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Geological Survey investigations in the U12e.05 tunnel, Nevada Test Site

Trace Elements Memorandum 997
By: , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tem997

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Abstract

The papers comprising the various parts of this report contain the preliminary results of the U. S. Geological Survey investigations in the U12e.05 tunnel at the Atomic Energy Commission's Nevada Test Site, Nye County & Nevada (fig. 1). Reports on electrical resistivity, natural radioactivity, and heat required to raise the rocks to 100°C will be issued later. A preliminary report on the geologic effects of the Blanca event is being prepared.

The U12e.05 tunnel, one of two laterals from the main U12e tunnel, trends west and connects with the main tunnel about U960 feet from the portal (fig. 2). The U12e.05 tunnel was driven for the nuclear test, code name Blanca, which took place on October 30, 1958. Before the explosion, the tunnel was 8 feet high and 8 to 9 feet wide and consisted of 990 feet of workings, a shot chamber, and an alcove (fig. 2). The original shot chamber, at the west end of the tunnel, was 19 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 15 feet high. The vertical and minimum cover over the original shot chamber are 1,150 and 950 feet, respectively. After detonation of the nuclear device in the test, code named Logan, in the U12e.02 tunnel on October 15, 1958, the U12e.05 tunnel, locally, was damaged severely.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geological Survey investigations in the U12e.05 tunnel, Nevada Test Site
Series title Trace Elements Memorandum
Series number 997
DOI 10.3133/tem997
Year Published 1959
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description Report: 70 p.; 1 Plate: 18.90 x 49.10 inches
Country United States
State Nevada
County Nye County
Other Geospatial Rainier Mesa
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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