A study of the depth of weathering and its relationship to the mechanical properties of near-surface rocks in the Mojave Desert

Pure and Applied Geophysics PAGEOPH
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Weathered granite extends 70 m deep at Hi Vista in the arid central Mojave Desert of southern California. The low strength of this granite is due to the alteration of biotite and chlorite montmorillonite. Deep weathering probably occurs in most granites, although we cannot rule out some anomalous mechanisms at Hi Vista. Geophysical instruments set in these slightly altered rocks are limited by the unstable behavior of the rocks. Thus, tectonic signals from instruments placed in shallow boreholes give vague results. Geophysical measurements of these weathered rocks resemble measurements of granitic rocks near major faults. The rheology of the rocks in which instruments are placed limits the useful sensitivity of the instruments. ?? 1985 Birkha??user Verlag.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A study of the depth of weathering and its relationship to the mechanical properties of near-surface rocks in the Mojave Desert
Series title Pure and Applied Geophysics PAGEOPH
DOI 10.1007/BF00874609
Volume 122
Issue 2-4
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher location Birkha??user-Verlag
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Pure and Applied Geophysics PAGEOPH
First page 425
Last page 439
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details