International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An attempt was made to set the main potassium-argon (PA) boundaries in magmatism development in the territory of Mongolia. Results were correlated with the known concepts about periodicity of magmatism. Possibility of using PA analysis for separation of magmatic rocks was evaluated. Reliable correlation of significant PA boundaries of magmatism with geological periodization of tectonomagmatic events in Mesozoic era and Late Paleozoic era was established.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heyuan mineralization belt is a structure-magmatic activities belt which is charcterized by strong plastic deformation and shearing. The squeeze (overthrust) structure is formed early. Later stretch produced slide shovel-shaped normal fault which control the red basin and uranium mineralization. Comprehensive study shows that this area is of favorable uranium metallogenic condition due to the rich uranium source and higher degree of geology work, it is a target for the new round resources exploration. (authors)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Median Tectonic Zone (MTZ) of New Zealand is a generally north trending belt of Mesozoic subduction related I-type plutonic, volcanic, and sedimentary rocks in South Island and Stewart Island that separates Permian strata of the Eastern Province Brook Street Terrane from lower to mid Gondwana margin assemblages of the Western Province. High precision isotope dilution U/Pb ages of zircons from 30 rocks are reported. Pre-digestion leaching of zircon in hydrofluoric acid yielded significantly more concordant residues by removing common Pb and dissolving more soluble high-U domains that have been more affected by relatively recent Pb loss. The results show that MTZ magmatism ranges in age from at least Early Triassic to Early Cretaceous (247-131 Ma), with a pronounced gap in the Middle Jurassic. Triassic plutons tend to occur on the eastern side of the MTZ, and they intrude volcanic/sedimentary sequences of the MTZ in Nelson and eastern ...

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This paper discusses the potential for geothermal energy use in the central part of Southern Poland, such as the availability of thermal aquifers and the techniques for putting the latter to practical use. The geological and geothermal features of the region are presented within the context of the existence of aquifers containing geothermal resources that could be used in space heating. Also discussed are the three main geological units where thermal waters are known to exist: the Carpathians, the Miechow Trough, and the Silesian-Cracow Monocline. Particularly favourable hydrogeological conditions exist in the Inner Carpathians, in the Podhale Trough, where there is already one geothermal company using geothermal energy, Geotermia Podhalanska S.A. Equally interesting from the geothermal point of view are the areas north of the Cracow-Tarnow line, where, in Mesozoic aquifers, water temperatures range from 20 to 60 {sup o}C. ...

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This study focuses the granitoids of center-southern portion of Guyana Shield, southeastern Roraima, Brazil. The region is characterized by two tectonic-stratigraphic domains, named as Central Guyana (GCD) and Uatuma-Anaua (UAD) and located probably in the limits of geochronological provinces (e.g. Ventuari-Tapajos or Tapajos-Parima, Central Amazonian and Maroni-Itacaiunas or Transamazon). The aim this doctoral thesis is to provide new petrological and lithostratigraphic constraints on the granitoid rocks and contribute to a better understanding of the origin and geo dynamic evolution of Guyana Shield. The GCD is only locally studied near to the UAD boundary, and new geological data and two single zircon Pb-evaporation ages in mylonitic biotite granodiorite (1.89 Ga) and foliated hastingsite-biotite granite (1.72 Ga) are presented. These ages of the protholiths contrast with the lithostratigraphic picture in the other areas of Cd (1.96-1.93 Ga). Regional mapping, ...

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The portion of the Waterpocket Fold illustrated in this image includes layered rocks formed during the Mesozoic Era (~ 250 65 million years ago) the oldest ...

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The Rebi Block is currently in the early stages of hydrocarbon exploration. The subsurface geology of this area is only known from seismic reflection data. By applying seismic stratigraphy techniques, unconformities and condensed sections were recognized. These discontinuities were dated using paleontological information from the Kulka-1 well, Northwest Shelf of Australia. With these age constraints, seven unconformities and three condensed sections were dated and correlated to the Exxon global sea level curve. The chronostratigraphic charts for the Rebi Block and the Northwest Shelf of Australia have clarified the Mesozoic stratigraphy of the study area. The Exxon global sea level curve has refined the ages determined by conventional paleontological dating. The chart has also helped in predicting source, reservoir and seal potential within a time framework. Prospective stratigraphic traps were those related to the incised valleys at the ...

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Precambrian gneisses in the San Bernardino Mountains were first identified and described in the vicinity of Baldwin Lake by Guillou (1953). Five lithologic units mappable at 1:24,000 scale are recognized: biotite [+-] muscovite quartzofeldspathic gneiss, amphibolite, pyroxene metagabbro, augen gneiss, and biotite [+-] muscovite granitic gneiss. Baldwin gneiss with this L Baldwin Lake, the gneissic fabric is rotated toward the northwest, subparallel to the Doble fault. Along this fault, Baldwin gneiss is structurally underlain by overturned Paleozoic quartzite and marble (Zabriskie Quartzite and Carrara Formation). Regional relations suggest that the Doble fault is a northeast-directed basement thrust fault of pre-Late Cretaceous age, and may be contemporaneous with late Paleozoic deformation and metamorphism of Paleozoic rocks further west in the range. Field relations suggest that Baldwin gneiss in its type area largely retains Proterozoic fabrics and mineral assemblages, despite ...

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This report presents geologic considerations that are pertinent to the Remedial Action Plan for Slick Rock mill tailings. Topics covered include regional geology, site geology, geologic stability, and geologic suitability.

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Dawsonite, NaAlCO{sub 3}(OH){sub 2}, is widespread as a cement, replacement, and cavity filling in Permo-Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Bowen-Gunnedah-Sydney basin system eastern Australia. The origin of dawsonite in these rocks was studied by petrographic and stable isotope analysis. Dawsonite {delta}{sup 13}C (PDB) values range from {minus}4.0 to +4.1{per_thousand} and are remarkably consistent throughout the Bowen-Gunnedah-Sydney basin system. These values indicate either a marine carbonate or magmatic source for carbon in the dawsonite. A magmatic carbon source is considered more likely on the basis that (1) evidence of and the cause for widespread marine carbonate dissolution in the sedimentary successions are not apparent, (2) dawsonite is widespread in both marine and nonmarine facies, (3) the region has been the site of major igneous activity, (4) other dawsonite deposits of similar carbon isotopic composition are linked to igneous ...

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Lunar Geology is the study of the moons crust, rocks, strata, etc. Lunar Geology tends to cover two broad areas of study; Maria (and/or Basins) and Highlands. ...

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Language: English ...

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... Trama; Montevideo (Uruguay) 70 p. GEOSCIENCES geologic history geologic

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The Ordos Basin, the second largest sedimentary basin in China, contains the broad distribution of natural gas types. So far, several giant gas fields have been discovered in the Upper and Lower Paleozoic in this basin, each having over 1000x10{sup 8}m{sup 3} of proven gas reserves, and several gas pools have also been discovered in the Mesozoic. This paper collected the data of natural gases and elucidated the geochemical characteristics of gases from different reservoirs, and then discussed their origin. For hydrocarbons preserved in the Upper Paleozoic, the elevated {delta}{sup 13}C values of methane, ethane and propane indicate that the gases would be mainly coal-formed gases; the singular reversal in the stable carbon isotopes of gaseous alkanes suggests the mixed gases from humic sources with different maturity. In the Lower Paleozoic, the {delta} {sup 13}C{sub 1} values are mostly similar with those in the Upper Paleozoic, but the {delta}{sup 13}C{sub 2} and ...

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Permian coal and Triassic mudstone from the Ordos Basin were pyrolyzed in a closed system using a gold tube technique. Carbon and hydrogen isotopes of the gases generated from pyrolysis were compared to Mesozoic gases in the basin to interpret the origin, maturity and any mixing of gases. Maturation trends for thermogenic methane from both coal and lacustrine kerogens in our experiment were found to be independent of heating rate, allowing their use for determination of gas provenance. Gases from a tectonically stable area like the Shanbei slope are derived mainly from Yanchang lacustrine kerogen, and gases in tectonically active areas consist of mixtures of coal-derived gases and oil-associated methane from deeply buried formations, as well as oil-associated gases and biogenic gases from shallow depth. The thermal maturity of the C{sub 2} and C{sub 3} gases is estimated to cover an equivalent vitrinite reflectance range from 0.7% to 1.2% R{sub o}, whereas C{sub 1} ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Permian coal and Triassic mudstone from the Ordos Basin were pyrolyzed in a closed system using a gold tube technique. Carbon and hydrogen isotopes of the gases generated from pyrolysis were compared to Mesozoic gases in the basin to interpret the origin, maturity and any mixing of gases. Maturation trends for thermogenic methane from both coal and lacustrine kerogens in our experiment were found to be independent of heating rate, allowing their use for determination of gas provenance. Gases from a tectonically stable area like the Shanbei slope are derived mainly from Yanchang lacustrine kerogen, and gases in tectonically active areas consist of mixtures of coal-derived gases and oil-associated methane from deeply buried formations, as well as oil-associated gases and biogenic gases from ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... cambrian period geologic history geology gondwana granites latin america

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The Lopez 1:24,000-scale detailed reconnaissance surficial geology map (map of unconsolidated materials overlying consolidated bedrock) was produced in ... ...

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This report attempts to bring together available information on the coal deposits of Antarctica and discuss factors that would be involved if these deposits were to be explored and mined. Most of the reported principal coal deposits in Antarctica lie generally within the Transantarctic Mountains: the majority are of Permian age and are present in the Victoria Group of the Beacon Supergroup. Several other deposits have been recorded in East Antarctica and in the Antarctic Peninsula, including minor occurrences of Mesozoic and Tertiary coal and carbonaceous shale.

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Language: English ...

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

Determination of the Ecology Factor for the Magistral Oil Pipelines, Working in Difficult Hilly and Geology Conditions

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Recent organic geochemical studies differ radically in their interpretation of the origin of the Gulf coast oils. However all studies since (and including) Thompson, et al. 1989, emphasize the considerable geographic variation in genetic oil types and are in generalized agreement as to the genetic oil types present and their spatial and stratigraphic relationships. In particular it is accepted that the Gulf rim (both north and south) is encircled by a ring of Mesozoic carbonate-sourced oils and that there is also at least one major deep water trend of carbonate-sourced oils in the northern Gulf. It is also generally agreed that many of the Gulf rim oils are of Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian age, though some, like the Sunniland oils of Florida, are of lower Cretaceous origin. Major disagreement still occurs over the sources of the Louisiana offshore oils and onshore Wilcox reservoired oils. One {open_quotes}school of thought{close_quotes} assigns all these oils to ...

Science.gov (United States)

Approximately 1.2 million kg of uranium oxide (yellow cake) has been produced from the area surrounding Gunnison, Colorado. Over 99 percent of this has come form the Cochetopa and Marshall Pass districts. Uranium in both districts and many of the other occurrences is associated closely with fault and shear zones which cut brittle host formations (sandstones and dolomites) of Paleozonic and Mesozoic age. Minor uranium occurrences are in pegmatites and shear zones in Precambrian rocks, Cambrian vein material, and sandstones of Tertiary age. In the paper presented, the uranium occurences are described by districts. In addition, possibilities for additional discoveries are discussed. (JMT)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Argyle pipe occurring in the East Kimberley Province of Western Australia is a unique, highly-diamondiferous lamproite. Although it resembles other lamproites located in the West Kimberley Province with respect to its setting, structure, petrography and geochemistry, it is probably Proterozoic in age and hence substantially older than Tertiary occurrences of the West Kimberley Province. Rb-Sr measurements on whole rock and phlogopite samples from magmatic olivine-phlogopite lamproite, reveals a two point model age of 1126 +- 9 Ma for the Argyle pipe. This age is consistent with ages of other, similar volcanic igneous rocks occurring in several localities worldwide. The widespread occurrence of Proterozoic kimberlites and lamproites suggests that this was an important period of worldwide alkalic intrusive activity.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Villarrica (Chile) is one of the most active volcanoes in South America having erupted about 60 times in the last 460years. Although its historical eruptive activity has been mainly effusive and weakly explosive, it had strong explosive behaviour in postglacial times. Chaimilla (<3.1ka) is one of the best exposed and widely dispersed pyroclastic deposits, related to both fall and flow activity. The deposit is dispersed over an area of 250km^2 and consists of 8 units (A-H) which were grouped into four sequences. Stratigraphic data suggest that the eruption had a relatively short duration and evolved from i) an Opening phase, dispersing ash, lapilli clasts, accretionary lapilli, blocks and bombs, to ii) a Pulsatory phase, originating a series of magmatic explosions, to iii) a Collapsing phas...

