flow and transport model. Because the HFM provides the fundamental geometric framework for constructing the site-scale 3D ground-water flow model that will be used to evaluate potential radionuclide transport through the saturated zone (SZ) from beneath the potential repository to down-gradient compliance points, the HFM is important for assessing potential repository system performance. This AMR documents the progress of the understanding of the site-scale SZ ground-water flow system framework at Yucca Mountain based on data through July 1999. The AMR documents a geometric model of the site HFM. This HFM provides a simplified 3D interpretation of the hydrostratigraphy and structure within the site SZ flow and transport model domain. This AMR documents data input, modeling methods, assumptions, uncertainties and limitations of the model results, and qualification status of the model. The primary data types from which the HFM was constructed are geologic maps and sections, borehole data, geophysical data (resistivity, seismic, magnetic and gravity), and existing geologic framework models.
- Research Organization:
- Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, NV (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 836529
- Report Number(s):
- ANL-NBS-HS-000033, Rev. 00, ICN 02, Errata; DOC.20030319.0002, DC No. 35345; TRN: US0500716
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 5 Mar 2003
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
BOREHOLES
CARBONATE ROCKS
CARBONATES
COMPLIANCE
FLOW MODELS
FRACTURES
GEOLOGY
GROUND WATER
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
HYDROLOGY
NUCLEAR FUELS
PUBLIC HEALTH
RADIOISOTOPES
SAFETY
YUCCA MOUNTAIN