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At least 919 records · Page 51Linked to original sources
USGS2024

Water-level change from a multiple-well aquifer test in volcanic rocks, Umatilla Indian Reservation near Mission, northeastern Oregon, 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), (1) estimated water-level change from a multiple-well aquifer test centered on CTUIR well number 422 and (2) evaluated hydraulic connections between the pumping and observation wells on the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Mission, northeastern Oregon to improve the understanding of aquifer characteristics and hydrologic flow boundaries. Water-level changes, or pumping responses, were determined by distinguishing the pumping signal from environmental fluctuations in groundwater levels using analytical water-level models. The pumping well produces water from basalt units from a depth of 450 to 1,057 feet below land surface and was intermittently pumped during February 1–April 18, 2016. Water-level responses to pumping were estimated in the pumping well and in seven observation wells within 4 miles (mi) of the pumping well. The observation wells are open to basalt and some observation wells are either separated from the pumping well by faults and other structural features, within structural zones, or adjacent to structural features. Pumping responses at the observation wells were classified as detected in two wells, ambiguous in one well, and not detected in four wells. Observation-well open-interval elevations overlapped with the pumping-well open interval in both wells with detected pumping responses. Observation wells with detections are 1.8 mi east of the pumping well and across a fault, and 1.4 mi south of the pumping well. The pumping response was classified as ambiguous in an observation well located 1.4 mi west of the pumping well, where the dip of the basalt unit steepens, and adjacent to the Agency syncline. Pumping responses were not detected in observation wells within 0.3 mi of the pumping well where observation-well open-interval elevations are above the top of the pumping well open interval. Analysis of pumping responses indicates (1) a more permeable zone of basalt is adjacent to the lower portion of the pumping-well open interval and extends eastward, (2) basalt adjacent to the upper portion of the pumping-well open-interval is less permeable than the lower portion or separated from the lower portion by a less permeable zone, and (or) (3) a less permeable zone limits vertical hydraulic connectivity between the pumping well and the overlying basalt.

Oregon↗
USGS1949

Results and description of test drilling in Argenta Swamp near Battle Mountain, Nevada

In June 1949, the U. S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the State Engineer of Nevada, as part of the State-wide ground-water studies, drilled a test well on the flood plain of the Humboldt River about 4 miles northeast of Battle Mountain. This well was drilled for the purpose of obtaining information concerning the geologic and hydrologic character of the sediments underlying the flood plain, and the quality of the water in those sediments.

Nevada↗
USGS1967

Preliminary geologic section from Pahute Mesa, Nevada Test Site, to Enterprise, Utah

The 154-mile long geologic cross section trends nearly perpendicular to the structural grain of the Basin-Range province in Nevada, and in Utah extends eastward into the transition zone between the Basin-Range and Colorado Plateau provinces. The structure is characterized by complex thrust: faults, involving uppermost Precambrian to lower Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, and normal faults which cut: the thick sequence of Tertiary volcanic rocks as well as older rocks. Some of the normal faults are the result of caldera collapse. The principal normal faults trend northerly west: of Delamar, Nev., and form north-trending basins and ranges. Farther east the principal faults trend northwesterly, and form a moderately rugged highland rather than distinct basins and ranges. The uppermost Precambrian-Paleozoic strata thin markedly eastward across the region. The pre-Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks vary from 32,500 feet: in thickness at the Nevada Test: Site (Harley Barnes, E. N. Hinrichs, F. A. McKeown and P. P. Orkild, written commun., 1963) to 4,500 feet: in the Beaver Dam Mountains in western Utah (Cook, 1960). Thick Mesozoic deposits, similar to those of the Colorado Plateau, are present in western Utah, but are represented in eastern Nevada by only thin patches of Triassic rock.