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Name U.S. Geological Survey A Helicopter-Borne Magnetic Survey over Dixie Valley Geothermal Field, Nevada: A Web Site for Distribution of Data by U. S. Geological Survey &...

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Spanish 2001 p. 8-14 Uruguay Rodriguez Bakulic, M. Instituto de Geologia

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract: The basement of the South China Sea (SCS) and adjacent areas can be divided into six divisions (regions) - Paleozoic Erathem graben-faulted basement division in Beibu Gulf, Paleozoic Erathem strike-slip pull-apart in Yinggehai waters, Paleozoic Erathem faulted-depression in eastern Hainan, Paleozoic Erathem rifted in northern Xisha (Paracel), Paleozoic Erathem strike-slip extending in southern Xisha, and Paleozoic-Mesozoic Erathem extending in Nansha Islands (Spratly) waters. The Pre-Cenozoic basement in the SCS and Yunkai continental area are coeval within the Tethyan tectonic domain in the Pre-Cenozoic Period. They are formed on the background of the Paleo-Tethyan tectonic domain, and are important components of the Eastern Tethyan multi-island-ocean system. Three branches of t...

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In the Western Canada Basin, Triassic sedimentary rocks were deposited as a northeasterly-tapering wedge of sediment on the Triassic cratonic Interior Platform and adjacent miogeoclinal areas and occurring within the present day Interior Plains and Rocky Mountain Foothills and Front Ranges of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. Continued drilling activity and recent significant discoveries such as the Spirit River, Brassey, Ring-Pedigree ('Border'), Sukunka, Bullmoose West fields, and new unnamed fields in the Brazion-Monkman area, confirm the petroleum potential of Triassic rocks in this basin. A bibliography of 382 publications and a short test that summarizes the regional setting, stratigraphy and petroleum geology of these Triassic rocks, are provided. This paper is designed to help explorationists or geological researchers become more familiar with Western Canada Basin Triassic rocks and ...

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This document contains the Proceedings of the Eleventh Thematic Conference Geologic Remote Sensing (Volume II). The conference was held February 27-29, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Presentations included in this volume address the following topics: Geologic Remote Sensing and aerial surveying as applied toward mineral exploration, monitoring of geothermal resources, petroleum exploration, the environmental effects of mining, environment and hydrology, detection of geohazards, and the GIS system and data integration. Some information regarding the use of color imagery in remote sensing is also included.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the geological disposal facility of the high-level radioactive waste, a group of galleries is designed in parallel at the depth of more than 300 m below surface. This is an unprecedented structure in the field of conventional engineering, and it is necessary to take this characteristic into consideration in the design of the galleries. In the geological disposal facility, as well as ensuring the dynamic stability of the gallery during construction and operational periods, it is necessary to evaluate the EDZ adequately for long-term stability after the closure. In this study, analysis of the 'multi tunnels model' which represents the whole gallery group was performed and the results about the outbreak behavior of EDZ were summarized. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

Sep 21, 2007... at night," said Glen Cushing of the U.S. Geological Survey's Astrogeology Team and of Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Ariz. ...

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Japanese Sep 2009 p. 103-106 Japan Idota, Yasuhiro Inoue, Hiroyuki

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This paper discusses geology, coalfields, coal quality, seams and strata, coal reserves, mining methods, production, coal liquefaction, and research on spontaneous combustion and methane explosions.

Science.gov (United States)

The geothermal reservoirs currently being exploited commercially have few common geological characteristics. For example, the Geysers field is in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Discordant U-Pb zircon isotopic data from amphibolite facies orthogneisses of the Charleston Metamorphic Group, western South Island, New Zealand, define a lower intercept age of 114#+-#18 m.y. that is interpreted as the crystallization age of the orthogneiss magmas. The upper intercept age of 1026#+-#97 m.y. reflects inherited components of Precambrian zircon derived from the source region of the magmas. The age, and whole rock chemical characteristics, indicate that the orthogneisses are part of the same phase of Early cretaceous magmatic activity that produced voluminous arc-related calc-alkaline plutonic rocks throughout western South Island. Previously published K-Ar and Rb-Sr mineral ages indicate uplift and cooling of the Charleston Metamorphic Group to less than 400deg C by 110-90 m.y. This uplift occurred as a consequence of low-angle normal faulting related to the Late Cretaceous breakup of Gondwana, and suggests that regional continental lithospheric ...

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Ordos basin lies in the north-central China, in a compression tectonic regime, with an area of approximately 250,000 km{sup 2}, including several pay zones ranging from Cambrian to Jurassic. It is one of the earliest-formed marine to continental-superimposed basin in China, characterized by Proterozoic basin-marginal rifling and Lower-Paleozoic carbonate platform development followed by western thrusting and foreland depression during Mesozoic. It underwent several tectonic movements and is covered by several structural layers, with many play types developed, primarily thrust and anticlinal plays in the west, and differential compaction (river-channel sand lens) or drape as well as buried hill plays in the basin center and east. Ordos basin is a prolific gas basin with an estimated resource potential of gas 656,091 billion m{sup 3} in the Paleozoic strata and oil 2.0474 billion tons in the Mesozoic strata. In 1986, in the western part of the ...

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A method is described for increasing pressure in geologic oil-bearing structures by gas production due to microbial activity. There is added to an oil-bearing structure an anaerobic micro-organism (Methanobacterium termoautotroficum), a culture medium and formic acid. The formic acid is converted to carbon dioxide and methane gases resulting in increased pressure in the structures. Methanobacterium termoautotroficum cannot split formic acid into CO/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/ but it can produce methane from these 2 gases. 4 claims.

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Denison Mines Ltd. own extensive coal properties in British Columbia and Alberta. The geological settings, the reserves and the coal quality are described. The most important is the Quintette property where four opencast mines are currently being developed. Other sites in British Columbia are Belcourt and Saxon, and in Alberta, Coalspur.

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Detailed investigations of geologic, geomorphic, and seismic conditions at the Bodo Canyon disposal site were conducted. The purpose of these investigations was basic site characterization and identification of potential geologic hazards that could affect long-term site stability. Subsequent engineering studies, such as analyses of hydrologic and liquefaction hazards, used the data developed in these studies. The geomorphic analysis was employed in the design of effective erosion protection. Studies of the regional and local seismotectonic setting, which included a detailed search for possible capable faults within a 65 kilometer radius of the site, provided the basis for seismic design parameters. The scope of work performed included the following: Compilation and analysis of previous published and unpublished geologic literature and maps; Review of historical and instrumental earthquake data; Review of site-specific ...

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Onshore and marine seismic-reflection data obtained near the Trans-Alaskan Crustal Transect (TACT), in the region of the eastern Aleutian trench and lower Cook Inlet, reveal highly reflective midcrustal layering that begins at a depth of 10-15 km within the upper plate of the Aleutian subduction zone. Beneath the continental shelf, midcrustal reflections were recorded over broad areas and occur in subhorizontal bands that are 1 to 3 s thick. The reflections extend beneath complexly deformed late Mesozoic and early Cenozoic accreted rocks that are exposed at the surface. Preliminary interpretation of seismic refraction data indicates that under the shelf the top of the reflections corresponds in depth with a sharp increase in rock velocity, from 5.9 km/s to 6.6 km/s. North and northwest of the shelf, beneath the Chugach and Kenai mountains, midcrustal features dip 20{degree}-30{degree} north or northwest, and below the Chugach Mountains, the top of the reflections ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This is one of an annual collection of reports presenting data from the Geochronology Section of the Continental Geoscience Division of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). The main purpose of this collection is to make geochronological and other radiogenic isotope data produced by the section available promptly to the geological community. Reports make full presentation of the data, relate these to field settings and make comparatively short interpretations. Other geochronological and isotope data produced in the laboratory but published in outside journals or separate GSC publications are summarized at the end of this report. Report 5 contains 24 papers from most regions of Canada, but particularly from British Columbia. The Geochronology Laboratory has, over the years, provided substantial U-Pb dating for the Cordilleran Division of the Geological Survey of Canada in Vancouver, and the results of a number of these ...

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In the early 1980s, a program was begun to evaluate the oil shale resources of the Albert Formation by undertaking a geological lithofacies study of the Albert strata in the Moncton Subbasin of southeastern New Brunswick. Most rock exposures of the Albert were examined from 1982-84 and additional field work was carried out in the summers of 1989 and 1990. In January 1989, 1,900 km of Vibroseis seismic reflection profiles shot from 1981-84 by Chevron Canada Resources Ltd. in the Moncton and Sackville subbasins became publicly available. This report gives the results of the geological investigations on the Albert Formation in the southeastern Moncton Subbasin and the integration of interpreted seismic reflection profiles to help resolve some of the geological problems encountered.

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... such as biology, physics, geology, materials science, engineering, computer science, and mathematics ... expected to produce course and curricular materials that will be of national interest and widely ...

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The seismic reflection exploration technique which is one of the geophysical methods for oil exploration became effectively to image the subsurface structure with rapid development of computer. As a tool to perform seismic inversion, seismic forward modeling program using ray tracing should be developed. In this study, we have developed the algorithm that is to calculate the travel time of the complex geological structure using ray tracing by subdividing the geologic model into triangular element (finite element) having the constant velocity. We can analytically calculate Jacobian with some information by this current ray tracing. With this Jacobian, we will develop new algorithm which is to obtain geological properties and to image the subsurface. Since the FEM (Finite Element Method) ray tracing we have developed goes well the inverse velocities structure, we can apply the inversion problem to complex ...

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... F. Barker, and G. Brancolini. (eds.). Geology and seismic stratigraphy of the Antarctic margin. Antarctic Research Series 68: ... ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Pfister, Robert M. (Lamont Geological Observatory, Palisades, N.Y.), and Paul R. Burkholder. Numerical taxonomy of some bacteria isolated from Antarctic and tropical seawaters. J....Full Text Available

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Survey - science for a changing world USGS Home Contact USGS Search USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Reports 2007-1316 through 2007-1354...

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| Site Index open all | close all Get Adobe Acrobat Reader to view pdf files. ugs / geothermal resources Geothermal Resources Roosevelt Hot Springs, Beaver County. Nature of...

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This bibliography deals with the foundation of offshore structures like drilling or working platforms (oil and gas exploitation) or offshore tanks. Different kinds of foundations, e.g. pile foundations or shallow foundations, are described. Aspects of soil-structure interaction, engineering geology and soil mechanics are also discussed. (orig.).

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This document is the published result, conclusion, or progress report of research performed by the staff of the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science ... ...

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Geologic sequestration is currently being practiced and scientifically evaluated as a critical component in a broad strategy, comprising new practices and technologies, for mitigating global climate change due to anthropogenic emissions of CO2. Demonstrating that geologic sequestration of CO2 is safe and effective, and gaining public acceptance of sequestration technologies are critically important in meeting these global climate change challenges. Monitored field-scale demonstrations of geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide will contribute greatly toward growing trust and confidence in the technology; however, pilot demonstrations ultimately will not be the norm for new geological sequestration deployments. Instead, scientists, engineers, regulators, and ultimately the public will rely on numerical simulations to predict the performance of geologic repositories for carbon ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The report is divided into six working group discussions on the following subjects: 1) Chemical and physical mechanisms in the formation of uranium mineralization, geochronology, isotope geology and mineralogy; 2) Sedimentary basins and sandstone-type uranium deposits; 3) Uranium in quartz-pebble conglomerates; 4) Vein and similar type deposits (pitchblende); 5) Other uranium deposits; 6) Relation of metallogenic, tectonic and zoning factors to the origin of uranium deposits. Each working group paper contains a short introductory part followed by a discussion by the working group members.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This publication identifies conditions which affect (either increase or decrease) public concern for and political acceptance of the development and implementation of programmes for geological disposal of long lived radioactive waste. It also looks at how interested citizens can be associated in the decision making process in such a way that their input enriches the outcome of a more socially robust and sustainable solution. The publication also considers how to optimize risk management, addressing the needs and expectations of the public and of other relevant stakeholders. Factors of relevance for societal acceptance conditions are identified for the different stages of a repository programme and implementation process, from policy development to the realization of the repository itself. Further, they are described and analysed through case studies from several countries, illustrating the added value of broadening the technical dimension with social dialogue and ...

