Preliminary gravity inversion model of Frenchman Flat Basin, Nevada Test Site, Nevada

Open-File Report 2002-363
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

The depth of the basin beneath Frenchman Flat is estimated using a gravity inversion method. Gamma-gamma density logs from two wells in Frenchman Flat constrained the density profiles used to create the gravity inversion model. Three initial models were considered using data from one well, then a final model is proposed based on new information from the second well. The preferred model indicates that a northeast-trending oval-shaped basin underlies Frenchman Flat at least 2,100 m deep, with a maximum depth of 2,400 m at its northeast end. No major horst and graben structures are predicted. Sensitivity analysis of the model indicates that each parameter contributes the same magnitude change to the model, up to 30 meters change in depth for a 1% change in density, but some parameters affect a broader area of the basin. The horizontal resolution of the model was determined by examining the spacing between data stations, and was set to 500 square meters.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Preliminary gravity inversion model of Frenchman Flat Basin, Nevada Test Site, Nevada
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2002-363
DOI 10.3133/ofr02363
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description Report: 23 p.; 1 Plate: 21.61 x 30.53 inches
Country United States
State Nevada
Datum North American Datum of 1927
Projection Universal Transverse Mercator, zone 11
Scale 24000
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details