Thickness of Cenozoic Deposits of Yucca Flat Inferred from Gravity Data, Nevada Test Site, Nevada

G. A. Phelps; V.E. Langenheim; R.C. Jachens

doi:10.3133/ofr99310

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Thickness of Cenozoic Deposits of Yucca Flat Inferred from Gravity Data, Nevada Test Site, Nevada

G. A. Phelps·V.E. Langenheim·R.C. Jachens

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Abstract

The basin-basement contact for Yucca Flat was modeled using isostatic gravity data, a linear density-depth function for the basin deposits, and drill-hole constraints to produce a digital database of both the depth to basement and the gravitational anomaly associated with the basement rocks. The model predicts a depth of roughly 2,500 m in the deepest, southern part of the basin. The model shows offsets in the basement rocks along both the Carpetbag and Yucca faults. The basement rocks of Yucca Flat have a higher gravity anomaly west of the N-S trending Carpetbag fault, suggesting higher density rocks on the west side of the valley.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 36.5° to 37.5° latitude; -116.75° to -115.75° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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BibTeX RIS

G. A. Phelps, V.E. Langenheim, R.C. Jachens. 1999. Thickness of Cenozoic Deposits of Yucca Flat Inferred from Gravity Data, Nevada Test Site, Nevada. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr99310

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