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Basalt and diabase from the Cretaceous Dumisseau Formation, southern Haiti have Mg-numbers of 43-63, TiO/sub 2/ contents of 1.6-3.9% and La abundances of 3.6-15.3 ppm. LaTa ratios average 10, and indicate that the basalts are oceanic in character, distinct from the arc associations forming the northern part of Haiti. Oldest lavas have low TiO/sub 2/, (1.6%) and are LREE-depleted, similar to N-MORBs, whereas overlying lavas have higher TiO/sub 2/ (2-3.9%) and are LREE-enriched, similar to E-MORBs or hotspot basalts. /sup 87/Sr/sup 86/Sr ratios vary from 0.70280 to 0.70316, /sup 143/Nd/sup 144/Nd from 0.512929 to 0.513121, and /sup 206/Pb/sup 204/Pb from 19.00 to 19.27 LREE-depleted lavas have high /sup 143/Nd/sup 144/Nd (0.51309-0.51310) typical of MORBs, whereas /sup 143/Nd/sup 144/Nd in the LREE-enriched lavas varies widely (0.512929-0.513121). Chemical features of the Dumisseau basalts are equivalent to those of Caribbean seafloor basalts recovered on DSDP Leg 15, and support the ...

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North Carolina is in the process of siting a LLRW disposal facility as the next host state for the Southwest Compact. After two years of site characterization studies at two technically challenging sites, the LLRW Management Authority (the Authority), will submit a license application for the preferred site. One potential site is in unconsolidated Tertiary and Cretaceous deposits of the inner Coastal Plain, the other in fractured sedimentary rocks of the Triassic Deep River Basin. Involved since 1986, the North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS) provides technical advice to the Division of radiation Protection, the state regulatory agency authorized to approve or deny a license. With the multi-million dollar project behind schedule, and millions of dollars over budget, in February 1992 the Southeast Compact Commission established three project milestones (1) submit license application by December 31, 1993; (2) approve license by March 15, 1994; (3) open facility by ...

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The authors have discovered chert xenoliths from green rocks in the Pippu area, central Hokkaido, Japan. Reports were given on the discovery with regard to the state of its production, chemical composition of the green rocks, and radiolarian fossils produced from the chert and their age. Considerations were given on the geological significance thereof. On 23 green rocks and five cherts out of the collected samples, rock slices were prepared, and petrographic statement was made by using a polarizing microscope. In addition, the whole petro-chemical composition analysis was performed on green rocks to discuss the radiolarian fossils and geological ages. The following conclusions were obtained as a result: green rocks may be identified as a product of igneous activities in a large plate in a certain period from the latter Callovian period of the middle age of the Jurassic period to the Barremian period of the Paleozoic era in the Cretaceous ...

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Indoor and soil gas Radon ({sup 222}Rn) concentration measurements were accomplished in two stages in Sivas, a central eastern city in Turkey. In the first stage, CR-39 passive nuclear track detectors supplied by the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEA) were placed in the selected houses throughout Sivas centrum in two seasons; summer and winter. Before the setup of detectors, a detailed questionnaire form was distributed to the inhabitants of selected houses to investigate construction parameters and properties of the houses, and living conditions of inhabitants. Detectors were collected back two months later and analysed at TAEA laboratories to obtain indoor {sup 222}Rn gas concentration values. In the second stage, soil gas {sup 222}Rn measurements were performed using an alphameter near the selected houses for the indoor measurements. Although {sup 222}Rn concentrations in Sivas were quite low in relation with the allowable limits, they are higher than the average of Turkey. ...

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This report is the conclusion of a three-part series that describes and attempts to explain regional coal quality variations within the foothills/mountains region of Alberta. Proximate and ultimate analysis variables, plus some vitrinite reflectance and maceral analyses, are examined for the Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Kootenay Group, Lower Cretaceous Luscar Group, the Lower Paleocene Coalspur Formation, and the Upper Paleocene Obed-Marsh coal-bearing units. The study has two major components: a statistical analysis and mapping of coal quality data provided by the Energy Resources Conservation Board; and a 'geologic models' section, in which regional and local in-seam coal quality variations are examined from a geological perspective. The first component is designed to describe, characterize, and set limits for the coal quality variables, while the second component should provide from a geological ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

After the publication of the 2nd progress report of geological disposal of TRU waste in Japan, policy and general scheme of future study for the waste disposal in Japan was published by ANRE and JAEA. This annual report summarized aim and progress of individual problem, which was assigned into JAEA in the published policy and general scheme. The problems are as follows; characteristics of TRU waste and its geologic disposal, treatment and waste production, quality control and inspection methodology for waste, mechanical analysis of near-field, data acquisition and preparation on radionuclides migration, cementitious material transition, bentonite and rock alteration in alkaline solution, nitrate effect, performance assessment of the disposal system and decomposition of nitrate as an alternative technology. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Natural radioactive materials are present in all geological rocks in varying amounts, they are easily mobilized in the environment, and can reach hazardous radiological levels under certain conditions, requiring precautions to be taken. The present study deals with 50 geological samples of local (Tushki and Kalabsha in upper Egypt) and imported (southeast Asia and Turkey) kaolin types. The samples were analyzed by gamma-ray spectroscopy using a HPGe detector. The activity concentrations of {sup 232}Th and {sup 238}U series and {sup 40}K and the contents (in ppm) are given. The radium equivalent activity varied from 187.8 to 10185.19 Bq/kg. {sup 137}Cs was found in a range of 0.23-8.53 Bq/kg, for the local samples. The kaolin in Tushki area was suitable for industrial use.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method for determining the rational capacity of the shield supports under various geological conditions is proposed. Based on the instrumentation of the pressure histories of the shield legs in eight mines, the relation between the final load or the increment of support resistance in a mining cycle and the setting load is established. The relation is represented by a mathematical equation with characteristic constants. Those constants are related to the physical properties of the immediate and main roof strata. Nomographs were constructed for determining the constants under various geological conditions. The paper discusses the principles and step-by-step procedures for determining the rational setting and yield loads for all the shield supports employed in the eight mines. The predicted values are then compared with the actual ones used by the operators. 7 refs., 6 figs., 4 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geothermal energy appears as a viable economic alternative among the different renewable energy sources. The French bureau of geological and mining researches (BRGM) is involved in several research and development programs in the domain of geothermal energy and underground reservoirs. This document presents the content of 5 programs: the deep hot dry rock system of Soultz-sous-Forets (construction and testing of the scientific pilot, modeling of the reservoir structure), the development of low and high enthalpy geothermal energy in the French West Indies, the comparison of the geothermal development success of Bouillante (Guadeloupe, French West Indies) with the check of the geothermal development of Nyssiros (Greece) and Pantelleria (Italy), the development of the high enthalpy geothermal potentialities of Reunion Island, and the underground storage of CO{sub 2} emissions in geologic formations (deep aquifers, geothermal reservoirs, abandoned ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper, the multisource geoscientific data, such as TM data, NOAA data, the data of Bouguer gravity anomaly and aeromagnetic anomaly, the multisource geophysical processing methods, such as upward continuations, vertical derivative and gradient image, and synthetic image processing method - remote sensing image processing and geophysical image processing under I{sup 2}S600, are used to study the reverse faults or thrusts in the southern margin of Ordos basin, China. On the basis of these results and with geological investigation in the field, the authors have determined three thrust compression systems, named EW thrust compression system, NE thrust compression system and NW thrust compression system. These three systems reveal the regularity of geological structural evolution in the southern margin of Ordos basis and in the north side of Qinling Orogenic Belt.

Science.gov (United States)

We propose a combined migration velocity analysis and imaging method based on Kirchhoff integral migration and reverse time migration, using the residual curvature analysis and layer stripping strategy to build the velocity model. This method improves the image resolution of Kirchhoff integral migration and reduces the computations of the reverse time migration. It combines the advantages of efficiency and accuracy of the two migration methods. Its application in tunnel seismic prediction shows good results. Numerical experiments show that the imaging results of reverse time migration are better than the imaging results of Kirchhoff integral migration in many aspects of tunnel prediction. Field data show that this method has efficient computations and can establish a reasonable velocity model and a high quality imaging section. Combination with geological information can make an accurate prediction of the front of the tunnel geological ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A controlled field pilot has been developed in Bozeman, Montana, USA, to study near surface CO2 transport and detection technologies. A slotted horizontal well divided into six zones was installed in the shallow subsurface. The scale and CO2 release rates were chosen to be relevant to developing monitoring strategies for geological carbon storage. The field site was characterized before injection, and CO2 transport and concentrations in saturated soil and the vadose zone were modeled. Controlled releases of CO2 from the horizontal well were performed in the summers of 2007 and 2008, and collaborators from six national labs, three universities, and the U.S. Geological Survey investigated movement of CO2 through the soil, water, plants, and air with a wide range of near surface detection techniques. An overview of these results will be presented.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Sheep Mountain area, in the southwest Wind River Basin, is the up plunge closure of the Derby Dome-Winkleman Dome producing trend of an echelon folds which comprise the first line of folding down the northeast flank of the Wind River Mountains. The structural style exposed in the Palozoic reservoir rocks of Sheep Mountain may serve as a model for the other structural features in the Wind River Basin. As in the case of the Derby Dome and Winkleman Dome, Sheep Mountain is typically asymmetric to the southwest. Local east-directed thrusts exposed in the core of the anticline place Pennsylvania over Permian age rocks. A major change in the trend of the anticlinal crest within Sheep Mountain, suggests development of separate left-stepping en echelon closures at depth. The northwest end of Sheep Mountain also forms a left-stepping en echelon pattern with Derby Dome. The northwest plunge of Sheep Mountain is facilitated by compartmentalization across an east-northeast trending, high angle ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The 66 fields discovered since the 1960s in the northern West Siberian basin contain at least 22 trillion m/sup 3/ (777 tcf) of proved gas, almost one-third of the world's reserves. Half of these fields are giants (> 85 billion m/sup 3/ or 3000 bcf of reserves). These include the largest and second-largest gas fields in the world-Urengoy (8.099 trillion m/sup 3/ or 286 tcf of gas) and Yamburg (4.81 trillion m/sup 3/ or 170 tcf of gas)-as well as most of the other ten largest gas fields in the world. The West Siberian basin occupies a 3.4-million km/sup 2/ (1.31-million mi/sup 2/) arctic lowland immediately east of the Ural Mountains, extending north under the Kara Sea. It is a composite basin, with Mesozoic-Cenozoic basin fill on top of a Paleozoic basin that overlies a crystalline Archean-Proterozoic framework. The productive zones in the northern basin are principally in the Neocomian section (at an average depth of 2800m or 9200 ft) and the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Ordos Basin of north-central China is well known for vast energy resources. This nonmarine interior basin developed on the North China-Korean platform following the Late Triassic Indochina orogeny and, for a time, contained a large freshwater lake prior to being uplifted into its present form at the close of the Mesozoic. Lower to Middle Jurassic coal occurs in the fluviolacustrine Yan'an Formation along the southern margin of the basin in the Huanglong coalfield. In the northeast part of the field, the formation ranges from 0 to 180 m in thickness and is divided into five fining-upward members, each representing a regressive-transgressive lacustrine cycle. Low-sulfur, high-volatile bituminous coal is complexly distributed in the lowest member of the Yan'an Formation. Deposition of this member was influenced by two tectonic events that controlled coal occurrence. First, regional uplifts were produced by the Late Triassic Indochina orogeny and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For the construction of underground facilities comprising access tunnels, connecting tunnels, main tunnels and disposal tunnels, a large number of tunnels will be excavated in deep rock formations. These excavations will extend hundreds kilometers in total length. Therefore, special attention must be paid, to transporting large volume of debris, ventilation, emergency escape routes in case of accident, and other factors. In addition, special attention must also paid to potential accidents which might in underground excavations, including unstable facing phenomena (such as collapse and swelling of facing at weak layer sections), spring water flow resulting collapse of rock, gas eruption, and rock burst. While considering these factors to be emphasized during the construction of geological disposal facilities, the investigation reviewed the existing working methods on individual construction technologies of access tunnels, main tunnels, connecting tunnels, disposal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The objective was to find out whether international research has now provided sufficiently reliable models to assess the corrosion behavior of spent fuel in groundwater and by this to contribute to answering the question whether the highly radioactive used fuel from nuclear reactors can be disposed of safely in a geological repository. Principal project results are described in the paper

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The major focus of this oil-shale investigation has been on specific localities of oil-shale resource potential. Three main areas of oil-shale occurrence have been studied in detail: the Elko area, Pinon Range area, and Coal Mine Canyon. Geologic mapping, stratigraphic studies, and sampling to delimit the lateral extent of the oil shale deposits were in progress prior to the cooperative agreement with Nevada DOE. These surface geologic studies have been summarized in this report. The results of surface geologic studies conducted near Elko suggested that the Elko area represented the best and most accessible oil-shale deposits; therefore, the Elko area was selected as the site of a shallow exploratory drilling program. Essential to this study was the obtaining of fresh, unweathered oil-shale samples from the Elko area. The samples were obtained from the core-drilling program and tested for oil yield by Fischer assays. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Infiltration of radon from the ground is usually the primary source of indoor radon pollution. A uniform method for radon risk classification of foundation soils based on soil-gas radon concentration measurements and on the determination of soil porosity, permeability and structure was proposed in 1990. Results of assessment of some areas in Czechoslovakia, containing more than 5000 radon concentration measurements, demonstrate the utility of the technique and confirm the link between geology and radon potential of the soil. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The migration of gaseous radon through the soil is depending on the geology of the region and may vary locally because of occurrence of fractures in impermeable layers and existence of fractures and faults. To identify areas with elevated radon concentration in soil gas, it is very helpful to know the geological structure of the area under study and how the high permeability soils are situated in the overburden. Topography of the surface in the Krakow area is determined by exhumed structure of late Alpine foreland, dismembered into systems of several normal fault-bounded carbonate horsts, erosional monadocks and grabens, and partially filled with marine Miocene clays of Carpathian foredeep basin. Radon geofluid, generated partially in sub-Jurassic, U-rich crystalline basement, migrates vertically to surface through permeable, jointed, faulted and karstified Jurassic limestone. Under the cover the radon fluxes are channelled by adjacent list ric ...

