Characterization of Infiltration into Fractured, Welded Tuff Using Small Borehole Data Collection Technique: State of Nevada, Agency for Nuclear Projects/Nuclear Waste Project Office

摘要

Knowledge of all aspects of the hydrologic cycle is required for consideration of Yucca mountain as a high level radioactive waste site. Surface processes are especially important in controlling the quantity and quality of water infiltrating into the unsaturated zone, available for recharging the aquifer. The investigation reported herein uses small bore drill holes to access the near surface fractured rock environment. The study was conducted in northern Nevada at the north end of the Pah Rah range, east of Pyramid Lake as an analog to Yucca Mountain. The results of this study will be used to better understand the chemistry and flow of the near surface flow regime of Yucca Mountain and to evaluate proposed techniques for use in future investigations. 7 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.