Nevada, Utah↗
USGS1973

Sampling and milling tests of chromite ore in the Hindubagh mining district, Quetta Division, Pakistan

Milling tests on chromite ores and analyses of cleaned chromite from the Hindubagh mining district show that gravity concentration methods can raise the grade of subcommercial ores to 48 percent Cr 2 0 3 or more. The Cr:Fe ratio in concentrates from the Nasai subdistrict, however, will be less than the conventional commercial standard of 3:1. A Cr:Fe ratio of 3:1 could be produced by blending low-grade and high-grade ores, but for the district as a whole, concentrates averaging 50-52 percent Cr 2 0 3 and 2.8:1 Cr:Fe ratio probably would yield the largest economic returns. Although not readily marketable now, ores and concentrates of this grade will be used increasingly in the near future.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1974

Digital modeling of radioactive and chemical waste transport in the Snake River plain aquifer at the National Reactor Testing Station, Idaho

Industrial and low-level radioactive liquid wastes at the National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS) in Idaho have been disposed to the Snake River Plain aquifer since 1952. Monitoring studies have indicated that tritium and chloride have dispersed over a 15-square mile (39-square kilometer) area of the aquifer in low but detectable concentrations and have only migrated as far as 5 miles (8 kilometers) downgradient from discharge points. The movement of cationic waste solutes, particularly 90 Sr and 137 Cs, has been significantly retarded due to sorption phenomena, principally ion exchange. 137 Cs has shown no detectable migration in the aquifer and 90 Sr has migrated only about 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) from the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP) discharge well, and is detectable over an area of only 1.5 square miles ( 4 square kilometers) of the aquifer. Digital modeling techniques have been applied successfully to the analysis of the complex waste-transport system by utilizing numerical solution of the coupled equations of groundwater motion and mass transport. The model includes the effects of convective transport, flow divergence, two-dimensional hydraulic dispersion, radioactive decay, and reversible linear sorption. The hydraulic phase of the model uses the iterative, alternating direction, implicit finite-difference scheme to solve the groundwater flow equations, while the waste-transport phase uses a modified method of characteristics to solve the solute transport equations simulated by the model. The modeling results indicate that hydraulic dispersion (especially transverse) is a much more significant influence than previously suggested by earlier studies. The model has been used to estimate future waste migration patterns for varied assumed hydrological and waste conditions up through the year 2000. The hydraulic effects of recharge from the Big Lost River have an important (but not predominant) influence on the simulated future migration patterns. For the assumed conditions, the model indicates that detectable concentrations of waste chloride and tritium could move as much as 15 miles (24 kilometers) downgradient from the original discharge points by the year 2000. However, the model shows 90 Sr moving only 2 to 3 miles (3 to 5 kilometers) downgradient in the same time. The model may also be used to estimate the effects of the various future waste disposal practices and hydrologic conditions on subsequent migration of waste products.

Idaho↗
USGS1976

Ground-water records for southeastern Oklahoma : Part 1, records of wells, test-holes, and springs

The U. S. Geological Survey has collected data on Oklahoma's ground-water resources since 1934. Most of these data were collected as part of specific ground-water studies conducted in cooperation with various Federal, State, and local agencies. Although a large amount of ground-water data have been published, they are scattered through a variety of reports and are not readily available on a regional basis. Furthermore, a considerable amount of data have never been published and can be obtained only from the files of the Geological Survey. The purpose of this report is to make available both published and unpublished records for approximately 1,780 wells, test-holes, and springs in 16 counties in northeastern Oklahoma. In addition, selected references to pertinent ground-water reports covering parts of the 16-county area are included for those requiring more specific information. The stratigraphic nomenclature and age determinations used in the report are those accepted by the Oklahoma Geological Survey and do not necessarily agree with those of the U.S. Geological Survey. Acknowledgment is extended to the many hundreds of individuals who have provided the data compiled in this report.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1976

Ground-water records for northeastern Oklahoma : Part 1, records of wells, test-holes, and springs

The U. S. Geological Survey has collected data on Oklahoma's ground-water resources since 1934. Most of these data were collected as part of specific ground-water studies conducted in cooperation with various Federal, State, and local agencies. Although a large amount of ground-water data have been published, they are scattered through a variety of reports and are not readily available on a regional basis. Furthermore, a considerable amount of data have never been published and can be obtained only from the files of the Geological Survey. The purpose of this report is to make available both published and unpublished records for approximately 3,360 wells, test-holes, and springs in 23 counties in northeastern Oklahoma. In addition, selected references to pertinent ground-water reports covering parts of the 23-county area are included for those requiring more specific information. The stratigraphic nomenclature and age determinations used in the report are those accepted by the Oklahoma Geological Survey and do not necessarily agree with those of the U.S. Geological Survey. Acknowledgment is extended to the many hundreds of individuals who have provided the data compiled in this report.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1977