Wastenet

... Rachel has also studied Geological Oceanography at the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, including a year spent at the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory, Surrey, as a student researcher for the British Mid-Ocean Ridge Initiative (BRIDGE). Rachel has authored the following 1 Working Papers: 2002 ecm-2002-05 Towards Integrated Catchment/Coastal Management: Science, Policy ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The coalbed methane (CBM) geology, resource and production potential in the Weibei Coalfield, southeastern Ordos Basin are studied based on geological surveys and laboratory measurements. The results showed that coal rank varies both laterally and vertically and changes from volatile bituminous coals in the margin to anthracites towards the basin (1.6-2.5% R{sub o}). Coals are composed of 60-85% vitrinite, 15-40% inertinite and a trace amount of minerals. Methane isothermal adsorption measurements of 20 coal samples revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity (on a dry and ash-free basis) of coals, which are affected by coal rank, coal maceral, coal lithotype and especially to the moisture content, varies from 13.91 to 29.54 m{sup 3}/t. Estimated gas contents range from 0 to 15 m{sup 3}/t. These data yield an estimated in-place CBM resource of 2.5 x 10{sup 11} m{sup 3} for the Weibei Coalfield. In combination with the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nine-component vertical seismic profiling has been conducted at the UE-25 UZ No. 16 borehole at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, in support of investigation of the hydrologic significance of fault and fracture systems. A large data set from multi-component sources and receivers allows state-of-the-art advances in processing using polarization filtering and reverse time migration, for enhanced interpretation of geologic features.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The US Geological survey is active in measuring time of travel in streams using dye tracers. This manual describes methods of measuring time of travel of water and waterborne solutes by dye tracing. The fluorescent dyes, measuring equipment used, and field and laboratory procedures are also described. Methods of analysis and presentation to illustrate time of travel of streams are provided.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This annual report describes the progress during the fifth year of the project which is targeted towards improving the reservoir performance of mature oil fields located in fluvially dominated deltaic geological environments. The project involves using an integrated approach to characterize the reservoir followed by proposing an appropriate reservoir management strategy to improve the field performance. In the first stage of the project, the type data the authors integrated include cross borehole seismic surveys, geological interpretation based on the logs and the cores, and the engineering information. In contrast, during the second stage of the project, they intend to use only conventional data to construct the reservoir description. This report covers the results of the implementation from the first stage of the project. It also discusses the work accomplished so far for the second stage of the project. The production from the Self Unit ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report covers the period from October 1, 1992 to March 1, 1993. The overall goals of the program task are to provide a final synthesis of six deep seismic reflection profiles and other geological and geophysical data from the southern Washington Cascades region where a probable extensive deep sedimentary basin has been discovered. This deep sedimentary basin is hypothesized from geological, regional magnetotelluric (MT), gravity, magnetic , and seismic reflection data as described in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) article by Stanley and others (1992). This report analyzed three seismic reflection profiles acquired by the Morgantown Energy Technology Centers in combination with the extensive MT and other data to outline a probable geological model for a thick conductive section of rocks in the southern Washington Cascades (called the Southern Washington Cascades conductor, SWCC). Earlier MT ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geothermal heat pump systems necessitate a comprehensive approach to geology and building facilities in order to be energetically useful and efficient. Cooperation with geothermal experts should be sought at an early projecting stage in order to obtain reliable data. Geothermal data and the technical facilities of the building must be matched for the project to be both effective and efficient. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To be able to carry out review functions regulatory authorities must be able to make critical evaluations of proponent's safety cases. In Sweden the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority aims to have in place its own suite of performance assessment tools. This paper looks at the role and application of a regulator's models to important features of current modelling in a proponent's performance assessment. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book presents topics on: Density of rocks and minerals, includes histograms of density ranges; elastic constants of minerals, elastic moduli, thermal properties; inelastic properties, strength and rheology for rocks and minerals, rock mechanics and friction, and stress-strain relations; radioactivity, decay constants and heat production of isotope systems in geology; seismic attenuation, in rocks, minerals, and the earth, with application to oil exploration and terrestrial studies; and index.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report provides a summary of progress for the project {open_quotes}Evaluation of the Geologic Relations and Seismotectonic Stability of the Yucca Mountain Area, Nevada Nuclear Waste Site Investigation (NNWSI).{close_quotes} A similar report was previously provided for the period of 1 October 1991 to 30 September 1992. The report initially covers the activities of the General Task and is followed by sections that describe the progress of the other ongoing tasks.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iridium concentration in extra-terrestrial bodies is an important quantity in relation to Ir-rich geological layers. Ir concentration of a Yamato carbonaceous chondrite (Y-793321) has been measured by a neutron activation method. The measurement yields a value of (0.57#+-#0.06) #mu#g per gramme for the chondrite. 4 refs.; 1 figure.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Artificial neural network analysis is found to be far superior to multiple regression when applied to the evaluation of trap quality in the Northern Kuqa Depression, a gas-rich depression of Tarim Basin in western China. This is because this technique can correlate the complex and non-linear relationship between trap quality and related geological factors, whereas multiple regression can only describe a linear relationship. However, multiple regression can work as an auxiliary tool, as it is suited to high-speed calculations and can indicate the degree of dependence between the trap quality and its related geological factors which artificial neural network analysis cannot. For illustration, we have investigated 30 traps in the Northern Kuqa Depression. For each of the traps, the values of 14 selected geological factors were all known. While geologists were also able to assign individual trap quality values to 27 traps, they ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A novel system has been deployed to obtain geochemical samples of water and gas, at in situ pressure, during a geologic CO2 sequestration experiment conducted in the Frio brine aquifer in Liberty County, Texas. Project goals required high-frequency recovery of representative and uncontaminated aliquots of a rapidly changing two-phase (supercritical CO2-brine) fluid from 1.5 km depth. The datasets collected, using both the liquid and gas portions of the downhole samples, provide insights into the coupled hydro-geochemical issues affecting CO2 sequestration in brine-filled formations. While the basic premise underlying the U-Tube sampler is not new, the system is unique because careful consideration was given to the processing of the recovered two-phase fluids. In particular, strain gauges mounted beneath the high-pressure surface sample cylinders measured the ratio of recovered brine to supercritical CO2. A quadrupole mass spectrometer provided real-time gas ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Long-term disposal and management of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste is a major project of the nuclear power industry. Therefore, the selection of an underground waste repository has to be a geologically and seismologically stable storage. Easy transportation and emplacement is essential. The Wolsung nuclear power plant (NPP) of unit no. 1/2/ 3/ 4, which is responsible for the future of the energy industry, has already been constructed at the Wolsung site and a New NPP has recently been created at the Sinwolsung site. Radioactive waste used in the plant facilities, has piled up increasingly every year, but it should be taken to be managed at long-term underground storage disposal facilities. The Wolsung site for radioactivity waste repository was known to be relatively stable through various geological surveys, earthquakes, groundwater, engineering testing and analysis, but still more research related to the stability of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book is based on a new method published in U.S. Geological Survey Circular 994 and is the second assessment made in accordance with the 1984 Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Energy. The first estimate was published as U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 80-2. The endowment estimates are reported for 26 areas in the following 1{degrees} {times} 2{degrees} guadrangles: Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, Williams, Flagstaff, Prescott, Holbrook, and St. Johns, Ariz., and Cedar City, Utah. The total uranium endowment is about eight times larger than reported in 1980 by the Department of Energy. The Grand Canyon region has the potential of becoming the second most important domestic uranium producer after the most production San Juan Basin uranium region in New Mexico.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Slope stability can be a major problem during the construction of surface facilities. Cutting into existing ground disturbs the mechanics of the surrounding area, which can result in landslides and rock falls. This practical reference gives you the comprehensive information you need for slope stability analysis, suitable methods of analysis with and without the use of computers, and examples of common stability problems and stabilization methods for cuts and fills. It includes detailed discussions of methods used in slope stability analysis, including the Ordinary Method of Slices, Simplified Janbu Method, Simplified Bishop Method, Spencer`s Method, other limit equilibrium methods, numerical methods, total stress analysis, effective stress analysis, and the use of computer programs to solve problems. Chapters include: General Slope Stability Concepts; Engineering Geology Principles; Groundwater Conditions; Geologic Site Exploration; Laboratory ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the spring of 2002, the Department of Energy provided an initial 1-year grant to the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT). The grant covered the one-year operational expenses of a worldclass core and cuttings facility located in Houston, Texas, that BP America donated to the BEG. The DOE investment of $300,000, matched by a $75,000 UT contribution, provided critical first-year funds that were heavily leveraged by the BP gift of $7.0 million in facilities and cash. DOE also provided a one-month extension and grant of $30,000 for the month of May 2003. A 5-year plan to grow a permanent endowment in order to manage the facility in perpetuity is well under way and on schedule. The facility, named the Houston Research Center, represents an ideal model for a strong Federal, university, and private partnership to accomplish a national good. This report summarizes the activities supported by the initial DOE grant during the first 13 ...

Science.gov (United States)

