Geological investigations in the U12b.03 and U12b.04 tunnels, Nevada Test Site

Trace Elements Memorandum 996
By: , and 

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Abstract

The papers comprising the various parts of this report contain preliminary results of the U. S. Geological Survey investigations in the U12b.03 and U12b.04 tunnels at the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada (fig. 1). The geologic studies were undertaken to define the structural, chemical, mineralogic, and some of the physical properties of the tuffaceous rocks that enclose the explosion chambers at the end of each tunnel.

The U12b.03 and .04 tunnels are part of the U12b (Rainier) tunnel complex that was driven northwestward from the steep east slope of Rainier Mesa (a prominent topographic feature in the northwest part of the Test Site (fig . 2)). The U12b.03 tunnel trends north from a point about 980 feet from the portal of the U12b tunnel (fig. 3). The U12b.03 tunnel consists of 620 feet of tunnel, two alcoves, and a shot chamber. The tunnel is irregular, ranging from 6 to 10 feet in width, and 6 to 9 feet in height. The shot chamber at the north end of the tunnel is 22 feet on each sidee The vertical and minimum cover over the shot chamber are 610 and 510 feet, respectively.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geological investigations in the U12b.03 and U12b.04 tunnels, Nevada Test Site
Series title Trace Elements Memorandum
Series number 996
DOI 10.3133/tem996
Year Published 1959
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description Report: 73 p.; 4 Plates: 42.66 x 40.60 inches or smaller
Country United States
State Nevada
County Nye County
Other Geospatial Rainier Mesa
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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