Summary of the geology and physical properties of the Climax Stock, Nevada Test Site

The Climax stock is a composite stock of Cretaceous age, composed of quartz monzonite and granodiorite, which intrudes sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic and Precambrian age. Tertiary rocks consisting of tuff, welded tuff, and breccia overlie the stock and sedimentary rocks. Hydrothermal alteration of the granodiorite and quartz monzonite is found mainly along the joints and is extensive, but the intensity of alteration varies from place to place. The surrounding sedimentary rocks (carbonates) have been metasomatically altered to tactite and marble as much as 1,500 feet (457 m) from contact with stock; the degree of metamorphism decreasing away from the intrusive. The major faults found in the vicinity of the Climax stock are the Tippinip fault, the Boundary fault, and the Yucca fault. In the stock three prominent joint sets and their average attitudes are N. 32? W., 22? NE.; N 64? W., vertical; and N 35? E., vertical. Two major tunnel complexes have been driven into the Climax stock?the Tiny Tot tunnel complex and Pile Driver-Hard Hat tunnel complex. In the Pile Driver-Hard Hat complex two underground nuclear tests have been conducted.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1979

Test data from the chloride-monitor well at Sun City Center, Hillsborough County, Florida

A test well drilled for Southwest Florida Water Management District at Sun City Center in Hillsborough County, will serve to monitor the interface between freshwater in the aquifer and the underlying chloride water. The sulfate content of the water in the aquifer at the well site exceeds 250 mg/L below a depth of about 700 feet. Wells for domestic and public supply in the area bottom at less than 500 feet and are separated from the sulfate water by about 100 feet of poorly-permeable limestone. The freshwater-chloride water interface is quite sharp and occurs at a depth of 1,410 feet. The chloride water is similar in composition to seawater but nearly twice as saline. (Woodard-USGS).

Open-File Report↗
USGS1977

Triaxial and consolidation testing of cores from the 1976 Atlantic Margin Coring Project of the United States Geological Survey

This report contains the results of triaxial and consolidation-compression testing on selected cores taken by the Atlantic Margin Coring Project, a 60-day expedition to obtain core samples by drilling beneath the Continental Shelf and Slope of the eastern United States. The coring took place in July, August and September, 1976 aboard the D/V GLOMAR CONCEPTION, and penetrated as much as 310 meters below the sea floor at 19 sites (Figure 1) along the continental margin from Georgia to Georges Bank off New England in water depth ranging from 20 to 300 meters.

Georgia to Georges Bank↗
USGS1979

Lithologic log, lithium content, and mineralogy of sediments penetrated in test boring drilled in Eureka Valley, Inyo County, California

A test boring was drilled in a playa in Eureka Valley, Calif., by the U.S. Geological Survey in the spring of 1978. Work was done under the terms of a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to evaluate the leasable mineral potential of various playas in the California Desert Planning area, as described in the environmental analysis (prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1978). The purpose of this report is to describe the occurrence and distribution of lithium in the basin sediments as part of a program to identify additional domestic resources of nonpegmatite lithium (Vine, 1978). Interest in this playa stems from the fact that Eureka Valley is located in a region where other lithium resources have been identified. Lithium is recovered from subsurface brines at Clayton Valley, Nev., to the north and at Searles Lake, Calif., to the south. Eureka Valley is a closed topographic basin that has an arid climate, it thus provides suitable conditions for the entrapment of a brine and subsequent concentration of lithium by evaporation. Development of new energy related uses for lithium in batteries for electric vehicle propulsion and for off-peak power storage by the utility industry (Chilenskas and others, 1977) may he aided by identification of a large domestic resource of lithium.

California↗
USGS1979

A slingram survey on the Nevada Test Site: part of an integrated geologic geophysical study of site evaluation for nuclear waste disposal

A slingram geophysical survey was made in early 1978 as part of the integrated geologlcal-geophysical study aimed at evaluating the Eleana Formation as a possible repository for nuclear waste. The slingram data were taken over an alluvial fan and pediments along the eastern flank of Syncline Ridge about 45 km north of Mercury, Nevada, on the Nevada Test Site. The data show that the more conductive argillaceous Eleana Formation varies in depth from 40 to 85 m from west to east along traverse lines. Northeast-trending linear anomalies suggest rather abrupt changes in subsurface geology that may be associated with faults and fractures. The results of the slingram survey will, when interpreted in the light of other geologic and geophysical evidence, assist in understanding the shallow parts of the geologic setting of the Eleana Formation.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1979

Results of Laboratory Tests on Surficial Sediments from the Upper Continental Slope Northern Gulf of Mexico

The purpose of this report is to present the results of geo­technical, textural, and chemical tests performed on samples from the upper Continental Slope, northern Gulf of Mexico. The samples were collected by a piston corer up to 12 m (40 ft.} in length with a head weight of 908 kg (one ton}. The inside diameter of the C. A. B. liner was 89 mm (3.5 inches}. Upon retrieval, the cores were cut in 1.5 m sections, examined for evidence of disturbance, then, if in acceptable condition, were sealed and placed in their in situ vertical position in a refrigerated van. Once ashore, the sections were opened, sealed with wax, recapped and stored as before. The cores were split lengthwise for analysis. One half of the core was X-rayed and the radiograph was carefully examined as a further check for disturbance. This half was then archived. The other half of the core was used for the laboratory work.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1980

Test drilling in basalts, Lalamilo area, South Kohala District, Hawaii

Test drilling has determined that a downhole-percussion airhammer can be used effectively to drill basalts in Hawaii. When used in conjunction with a foam-type drilling fluid, the hammer-bit penetration rate was rapid. Continuous drill cuttings from the materials penetrated were obtained throughout the borehole except from extremely fractured or weathered basalt zones where circulation was lost or limited. Cementing of these zones as soon as encountered reduced problems of stuck tools, washouts, and loss of drill-cuttings. Supplies and logistics on the Hawaiian Islands, always a major concern, require that all anticipated drilling supplies, spare rig and tool parts, drilling muds and additives, foam, and miscellaneous hardware be on hand before starting to drill. If not, the resulting rig downtime is costly in both time and money.

Hawaii↗
USGS1981

Data from geothermal test wells near Mount Hood, Oregon

This report includes well specifications, drillers ' logs, and temperature logs of geothermal test wells drilled at 7 sites near Mt. Hood, Oreg. The wells were drilled in 1979 and 1980 under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey. The project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, was part of an interagency effort to determine the geothermal potential of Mt. Hood. The agencies involved were, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1981

Hydrogeologic data from selected wells and test holes in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, 1972-80

The population of Suffolk County, New York, an area of 922 square miles, has increased rapidly, from less than 200,000 in 1940 to about 1.3 million in 1978. Ground-water pumpage has increased from an average of 42 million gallons per day in 1950 to about 257 million gallons per day in 1978. To help supply the hydrologic information needed to anticipate and prevent shortages, this report presents hydrogeologic and well-completion data on over 700 wells and test holes.