Radon-222 was shown to be useful in-situ tracer for studying thermodynamic, geologic, and transport properties of geothermal reservoirs. The relationships to reservoir properties are based on steady-state and non-steady-state models which incorporate the thermodynamic state and relative mobility of the fluids, and partitioning between the fluid phases. The steady-state thermodynamic models assume equilibrium between radon emanation from the reservoir rock and the geofluid concentration. The non-steady-state model solves the partial differential equations describing radon transport under transient two-phase geothermal flow conditions. Radon concentrations of fluids from nine geothermal reservoirs showed strong correlations to the specific volume of the reservoir fluid. Lowest values were associated with all-liquid wells at Cerro Prieto, Wairakei, and Los Azufres reservoirs, and the highest values for steady-producing wells at Serrazzano, Geysers, and Matsukawa ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy concepts are applied to Erema, a Miocene onshore field of the Niger delta. The field's production is decreasing and an up-to-date geological model is essential to monitor the production. We aim to show an approach, using subsurface data and sequence stratigraphic concepts, which results in a time-line (Maximum Flooding Surfaces) correlation scheme. This scheme is based upon a facies model and is destined to guide the study of the characterization of reservoir heterogeneities. Using the cored well as a reference point, the facies model consists of shoreface dunes (planar tabular cross-stratified sandstones) changing landward into fluvial distributary deposits (through cross-stratified sandstones) via a tide-influenced coastal plain facies. The stacking pattern of genetic units shows a seaward stepping phase at the reservoir scale (sixty metres thick) with an abrupt deepening at the top of the reservoir. The proposed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The geology of the central Roam Plateau area in the south-central part of the Piceance Creek basin, comprising four 7.5-minute quadrangles, is described. Subsurface rocks penetrated by drill holes include the Mancos Shale and Mesaverde Formation of Later Cretaceous age, and parts of the Wasatch Formation of Paleocene and Eocene age, and Green River Formation of Eocene age. Exposed rocks, aggregating as much as 4,550 feet in thickness, are all Eocene in age and include the upper part of the Wasatch Formation , and the Green River and Uinta formations. The Green River and Uinta formations are extensively intertongued. Surficial deposits of Quaternary age include alluvium, talus, slopewash, and landslides. Two northwesterly trending folds, the Clear Creek Syncline and the Crystal Creek anticlinal nose, are present in the northern part of the area. There are no major faults. The area contains large potentially important oil-shale resources, mostly in the Parachute ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is desired that the data on past ground information are easily picked out and used effectively when construction of power facilities such as power plants is planned. For this purpose, a data base system that is available for survey planning and design business has been developed. This system is divided into subsystems for input, registration, and output, which all can be processed by the personal computers. It also has a retrieval function for maps such as area maps and power facility maps in addition to a retrieval function for characters. As output functions, the system has a function to extract ground information through maps of facilities and their peripheries, an output function for geological profiles and soil test results, and liquefaction analysis and design constant setting support functions. As instances, applications of this system to the thermal power plant location program and to the construction of underground transmission lines are introduced. In ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The northeastern part of the Great Divide basin is a separate, unique, and until recently, little-explored subbasin sometimes called the Bison basin. It is bounded by the Wind River Mountains, Sweetwater-Granite Mountain foreland uplift, Lost Soldier-Wertz structure, and a little-studied very positive east-west structural arch approximately coincident with the Sweetwater-Fremont county line. A comprehensive seismic, Landsat, and subsurface geologic examination or, better, dissection of the Bison basin was initiated in 1978. Numerous oil and gas prospects were delineated by this study. Since this small, 12 by 40 mi (19 by 64 km) basin is bordered by known reserves of 260 million bbl of oil and 90 million bcf of gas, these prospects proved to be a popular target of the drill bit. At least one of these prospects appears to be productive; others are currently being drilled. The presence of major east-west wrench faults, a well-documented foreland uplift, until recently ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A brief overview is given of the geological characteristics of each region of the state as they relate to potential geothermal development. Those exploration methods which can lead to the siting of a deep exploration well are described. Requirements and techniques needed for drilling deeper higher temperature exploration and production wells are presented. Electrical generation, direct utilization, and indirect utilization are reviewed. Economic factors of direct use projects are presented. A general guide to the regulatory framework affecting geothermal energy development is provided. The general steps necessary to gain access to explore, develop, distribute, and use geothermal resources are outlined. (MHR)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The SRP Baseline Hydrogeologic Investigation was implemented for the purpose of updating and improving the knowledge and understanding of the hydrogeologic systems underlying the SRP site. Phase III, which is discussed in this report, includes the drilling of 7 deep coreholes (sites P-24 through P-30) and the installation of 53 observation wells ranging in depth from approximately 50 ft to more than 970 ft below the ground surface. In addition to the collection of geologic cores for lithologic and stratigraphic study, samples were also collected for the determination of physical characteristics of the sediments and for the identification of microorganisms.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Results are given for deep-level petroleum and gas drilling probes in various coastal zones of Southern Sakhalin covering the Poronai depression and the Aniv Bay trough. The exploratory probes indicate that the Middle Miocence deposits of the Boundary trough contain commercial-size deposits of petroleum, that commercial-size gas deposits are in the upper Myocene deposits of the Aliv Bay trough, and that the upper Cretaceous and Cenozoic deposits of the eastern section of Southern Sakhalin lack folded deformations. 7 references, 2 figures.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper following a brief outline of the geological background in Greece, as related to geothermal exploration, the prospective areas for low enthalpy fluids are classified into four groups. These are the Tertiary grabens associated with Lithospheric stretching and crustal subsidence, the Arc of the Aegean Plio-Quaternary volcanism induced by the subduction of the African plate, Central Aegean islands of distensive tectonism bordering back-arc marine basins and finally Tertiary-Quaternary sedimentary basins of various types, not classified as grabens. The geothermal regime in each of these groups is outlined, and the current status of exploration is reviewed.

Science.gov (United States)

Subsurface conditions at sites in the coastal plains region of South Carolina were investigated using standard penetration and mechanical quasi-static cone penetration tests. The penetration test results are compared with measured static axial pile capacity. The cone penetration test results are compared with stratigraphy and soil types encountered at each site. Results show that with certain limitations, cone penetration test results can be used to assess general stratigraphy and soil type and predict static axial pile capacity with reasonable accuracy.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Knowledge of ground subsidence behavior provides for better economic planning and execution of a mining exploitation, higher safety and optimum use of the resources without ruining the environment. In addition, when considering subsidence generated by petroleum exploitation, the monitored (measured) subsidence, combined with geological information and a suitable prediction model, can provide data on the expanse of the oil field and thus aid in the estimation of available resources. An integrated survey system for monitoring mining subsidence is described which has been developed as part of a research program in cooperation with the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology. (JMT)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Denison Mines Limited is completing two final feasibility studies on the Coalspur thermal coal property in northwestern Alberta and the Belcourt property south of Dawson Creek, B.C. Denison is also carrying out a geological field program on a promising metallurgical coal property, Wildhay, west of Hinton, Alberta. Fording Coal Ltd. will close its Fording River mine for at least the second half of December. Site preparation has started at the Obed-Marsh thermal coal project northeast of Hinton.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the presented case study CRS processing was able to improve the overall data quality of the processed lines in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and imaging. The complex geology is causing serious problems in conventional NMO/DMO processing that were solved by CRS processing. Even a depth processing with velocities calculated from CRS attributes gives good results similar to those from PreSDM in terms of the velocity field. Data quality of poststack depth migrated CRS stacks is even better than the image from PreSDM. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A versatile method for estimating the characteristics of radon transport in soil is developed. The method allows the following characteristics to be estimated: depth distribution function of the soil gas radon concentration, equilibrium radon concentration in the soil air, depth at which the radon concentration reaches its equilibrium value, radon flux density from the Earth's surface, and convective radon transport velocity. The method is based on soil gas radon concentration measurements and is appropriate in the case of relatively uniform geology. (orig.)

Science.gov (United States)

Thermal models are constructed and analyses are performed of aluminum-based spent nuclear fuel (Al-SNF) in interim dry storage and geologic disposal configurations. Two models are developed, referred to as the interim storage model and the codisposal waste package (WP) model. Time-dependent source terms of Al-SNF forms and the defense high-level waste (DHLW) canisters are also developed for thermal performance analysis of the geologic codisposal WP.The interim storage model is a three-dimensional conduction-convection conjugate model to investigate the natural convection cooling of a sealed dry storage canister with vertical orientation in a dry storage vault. The analysis is made for various decay heat sources (equivalent to 25 to 35 kW/m{sup 3}) using various boundary conditions around the canister wall and with backfilled nitrogen or helium gas. Based on the data obtained from the Savannah River Site experimental work and available from the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Author.Field, laboratory and market studies are a must for proper evaluation of natural resources for the mineral industry of lebanon. Sites selectively convenient to the existing major Lebanese ceramics industry centered in the Beqa'a region, were investigated as to their geology, geography and economic character. The raw materials are shales, mud stones, siltstones and other argillaceous rocks of Jurassic to Cretaceous age coming from selective sites in south and central Lebanon. The finished products include wall, floor, roofing tiles, pipes, sanitary ware, pottery and brick specimens. Differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, firing and physico-chemical tests and analyses characterized the raw materials into two major groups: the suitable are siliceous argillaceous rocks and unsuitable calcareous argillaceous rocks. The suitable group is divided into two varieties. The first is dominantly a disordered Kaolinite with low drying and firing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report is the culmination of approximately three and one-half years of research on the design and demonstration of a mineral endowment appraisal system which has as its foundation a formalization of geological decisions within a probabilistic framework. Basically, the probabilistic decision structure of a geologist or team of geologists is captured in a system of computer programs which can be used by a geologist for the estimation of the magnitude of uranium endowment by providing information to this system about the states of earth processes and geologic conditions that pertain to that region being evaluated. Research performed under this contract had two main objectives: demonstration of the endowment appraisal system on the San Juan Basin of New Mexico; a comparison of estimates by the appraisal system with estimates made using other methodologies. The scope of this report is restricted to a demonstration of the appraisal system and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Cambro-Ordovician platform was formed along the margin of the old super-continent of Laurentia approximately 470 million years ago, and is a prolific producer of hydrocarbons. This presentation provided a geological review of the region as well as estimates of the amounts of oil in place. A simplified geological cross-section of the formation was presented, as well as a chart of the Anticosti Basin of western Newfoundland. Details of exploration wells targeting the Cambro-Ordovician carbonate platform and current west coast land holdings were provided. An outline of the area's petroleum system included details of source rock, reservoirs, traps and seals and migration and timing. Offshore prospects for the platform were estimated to be in the region of 100 to 200 million barrels. Onshore prospects were estimated to be in the region of 30 million to 150 million barrels. It was noted that limited coverage by onshore seismic data may ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It has been concluded by geologists that a significant amount of hydrogen is stored as point defects in nominally anhydrous minerals. Determination of the amount of hydrogen bound in these minerals is a step towards determining the total water content of the earth mantle as well as comprehending its internal water cycle. The possibility to measure hydrogen in thin geological samples by elastic p-p scattering has been investigated at the Lund Nuclear Microprobe. In this work the development of the experimental procedure and standardisation of data analysis is described. Special emphasis has been put into doing the data analysis as simple as possible and at the same time applicable to all sorts of thin samples, even those of unknown nature. A special annular surface barrier detector composed of two insulated detector halves, which are read out simultaneously, is used to detect the recoiled proton and the scattered proton in coincidence. Conditions on the difference ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Discussed in this paper are the P-wave and S-wave zero-offset VSPs carried out utilizing boreholes located in Nada Ward, Kobe City, and Hokudan-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, as part of the deep layer boring survey following Hanshin Earthquake Disaster. This effort aims at the elucidation of P-wave and S-wave velocity structures, high-precision identification of data obtained by the surface reflection method, and collection of basic data for active faults investigation in the future. Among the velocity structures obtained for various layers, the S-wave velocity structures in particular agree with the stratigraphy excellently and may be utilized in seismic analyses to be conducted in the future. Reflection from geological boundaries is received with precision, providing accurate information about correlation between reflection and geological cross sections. The records will be useful in formulating plans for reflection surveys for instance of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hydrologic information is essential for environmental efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Testing at new characterization wells being drilled to the regional aquifer (''R wells'') to improve the conceptual hydrogeologic model of the Pajarito Plateau is providing such information. Drilling has been by air-rotary casing-advance or open-hole methods. Most wells are completed with multiple screens. After their construction, wells were rigorously developed by wire-brushing, bailing, followed by surging, swabbing, or jetting, and finally by pumping. These methods are effective based on field-parameter measurements and comparison of results of hydrologic testing at well R-31 before and after complete well development. We conducted field tests on various zones of saturation penetrated by the R wells to collect data needed for determining hydraulic properties. This document provides details of the design and execution of testing as well as an analysis ...

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Leakage of CO{sub 2} and displaced brine from geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) sites into potable groundwater or to the near-surface environment is a primary concern for safety and effectiveness of GCS. The focus of this study is on the estimation of the probability of CO{sub 2} leakage along conduits such as faults and fractures. This probability is controlled by (1) the probability that the CO{sub 2} plume encounters a conductive fault that could serve as a conduit for CO{sub 2} to leak through the sealing formation, and (2) the probability that the conductive fault(s) intersected by the CO{sub 2} plume are connected to other conductive faults in such a way that a connected flow path is formed to allow CO{sub 2} to leak to environmental resources that may be impacted by leakage. This work is designed to fit into the certification framework for geological CO{sub 2} storage, which represents vulnerable resources such as potable groundwater, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Total EU (and Norway) emissions of CO_2 from thermal power generation were some 950 million tonnes in 1990, the Kyoto agreement reference level. An ongoing research project, the GESTCO project, will provide the first documentation that, for the emission sources within the selected key areas, sufficient geological storage capacity is available for at least 30 years and possibly much longer. Cost of energy will obviously increase, but it is anticipated that electricity production cost price will be comparable to that of renewables. It would further have major implications for the European power generating industry which today is totally dominated by fossil fuel combustion with enormous emissions problems. The identification and siting of subsurface CO_2 storage capability can be expected to have considerable effect on the planning for and future siting of fossil fuel plants. In Norway there are plans to build several major, coastally sited, natural gas-fed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Extensive well testing in geothermal resources has been carried out throughout the western United States and in northern Mexico since 1975. Each resource tested and each well test conducted by LBL during the eight-year period are covered in brief. The information, collected from published reports and memoranda, includes test particulars, special instrumentation, data interpretation when available, and plots of actual data. Brief geologic and hydrologic descriptions of the geothermal resources are also presented. The format is such that well test descriptions are grouped, in the order performed, into major sections according to resource, each section containing a short resource description followed by individual test details. Additional information regarding instrumentation is provided. Source documentation is provided throughout to facilitate access to further information and raw data.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The western area of the United Stated contains three young silicic calderas, all of which contain attractive targets for scientific drilling. Of the three, the Yellowstone caldera complex is the largest, has the most intense geothermal anomalies, and is the most seismically active. On the basis of scientific objectives alone. it is easily the first choice for investigating active hydrothermal processes. This report briefly reviews what is known about the geology of Yellowstone National Park and highlights unique information that could be acquired by research drilling only in Yellowstone. However, it is not the purpose of this report to recommend specific drill sites or to put forth a specific drilling proposal. 175 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A wide area of the Assisi town, in Umbria (central Italy), is interested since its first edification (1950?1960) by an extensive landslide. The rate of motion is very slow (around 1?cm/year), but the deformations accumulated for almost 60?years have produced considerable damage to many private and public buildings, including the civic hospital and an important Franciscan monastery. The University of Perugia established in 1995 a geodetic monitoring network over the Assisi landslide, connecting a number of control points inside the moving area to an external reference network with markers placed on stable geological formations. The monitoring has been based since the beginning on GPS satellite positioning with static observations, aiming to obtain a three-dimensional accuracy of about 1?cm ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper gives a detailed overview of the history of subsidence engineering in South African collieries. Surface displacements resulting from total-seam extraction are discussed, and the important role of local geology is highlighted. It is shown that the differences in subsidence behaviour between South African and European collieries can be attributed to the presence of competent strata in the overburden of South African coal seams. Criteria are given for the prediction of the most important subsidence parameters, and a new model for the simulation of surface subsidence above total-extraction panels is introduced. The final section of the paper deals with the damage to surface structures caused by total-seam extraction. A brief summary of the most important undermining experiments in South African collieries is given, and it is concluded that local experiences of damage compare with those in Europe. 32 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

HLW disposal is one of the largest issue to utilize Nuclear power safely. In the past study, the concept, which buffer materials and Overpacked waste were transported into underground respectively, have shown. The concept of pre-assembled engineered barrier has advantage to simplify the logistics and emplacement procedure, however there are difficulties to support heavy weight of pre-assembled package by equipment under the condition of little clearance between tunnel and package. In this study, Combination of air bearing and two degree-of-freedom wheels were suggested for transportation, and air jack was suggested for unloading and emplacement system. Also, whole system for transportation and emplacement procedure was designed, and Scale model test was examined to evaluate the feasibility of these concept and functions. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Spratly Islands are developing into a flashpoint in the South China Sea region. Geological surveys conducted underneath the seabed of these islands following the oil crisis in the 1970s shows an enormous potential of oil and gas reserves. Moreover, with the adoption of the new International Law of the Sea concept there are overlapping claims by contending countries. Unless these claimant countries reconcile their differences and come to terms, the conflict is bound to escalate. This thesis is an in depth study of the disputes over the Spratlys and examines four cases of islands based territorial disputes that could be used as a model in resolving these tensions. This thesis argues that a military option will only create division and in-flame longstanding animosities. Instead, a peaceful solution is recommended as quickly as possible so that regional nations will realize the full potential of these islands. Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the technical issues pertaining to possible destructive interactions between spent nuclear fuels (SNFs) and the stainless steel canisters. When issues are identified through such an analysis, they provide the technical basis for answering what if questions and, if needed, for conducting additional analyses, testing, or other efforts to resolve them in order to base the licensing on solid technical grounds. The analysis reported herein systematically assessed the chemical and physical properties and the potential interactions of the materials that comprise typical US Department of Energy (DOE) SNFs and the stainless steel canisters in which they will be stored, transported, and placed in a geologic repository for final disposition. The primary focus in each step of the analysis was to identify any possible phenomena that could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the canisters and to assess their ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

BC Hydro has been assessing and upgrading its facilities and implementing response alternatives to potential damage resulting from a major earthquake. This paper reviews the utility`s seismic evaluation of its overhead transmission system, focusing on the Lower Mainland area where most of the tall critical river-crossing towers are located. The paper gives an overview of the geologic environment of the Lower Mainland and outlines the criteria used for assessing existing structures for their ability to withstand design seismic loads. It then describes the investigation and analysis methods used in the assessment, including geotechnical field tests, ground response analysis, determination of soil liquefaction potential, and dynamic analysis of structures and piles. Options for seismic upgrades are discussed and illustrated by the case of the Pitt River crossing, where tower foundations were reinforced with steel pipe piles.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SUMMARY We construct a new class of granular landslide models in which avalanches are simulated with large numbers of independent particles moving under the influence of topographically derived gravitational and centripetal acceleration. Concurrently, the particles suffer deceleration due to basal and dynamic friction. The novel aspect of the calculation is that complex particle-to-particle interactions, fluctuating basal contacts, and unresolved topographic roughness within and below the deforming flow are mimicked by random perturbations in along-track and cross-slope acceleration. We apply the method to the 1980 May 18 Mount Saint Helens debris avalanche by constraining the initial geometry and structure of the slide mass from geological data, and the initial failure sequence from eyewi...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The primary objective of this study is to assess the oil and gas potential of the West Siberian Basin of Russia. The study does not analyze the costs or technology necessary to achieve the estimates of the ultimate recoverable oil and gas. This study uses reservoir data to estimate recoverable oil and gas quantities which were aggregated to the field level. Field totals were summed to a basin total for discovered fields. An estimate of undiscovered oil and gas, from work of the US Geological Survey (USGS), was added to give a total basin resource volume. Recent production decline points out Russia`s need to continue development of its discovered recoverable oil and gas. Continued exploration is required to discover additional oil and gas that remains undiscovered in the basin.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During this quarter, work began on the regional structural and geologic analysis of the greater Green River basin (GGRB) in southwestern Wyoming, northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah. The ultimate objective of the regional analysis is to apply the techniques developed and demonstrated during earlier phases of the project to sweet-spot delineation in a relatively new and underexplored play: tight gas from continuous-type Upper Cretaceous reservoirs of the GGRB. The primary goal of this work is to partition and high-grade the greater Green River basin for exploration efforts in the Cretaceous tight gas play. The work plan for the quarter of January 1, 1998--March 31, 1998 consisted of three tasks: (1) Acquire necessary data and develop base map of study area; (2) Process data for analysis; and (3) Initiate structural study. The first task and second tasks were completed during this reporting period. The third task was initiated and work continues.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Montana Rivers Information System (MRIS) was initiated to assess the state`s fish, wildlife, and recreation value; and natural cultural, and geologic features. The MRIS is now a set of data bases containing part of the information in the Natural Heritage Program natural features and threatened and endangered species data bases and comprises of the Montana Interagency Stream Fisheries Database; the MDFWP Recreation Database; and the MDFWP Wildlife Geographic Information System. The purpose of this User`s Manual is to describe to the user how to maintain the MRIS database of their choice by updating, changing, deleting, and adding records using the edit/entry programs; and to provide to the user all information and instructions necessary to complete data entry into the MRIS databases.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report presents the results of an experimental programme to determine the mass transfer and sorptive properties of selected glacial sand and clays from the Drigg Disposal Site operated by British Nuclear Fuels plc. The hydraulic conductivity of both the sand and clay has been determined and the sensitivity of this parameter to changing water chemistry investigated. The hydrodynamic dispersion properties of the glacial sand were measured in order to aid the interpretation of column sorption experiments. The sorption of strontium and uranium from groundwater onto clay and sand samples has been studied using through-diffusion, column and batch techniques. Employing the batch technique, the effect of a series of humic acid concentrations on distribution ratios for uranium and plutonium has also been investigated. Groundwater and trench leachate were used with both clay and sand. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The site characterization of Yucca Mountain, NV as a potential high level nuclear waste repository includes study of the surficial deposits as a record of the paleoenvironmental history of the Yucca Mountain region. An important aspect of this history is an understanding of the evolution of paleogeography leading to establishment of the present drainage pattern. Establishment of drainage basin evolution is needed before geomorphic response to paleoclimate and tectonics can be assessed, because a major change in drainage basin geometry can predominantly affect the sedimentary record. Because alluvial aquifers are significant to regional hydrology, a major change in surface drainage resulting in buried alluvium could have hydrogeologic significance. In this paper, we report on geologic evidence for a major modification in surface drainage pattern in the Yucca Mountain region, resulting in the probable establishment of the Fortymile Wash drainage basin by latest ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To meet BPA`s contractual obligation to supply electrical power to its customers, BPA proposes to acquire power generated by Klickitat Cogeneration Project. BPA has prepared an environmental assessment evaluating the proposed project. Based on the EA analysis, BPA`s proposed action is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for the following reasons: (1)it will not have a significant impact land use, upland vegetation, wetlands, water quality, geology, soils, public health and safety, visual quality, historical and cultural resources, recreation and socioeconomics, and (2) impacts to fisheries, wildlife resources, air quality, and noise will be temporary, minor, or sufficiently offset by mitigation. Therefore, the preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required and BPA is issuing this FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Indoor and soil gas Radon (222Rn) concentration measurements were accomplished in two stages in Sivas, a central eastern city in Turkey. In the first stage, CR-39 passive nuclear track detectors supplied by the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEA) were placed in the selected houses throughout Sivas centrum in two seasons; summer and winter. Before the setup of detectors, a detailed questionnaire form was distributed to the inhabitants of selected houses to investigate construction parameters and properties of the houses, and living conditions of inhabitants. Detectors were collected back two months later and analysed at TAEA laboratories to obtain indoor 222Rn gas concentration values. In the second stage, soil gas 222Rn measurements were performed using an alphameter near the selected h...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determinations of oil-in-place, methods for improved completion efficiency and the suitability of waterflooding in Red River and Ratcliffe shallow-shelf carbonate reservoirs in the Williston Basin, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing three-dimensional and multi-component seismic are being investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterization tools are integrated with geological and engineering studies. Improved completion efficiency is being tested with extended-reach jetting lance and other ultra-short-radius lateral technologies. Improved completion efficiency, additional wells at closer spacing and better estimates of oil in place will result in additional oil recovery by primary and enhanced recovery processes.

Science.gov (United States)

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determinations of oil-in-place, methods for improved completion efficiency and the suitability of waterflooding in Red River and Ratcliffe shallow-shelf carbonate reservoirs in the Williston Basin, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing three-dimensional and multi-component seismic are being investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterization tools are integrated with geological and engineering studies. Improved completion efficiency is being tested with extended-reach jetting lance and other ultra-short-radius lateral technologies. Improved completion efficiency, additional wells at closer spacing and better estimates of oil in place will result in additional oil recovery by primary and enhanced recovery processes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determination of oil-in-place, methods for improved completion efficiency and the suitability of waterflooding in certain shallow-shelf carbonate reservoirs in the Williston Basin, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing 3-dimensional (3D) is being investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterization tools are integrated with geological and engineering studies. Improved completion efficiency is being tested with short lateral and horizontal drilling technologies. Improved completion efficiency, additional wells at closer spacing and better estimates of oil-in- place will result in additional oil production by primary and enhanced recovery processes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determinations of oil-in- place, methods for improved completion efficiency and the suitability of waterflooding in certain shallow-shelf carbonate reservoirs in the Williston Basin, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing 3-dimensional (3-D) and multi- component seismic are being investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterization tools are integrated with geological and engineering studies. Improved completion efficiency is being tested with short- lateral and horizontal drilling technologies. Improved completion efficiency, additional wells at closer spacing and better estimate of oil-in-place will result in additional oil production by primary and enhanced recovery processes.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant Project has been established to convert the high-level radioactive waste associated with nuclear defense production at the Hanford Site into a waste form suitable for disposal in a deep geologic repository. The Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant will mix processed radioactive waste with borosilicate material, then heat the mixture to its melting point (vitrification) to forin a glass-like substance that traps the radionuclides in the glass matrix upon cooling. The Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant Quality Assurance Program has been established to support the mission of the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant. This Quality Assurance Program Description has been written to document the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant Quality Assurance Program.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Knowledge of subsurface temperatures obtained from heat flow and equilibrium temperature measurements were used as a basis for evaluation of the usefulness of the non-equilibrium temperatures of oil and gas wells for geothermal exploration. We find that the data in the Geothermal Gradient Map of North America do not conform to the thermal regime of Nebraska; and, that if the BHT data were the only data used, we would have underestimated our resource by about 80%. Differences in geological sections and heat flow between Nebraska and the U.S. Gulf coast where the correction data for the USGS map were obtained are the reasons for the discrepency. Some significant inaccuracies in the BHT data may not be correctable.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Utilisation of geothermal energy may soon become an important factor in power supply in Germany. The contribution discusses the utilisation of hydrothermal low-pressure systems, the geological boundary conditions, the technical design of the thermal water cycle, and the current status of the hot dry rock technology. [German] Die Nutzung der Energie ausd Erdwaerme kann in naher Zukunft eine wichtige Rolle in der Energieversorgung Deutschlands spielen. Der vorliegende Artikel gibt einen Ueberblick ueber die Nutzung hydrothermaler Niederdrucksysteme, die geologischen Rahmenbedingungen, den technischen Aufbau des Thermalwasserkreislaufes sowie zum aktuellen Stand des Hot Dry Rock Verfahrens.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A plant for the fixation of high-level wastes in borosilicate glass has been operating in France since 1978. A large plant is under construction in the U.S. for the fixation of defence high-level waste and plans for other glass fixation plants are well advanced at several sites around the world. Among the reasons for the selection of borosilicate glass as a fixation medium are the relative ease of processing wastes of variable composition by means of well established technology, and the long-term radiation and thermal stability of the glass. Well formulated glass also has sufficient resistance to the action of groundwater so that it can serve as an important barrier against the spread of radionuclides via groundwater in any forseeable situation. Research is continuing to quantify the reactions of waste glass in site-specific geological repository environments.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The transformation of ferrihydrite to siderite (FeCO3) in the presence of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and aqueous sulfide has been investigated by in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical transformation of iron-bearing minerals to form iron carbonates may play a role in the chemistry related to the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's (sub)surface. The iron oxyhydroxide ferrihydrite in an aqueous solution containing sodium sulfide in contact with scCO2 at 100^oC reacts within 24h to form siderite and elemental sulfur. In situ studies of this reaction with ATR-FTIR show that ferrihydrite exists with an adsorbed layer of carbonate. However, the presence of the carbonate adsorbat...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

SPEOS takes advantage of a geological situation which apparently does not occur much in Switzerland. The SPEOS pilot installation, which was erected in 1982, is designed for the supply of heat for about 500 persons. In the course of 10 cycles, the possibilities and limits of the seasonal heat storage were displayed. It was demonstrated that large quantities of heat with temperatures of up to 75 C can be stored in an aquifer. The behaviour of such a storage can be predicted with sufficient accuracy with mathematical models. (author) 12 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Understanding the processes responsible for coastal change is important for managing our coastal resources, both natural and economic. The current scientific understanding of coastal sediment transport and geology suggests that examining coastal processes at regional scales can lead to significant insight into how the coastal zone evolves. To better identify the significant processes affecting our coastlines and how those processes create coastal change we developed a Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) Modeling System, which is comprised of the Model Coupling Toolkit to exchange data fields between the ocean model ROMS, the atmosphere model WRF, the wave model SWAN, and the sediment capabilities of the Community Sediment Transport Model. This formulation builds upon ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Evaluating the need for remedial cleanup at a waste site involves both finding the average contaminant concentration and identifying highly contaminated areas, or hot spots. A nomographic procedure to determine the sample configuration needed to locate a hot spot is presented. The technique can be used to develop a waste-site sampling plant - to determine either the grid spacing required to detect a hot spot at a given level of confidence, or the probability of finding a hot spot of a certain size, given a particular grid spacing. The method and computer program (ELIPGRID) were developed for locating geologic deposits, but the basic procedure can also be used to detect hot spots at chemical- or nuclear-waste disposal sites. Nomographs based on the original program are presented for three sampling-grid configurations - square, rectangular and triangular.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The project was initiated in 1985 with the goal of studying existing federal, state, and local programs for protecting and preserving Cape Cod's sole-source aquifer. To meet this need, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 1 in cooperation with the Cape Cod Planning and Economic and Development Commission and the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a two-year study to determine the adequacy of current ground-water protection programs and to recommend improvements. In the process of gathering and evaluating hydrogeological data from the Towns of Barnstable and Eastham, the CCAMP Aquifer Assessment Committee developed the papers which are the subject of this publication. These studies formed the technical basis for groundwater resource management decision making.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Raniganj and Jharia regions together have been for long the single largest coal supplier in India, now contributing about a quarter of the total output in the country. Numerous reasons such as improper mining techniques and policy, as well as unauthorized mining caused surface and subsurface coalfires in these areas. These coalfires burn millions of tonnes of valuable coal resources, creating severe environmental problems and posing enormous operational difficulties of mining. After first use of remote sensing as a tool to identify coalfires in 1960s, with the time, the efficiency of remote sensing to identify and monitoring coalfires has been well established by several researchers. With the knowledge of local geological setting and density sliced surface temperature image the spatial dis...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This chapter consists of some points including an introduction, the basic parts of mass spectroscope device, sample introduction into the inductively coupled plasma, pneumatic nebuliser, ultrasonic nebuliser, dry gas cloud system, laser ablation unit, inductively coupled plasma-ion source, extraction of ions from ion source, mass analysis, quad-polar mass spectrometer, dual assembly mass spectrometer, mass spectrometer by calculation of time of flight, ion interferences and the ability of resolution, ion counter, working conditions of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscope device, efficiency of ion transportation in an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscope device and applications of analysis using mass spectroscope of induced plasma including nuclear, industrial, geological, environmental and archaeological applications, measurement of isotopes ratio and applications in tracing crimes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is the analytical technique of choice for the detection of long-lived radionuclides which cannot be practically analysed with decay counting or conventional mass spectrometry. The main use of AMS has been in the analysis of radiocarbon and other cosmogenic radionuclides for archaeological, geological and environmental applications. In addition, AMS has been recently applied in biomedicine to study exposure of human tissues to chemicals and biomolecules at attomole levels. There is also a world-wide effort to analyse rare nuclides of heavier masses, such as long-lived actinides, with important applications in safeguards and nuclear waste disposal. The use of AMS is limited by the expensive accelerator technology required and there are several attempts to develop smaller and cheaper AMS spectrometers. 5 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Theoretical and experimental data which have defined and/or extended the effectiveness of remote sensing operations are explored, with consideration given to both scientific and commercial activities. The remote sensing of soil moisture, the sea surface, and oil slicks is discussed, as are programs using satellites for studying geodynamics and geodesy, currents and waves, and coastal zones. NASA, Canadian, and Japanese radar and microwave passive and active systems are described, together with algorithms and techniques for image processing and classification. The SAR-580 project is outlined, and attention is devoted to satellite applications in investigations of the structure of the atmosphere, agriculture and land use, and geology. Design and performance features of various optical scanner, radar, and multispectral data processing systems and procedures are detailed.

Science.gov (United States)

Seafloor mapping and morphometric analysis of landslide scars can provide useful insights for marine geo-hazard assessment, as demonstrated by several studies performed on different geological settings. The availability of high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and long-range side scan sonar data on the submarine portions of Stromboli Volcano allow us to map and characterize the main mass-wasting features that affect, on the whole, about the 90% of its submarine extension. In particular, two main kinds of tsunamigenic landslides have been recognized and analyzed. Large-scale sector collapses (Fig. 1) are catastrophic events that mobilize 1-2 cubic kilometers of material, generating huge tsunami waves that may affect Stromboli and propagate in surrounding areas; related hazard is not very high, as they show recurrence periods of some (or more) thousand years. Conversely, medium-scale landslides are more hazardous, as they occur at higher frequency with respect to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This topical report is a compilation of characterizations by different disciplines of the Red River Formation in the southwest portion of the Williston Basin and the oil reservoirs which it contains in an area which straddles the state line between North Dakota and South Dakota. Goals of the report are to increase understanding of the reservoir rocks, oil-in-place, heterogeneity, and methods for improved recovery. The report is divided by discipline into five major sections: (1) geology, (2) petrography-petrophysical, (3) engineering, (4) case studies and (5) geophysical. Interwoven in these sections are results from demonstration wells which were drilled or selected for special testing to evaluate important concepts for field development and enhanced recovery. The Red River study area has been successfully explored with two-dimensional (2D) seismic. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing 3-dimensional (3D) and has been investigated for identification of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the geology of the following 5 Alberta Foothills/Mountains coal zones: the Kootenay, Gething, Gates, Brazeau and Coalspur coal zones. The coal areas were assessed for gas content and compared with previous coalbed methane (CBM) exploration in the area. The coal zones can be divided into shallow (less than 1000 m depth) and deep (greater than 1000 m depth) coal zones for evaluation purposes. The potential gas content of the shallow coal zones is approximately 31 Tcf of CBM. This is considered an inferred, initial, in-place, CBM resource estimate based on limited data. The gas content of deep zones is approximately 99 Tcf of in-place CBM gas. Therefore, the total ultimate CBM resource is estimated at 130 Tcf. CBM recovery is not usually attempted due to high drilling costs and low permeability. The only CBM production from the Foothills has been from the southern Alberta Kootenay coal zone, and this was limited. The shallow Gates coal zone is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) requested that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) evaluate the treatment process currently employed at the Department's Stringfellow Superfund Site Pretreatment Plant (PTP) site to determine if wastes originating from the site were properly managed with regards to their radioactivity. In order to evaluate the current management strategy, LLNL suggested that DTSC characterize the effluents from the waste treatment system for radionuclide content. A sampling plan was developed; samples were collected and analyzed for radioactive constituents. Following is brief summary of those results and what implications for waste characterization may be made. (1) The sampling and analysis provides strong evidence that the radionuclides present are Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). (2) The greatest source of radioactivity in the samples was naturally occurring uranium. The sample results indicate that the uranium concentration ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of synthetic stishovite was investigated for a future dating technique of meteor impact craters. Luminescence around 330 nm was measured on the #gamma#-ray irradiated stishovite under two stimulating light sources of infrared laser (830 nm) and blue light emitting diode set (470 nm). Thermoluminescence (TL) studies before and after the OSL measurements showed the intensities around 100-200 deg. C and 220-350 deg. C to increase and those around 350-450 deg. C to decrease. This indicates that a part of deep-trapped charges excited during the OSL measurements were retrapped by shallower traps. The infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) after the TL measurement up to 450 deg. C could not be detected, while the blue light stimulated luminescence (BLSL) after TL had about one-tenth of the intensity before TL. This indicates that a part of the charges in shallower traps were detrapped thermally and returned to the deeper traps which were related to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geologically estimated natural gas resources are 500 Tcm. With the advance in geological science increase of estimated resources is expected. Natural gas reserves in 2000 have been proved to be around 165 Tcm. As it is known the reserves are subject to two constraints, namely: capital invested in the exploration and drilling technologies used to discover new reserves. The natural gas scarcity factor, i.e. ratio between available reserves and natural gas consumption, is around 300 years for the last 50 years. The new discovery of natural gas reserves has given rise to a new energy strategy based on natural gas. Natural gas utilization is constantly increasing in the last 50 years. With new technologies for deep drilling, we have come to know that there are enormous gas resources available at relatively low price. These new discoveries together with high demand for the environment saving have introduced a new energy strategy on the world scale. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main objective of this paper is to identify conditions which affect public concern (either increase or decrease) and political acceptance for developing and implementing programmes for geologic disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. It also looks how citizens and relevant actors can be associated in the decision making process in such a way that their input is enriching the outcome towards a more socially robust and sustainable solution. Finally, it aims at learning from the interaction how to optimise risk management addressing needs and expectations of the public and of other relevant stakeholders. In order to meet these objectives, factors of relevance for societal acceptance conditions are identified, described and analysed. Subsequently these factors are looked for in the real world of nuclear waste management through cases in several countries. The analysis is conducted for six stages of a repository programme and implementation process, from policy ...

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A general criterion has been suggested for deep geological repositories containing spent fuel - the repositories should impose no greater radiological risk than due to naturally occurring uranium deposits. The following analysis investigates the rationale of that suggestion and determines whether current expectations of spent-fuel repository performance are consistent with such a criterion. In this study, reference spent-fuel repositories were compared to natural uranium-ore deposits. Comparisons were based on intrinsic characteristics, such as radionuclide inventory, depth, proximity to aquifers, and regional distribution, and actual and potential radiological consequences that are now occurring from some ore deposits and that may eventually occur from repositories and other ore deposits. The comparison results show that the repositories are quite comparable to the natural ore deposits and, in some cases, present less radiological hazard than their natural ...

