Studies of geology and hydrology in the Basin and Range Province, Southwestern United States, for isolation of high-level radioactive waste - Evaluation of the regions
Links
- Document: Report (pdf)
- Plates:
- Plate 1 (pdf) Typical sections of hydrogeologic environments in the Basin and Range Province
- Plate 2 (pdf) Map showing physiographic features of the Trans-Pecos Region, texas
- Plate 3 (pdf) Map showing physiographic features of the Rio grande Region, New Mexico and Texas
- Plate 4 (pdf) Map showing physiographic features of the Sonoran Region, Arizona
- Plate 5 (pdf) Map showing physiographic features of the Sonoran Region, California
- Plate 6 (pdf) Map showing physiographic features of the Death Valley Region, Nevada and California
- Plate 7 (pdf) Physiographic features of the Bonneville Region, Utah and Nevada
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Six regions in the Basin and Range province, ranging in size from 21,600 to 80,000 square kilometers, were evaluated to identify prospective hydrogeologic environments for isolation of high-level radioactive waste. Prospective hydrogeologic environments were evaluated on the basis of the surface distribution of potential host rocks, late Cenozoic tectonic activity, hydrogeologic characteristics, and mineral and energy resources. These regions were selected as prospective for this study from a screening of the Basin and Range province.
The six regions have certain characteristics that appear favorable for isolation of radioactive waste. The scant precipitation and great potential for water loss by evaporation and transpiration results in little surface runoff and ground-water recharge. This, combined with other hydrogeologic factors, results in areas within the regions that have thick unsaturated zones and long ground-water flow paths and traveltimes.
Potential host media in the unsaturated zone include crystalline rocks, volcanic rocks, and basin fill. Potential host media in the saturated zone are predominantly crystalline igneous rocks but also include argillaceous rocks, evaporitic rocks, intracaldera tuffs, and laharic breccias.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Studies of geology and hydrology in the Basin and Range Province, Southwestern United States, for isolation of high-level radioactive waste - Evaluation of the regions |
| Series title | Professional Paper |
| Series number | 1370 |
| Chapter | H |
| DOI | 10.3133/pp1370H |
| Year Published | 1990 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Government Printing Office |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Contributing office(s) | Utah Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: vi, 61 p.; 7 Plates: 44.80 in. x 32.50 in. or smaller |
| First page | H1 |
| Last page | H61 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |