Aeromagnetic Expression of Buried Basaltic Volcanoes Near Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Open-File Report 2002-020
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office
By: , and 

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Abstract

A high-resolution aeromagnetic survey has defined a number of small dipolar anomalies indicating the presence of magnetic bodies buried beneath the surface of Crater Flat and the Amargosa Desert. Results of potential-field modeling indicate that isolated, small-volume, highly magnetic bodies embedded within the alluvial deposits of both areas produce the anomalies. Their physical characteristics and the fact that they tend to be aligned along major structural trends provide strong support for the hypothesis that the anomalies reflect buried basaltic volcanic centers. Other, similar anomalies are identified as possible targets for further investigation. High-resolution gravity and ground-magnetic surveys, perhaps along with drilling sources of selected anomalies and radiometric age determinations, can provide valuable constraints in estimating potential volcanic hazard to the potential nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Aeromagnetic Expression of Buried Basaltic Volcanoes Near Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2002-020
DOI 10.3133/ofr02020
Edition -
Year Published 2002
Language ENGLISH
Publisher Geological Survey (U.S.)
Contributing office(s) Geophysics Unit of Menlo Park, CA (GUMP)
Description iii, 48 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
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