Saturation levels and trends in the unsaturated zone, Yucca Mountain, Nevada.

摘要

The unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, consists of interstratified nonwelded tuffs, which are locally altered to zeolites and clays, and welded tuffs which have laterally extensive lithophysal and nonlithophysal zones. The vertical heterogeneity and lateral homogeneity in rock types control the physical and hydrological properties. Water content and porosity within the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain can be quantified using geophysical logs. A log-based approach offers the advantage of in-situ measurements, continuous throughout a borehole. Water content and porosity can be determined with a pair of geophysical logs, such as the density and dielectric logs, as outlined in this paper.