New York↗
USGS1982

Test and calibration of the Digital World-Wide Standardized Seismograph

During the past decade there has been steady progress in the modernization of the global seismograph network operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The World-Wide Standardized Seismograph Network (WWSSN) has been augmented by new stations with advanced instrumentation, including the Seismic Research Observatories (SRO) and the modified High-Gain Long-Period (ASRO) stations. One goal in the modernization effort has been to improve signal resolution in the long-period band. A second goal has been to generate a global digital data base to support contemporary computer-based analysis and research. In 1976, a Panel on Seismograph Networks was established by the Committee on Seismology of the National Academy of Sciences to review progress in network seismology and recommend actions that would lead to an improved global data base for seismology. One recommendation in the Panel report (Engdahl, 1977) called for upgrading selected WWSSN stations by the installation of digital recorders. This was viewed as an economical way of expanding the digital network, which had proven itself to be a very promising new tool for earthquake and explosion research. Funds for the development and assembly of 15 digital recorders were provided to the USGS by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and an ad Inoc panel of scientists was convened by the Committee on Seismology to advise the USGS on the selection of stations to be upgraded and on data recording requirements, A total of 19 digital World-Wide Standardized Seismograph (DWWSS) systems will be operational when all are installed. The additional systems were made available through purchase by the USGS and other organizations; for example, the University of Bergen purchased and installed a DWWSS-type recorder and agreed to furnish the USGS with the data. A list of operational and planned DWWSS network stations is given in Table 1.1. As one might expect, the digital recorder turned out to be somewhat more sophisticated than the original concept. It was decided to record three components of long-period data continuously, three components of intermediateperiod data in an event mode, and the vertical-component short-period data in and event mode (with the capability of adding short-period horizontal channels in the future). Special amplifiers were developed for use with the WWSS seismometers, and a 16-bit fixed-point analog-to-digital converter was chosen to provide increased resolution (as opposed to a 16-bit gain-ranged encoder). The microprocessor-based digital recording systems were developed and assembled at the USGS Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory (ASL) and ASL-based technicians began installation at WWSSN stations in 1980. The current and proposed locations of the DWWSSN stations, together with other stations in the Global Digital Seismograph Network (GDSN), are shown on the map in Figure 1.1. A system was operated at Albuquerque for about 18 months, serving as a test bed for evaluation studies. Although the network hardware has been available for some time, the installation of the DWWSSN has proceeded slowly. The National Science Foundation supported installation of six stations and the USGS is funding installation of most of the others; however, the network completion date is conjectural because of funding uncertainties. The DWWSSN stations are supported with supplies and technical assistance from ASL (subject to availability of funds). Data recorded on magnetic tapes are mailed to ASL where they are reviewed for quality, then merged with other GDSN station data on the network-day tapes. Hoffman (1980) provides a description of the network-day tape format. Zirbes and Buland (1981) have developed and published user software for reading and interpreting the day tapes. This report will serve several purposes. One is to provide nominal system transfer functions and calibration information that are needed in the analysis of DWWSSN data. A second purpose is to report on an evaluation of operating characteristics (calibration stability, noise levels, and linearity) that may limit the usefulness of the data and to determine if modifications may be needed to improve the data. It is not an exhaustive study in this respect. We continue to depend mostly on data user feedback to point out deficiencies and we solicit comments whenever anomalies are observed in the data.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1982

Geologic, geophysical, and in situ stress investigations in the vicinity of the Dining Car Chimney, Dining Car/Hybla gold tunnels, Nevada Test Site, with sections on geologica investigations, geophysical investigations, and in situ stress investigations

The Hybla Gold experiment was conducted in the U12e.20 drifts of the E-tunnel complex beneath the surface of Rainier Mesa at the Nevada Test Site. Though the proximity of the Hybla Gold working point to the chimney of the Dining Car event was important to the experiment, the observable geologic effects from Dining Car on the Hybla Gold site were minor. Overburden above the working point is approximately 385 m (1,263 ft). The pre-Tertiary surface, probably quartzite, lies approximately 254 m (833 ft) below the working point. The drifts are mined in zeolitized ash-fall tuffs of tunnel bed 4, subunits K and J, all of Miocene age. The working point is in subunit 4J. Geologic structure in the region around the working point is not complex. The U12e.20 main drift follows the axis of a shallow depositional syncline. A northeast-dipping fault with displacement of approximately 3 m (10 ft) passes within 15.2 m (50 ft) of the Hybla Gold working point. Three faults of smaller displacement pass within 183-290 m (600-950 ft) of the working point, and are antithetic to the 3-m (10-ft) fault. Three exploratory holes were drilled to investigate the chimney of the nearby Dining Car event. Four horizontal holes were drilled during the construction of the U12e.20 drifts to investigate the geology of the Hybla Gold working point.

Open-File Report↗