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This paper assesses the effects of including carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) damage costs in a long-term energy scenario analysis for Europe. An external cost sensitivity analysis is performed with a bottom-up energy technology model that accounts not only for CCS technologies but also for their external costs. Our main conclusion is that in a business-as-usual scenario (i.e. without climate change intervention or externality internalisation), CCS technologies are likely to be deployed at least to some extent, mainly in the power generation sector, given the economic benefits of opportunities such as enhanced coal bed methane, oil and gas recovery. Under a strict climate (CO{sub 2} emissions) constraint, CCS technologies are deployed massively. With the simultaneous introduction of both CO{sub 2} and CCS taxation in the power sector, designed to internalise the external atmospheric and geological effects of CO{sub 2} emissions and storage, respectively, we ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aims of investigation were to follow the Sr transport in the food chain from the flora to the fauna and humans, and its dependence on the geological origin og the plant site, industrial emissions, the age and site of plants, the part of plant used for nutrition and the strontium content in the drinking water, to determine the Sr intake of humans with the help of the duplicate method, and to estimate the apparent absorption rate and balance of strontium depending on of the form of diet (mixed or ovolactovegetarian), sex, season, age, region (geological origin of the living space) and method of intake measurement (duplicate or basket method). Strontium, an ultra trace element widespread in the earth's crust, is not essential and only mildly toxic for plants, animals and man according to current knowledge. The biological essentiality of Sr has not been investigated yet. Amoeba species living in sea water use Sr for the formation of their ...

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In January 2001, Husky Oil Operations Limited (Husky), in joint-venture with Petro-Canada submitted a Development Application (DA) to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) for the White Rose Development. This DA was prepared following the Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act. In December 2001, the C-NLOPB approved the White Rose DA. This document outlined a proposed amendment to the original Development Plan involving an expansion of its White Rose Development in the Jeanne d'Arc Basin on the Grand Bank. The expansion will consist of a subsea tie-back to the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel through the existing Southern Glory Hole (SGH) and utilizing a new glory hole constructed approximately 4 km south of the SGH. The document presented an overview of the development; geology, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The possibility of the group preconcentration of Zr(4), Hf(4), Nb(5), and Ta(5) countercurrent liquid chromatography using extraction systems based on di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid N-benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine, and tetraoctylethylenediamine (TOEDA) is studied. A method have been proposed for the group extraction of Zr(4), Hf(4), Nb(5), and Ta(5) from solution of geological samples. At the stage of the preconcentration of Zr(40, Hf(4), Nb(5) and Ta(5) with a 0.1 M solution of TOEDA in chloroform from mixture of oxalic (0.01 M) and hydrochloric (0.1 M) acids, matrix components are eluted with a flow of the mobile phase, Then, upon changing the eluent (2.0 M HCl), the four elements mentioned above are extracted to a small (7-8 mL) eluate fraction. The results of determining Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in the international standard reference material Granite GM after their preconcentration in the system with TOEDA ...

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The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently considering revision of rule 10 CFR Part 20, which covers disposal of solid wastes containing minimal radioactivity. In support of these revised rules, we have evaluated the consequences of disposing of four waste streams at four types of disposal areas located in three different geographic regions. Consequences are expressed in terms of human exposures and associated health effects. Each geographic region has its own climate and geology. Example waste streams, waste disposal methods, and geographic regions chosen for this study are clearly specified. Monetary consequences of minimal activity waste disposal are briefly discussed. The PRESTO methodology was used to evaluate radionuclide transport and health effects. This methodology was developed to assess radiological impacts to a static local population for a 1000-year period following disposal. Pathways and processes of transit from the trench to exposed ...

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Describes progress made with the new economic system in the USSR coal industry since full self-financing was introduced on 1 January 1989, pointing out that mining is now being carried out at greater depths than before (515 m in 1988, 457 m in 1981 on the average) and that an increasing proportion of coal is being produced by mines liable to coal and gas bursts (62.3% in 1988, 59.6% in 1981). More difficult conditions means that mining costs are increasing. Explains system of agreements between teams of workers and mine management regarding output and extraction costs. Reveals that on 1 January 1990 a new list of coal prices will include 90% price rises on average, as a result of need for mines to finance themselves. There are to be 2 variants of this price list: one containing standard nationwide prices, the other based on mining areas, taking into account different geological and other conditions. Concludes by emphasizing the need to improve productivity, by ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The suitability of calcium silicate bricks (CSBs) for the retrospective measurement of gamma dose using luminescence techniques has been investigated. Bricks of this type are distinguished from fired clay bricks by containing negligible clay and requiring comparatively low temperature treatment during manufacture. They have been used widely in the construction f buildings in the Former Soviet Union since the 1970s but hitherto have not been used for retrospective dosimetry measurements. A procedure based on the se of the 210 deg. C thermoluminescence (TL) peak of quartz was tested with granular quartz extracted from three types of CSB, one of which had been taken from a settlement downwind of Chernobyl. The degree to which the residual geological TL signal within the temperature range of the 210 deg. C L peak had been reduced during manufacture varied with brick type; the levels of residual TL corresponded, in the samples tested, to absorbed doses n the range ...

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The sedimentary geometry is determined by several types of stratigraphic surfaces: transgressive surfaces (TS), maximum flooding surfaces (MFS) and downward shift surfaces (DS). They are organized hierarchically into major and minor surfaces from the facies stacking-pattern. These surfaces which are observable on well logs and cores structure the sedimentary architecture and are, therefore, the best candidates to form major seismic reflectors. The well (logs and cores) to seismic (surface seismic) passage involves inherently a change of observation scale. That is from a high resolution sequence stratigraphy (metric to pluri-metric) to a sequence stratigraphy s.l. (decametric to pluri-decametric). This passage is composed of two phases. The first phase consists of the validation of density and sonic logs whose product corresponds to the acoustic impedance. The second phase allows for the modelling of the geological cross section of a field in a synthetic seismic ...

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Anorthosites are rocks consisting almost completely of calcic plagioclase, usually from andesine to labradorite. They are not widespread, and until recently were of no economic interest. However, with the advance of the new global tectonics, which has excited considerable interest in the structure and composition of upper-mantle rocks, interest in the anorthosites has grown. This has particularly been the case since the discovery of anorthosites on the moon, where they appear to be more widespread than on the earth. Data have recently been obtained on the strontium isotope compositions of anorthosite intrusions in the Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy zone and in the rocks surrounding them, which have revealed some unexpected features. The paper describes the geological features of anorthosites, initial concepts on strontium isotope geochemistry, strontium isotope compositions of this region, and discusses some genetic consequences from the isotope data. Although the data of ...

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Sandia National Laboratories has recently developed two major field test capabilities for unattended ground sensor systems at the Department of energy`s Nevada Test Site (NTS). The first capability utilizes the NTS large area, varied terrain, and intrasite communications systems for testing sensors for detecting and tracking vehicular traffic. Sensor and ground truth data can be collected at either of two secure control centers. This system also includes an automated ground truth capability that consists of differential Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers on test vehicles and live TV coverage of critical road sections. Finally there is a high-speed, secure computer network link between the control centers and the Air Force`s Theater Air Command and Control Simulation Facility in Albuquerque NM. The second capability is Bunker 2-300. It is a facility for evaluating advanced sensor systems for monitoring activities in underground cut-and-cover facilities. The main part of the ...

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The Department of Energy`s program for disposing of nuclear High-Level Waste (HLW) and transuranic (TRU) waste has been impeded by overwhelming political opposition fueled by public perceptions of actual risk. Analysis of these perceptions shows them to be deeply rooted in images of fear and dread that have been present since the discovery of radioactivity. The development and use of nuclear weapons linked these images to reality and the mishandling of radioactive waste from the nations military weapons facilities has contributed toward creating a state of distrust that cannot be erased quickly or easily. In addition, the analysis indicates that even the highly educated technical community is not well informed on the latest technology involved with nuclear HLW and TRU waste disposal. It is not surprising then, that the general public feels uncomfortable with DOE`s management plans for with nuclear HLW and TRU waste disposal. Postponing the permanent geologic ...

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In this article, the isotope geochemical study for Iceland is reviewed. Iceland is geologically unique because it is a subaerial exposure of Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is caused by the interaction between the ridge and the Icelandic hot spot. To investigate what is happening beneath Iceland, many geochemical studies have been done. The geochemical studies using conventional Sr, Nd, Pb, He and O isotope tracers revealed the heterogeneity not only of the oceanic mantle, but also of the Icelandic hot spot mantle itself. Furthermore, the oxygen isotope studies revealed the reworking of the Icelandic crust which is altered by meteoritic water. The characterization of the Icelandic hot spot from the isotope geochemistry is very important in testing the hypothesis of the mantle-crust recycling. In near future, new tracers such as Li, B or Ce will be applied to this problem, and new constraints will be obtained. 37 refs., 7 figs.

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Human beings are confronted with another grievous disaster - coal fire. The monitoring on underground coal bed combustion relied on drilling supervising in the past, but this method is not good. By taking the coal fire of Gulaben mine in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as an example, the monitoring methods of underground coal bed combustion were explored based on the hyperspectra and high-resolution remote sensing technology. By employing the OMIS imaging apparatus developed by Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the airborne hyperspectral images and the characteristic spectra of different types were obtained and the temperature was measured synchronously on the ground. Then according to the correlation of DN value of the thermal infrared band and surface temperature, the image information was processed, the spectral features were analyzed, and the surface temperature retrieval model was built. Finally, by hyperspectral imagery radiation temperature ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Quality Assurance Requirements and Description (QARD) is the principal quality assurance document for the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Program (Program). It establishes the minimum requirements for the Quality Assurance Program. The QARD contains regulatory requirements and program commitments necessary for the development of an effective quality assurance program. Quality assurance implementing documents must be based on, and consistent with, QARD requirements. The QARD applies to the following: (1) acceptance of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) transport of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (3) the Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) facility through application for an operating license; (4) Mined Geologic Disposal System (MGDS), including the site characterization activities (exploratory studies facility (ESF) and surface based testing), through application for an operating license; (5) the high-level-waste ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Technical developments in the construction of high power accelerators have created new research activities on accelerator-driven transmutation technologies (ADTT) with main applications for energy production and nuclear waste transmutation. The on-going research was reported and discussed at the conference. The studies of energy production based on ADTT indicate possible important advantages compared to the present nuclear power reactors. Natural Uranium or Thorium is burned in a subcritical reactor with or without simultaneous incineration and transmutation of nuclear waste. High level radioactive wastes and weapons Plutonium constitute an environmental and proliferation problem. Studies were reported on the possibilities to use ADTT to considerably shorten the life-time and reduce the amount of long-lived radioactive waste in order to decrease the volumes needed for long-term geologic deposition. A panel discussed the ADTT impact on nuclear waste disposal, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

On 30th September 1985, the Federal Government licensed site suitability investigations in three areas with a view to disposal of low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste. This report gives a summary overview of the corresponding research programme at the potential site Oberbauenstock. The first part of the report begins with some comments on the concept of radioactive waste disposal and on some basic aspects of site-specific exploration and investigation. The governmental decision of 30th September and Nagra's two-phase investigation concept are then briefly considered. To close, the objectives of investigation phase I are outlined and possible results are briefly discussed. The research programme developed for investigation of the potential site at Oberbauenstock is presented in the second part of the report. Besides geological and hydrogeological investigations at the surface, the programme mainly comprises investigations and measurements in the underground ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the nuclear power stations of GDR the rough radioactive waste includes borat-containing evaporator bottoms and spent ion exchanger resins. For its final disposal in deep geological formations (rock salt mines) this waste has to be solidified. The experience of one year lasting operation of a steam heated thin-film evaporator (heating surface 2 m"3) for evaporator bottoms to be solidified with a solid content of 200-250 g/l are reported on. In short time such amount of water is abstracted from the rough waste that due to the borate content a hot high-viscous product passes from evaporator to waste drum and there solidifies like glass to monolith. The product quality depends on the adjustment of the flow-equilibrium in the evaporator. Boric acid is used as matrix for the radioactive residues. The residual water content of the solidified waste product was about 15-20%, the volume reduction was V_f=5...6. In order to be sure to get a solidified product a process ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Department of Energy is investigating Yucca Mountain, Nevada as a potential site for commercial radioactive waste disposal in a mined geologic repository. One critical aspect of site suitability is the tectonic stability of the repository site. The levels of risk from both actual fault displacements in the repository block and ground shaking from nearby earthquakes are being examined. In particular, it is necessary to determine the expected level of ground shaking at the repository depth for large seismic sources such as nearby large earthquakes or underground nuclear explosions (UNEs). Earthquakes are expected to cause the largest ground motions at the site, however, only underground nuclear explosion data have been obtained at the repository depth level (about 350m below the ground level) to date. In this study we investigate ground motion from Nevada Test Site underground nuclear explosions recorded at Yucca Mountain to establish a compressional velocity ...

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The Lander Quadrangle, Wyoming, was evaluated to a depth of 1500 m to identify environments and delineate areas that exhibit characteristics favorable for the the occurrence of uranium deposits. The evaluation used criteria established for the National Uranium Resources Evaluation program. The methods of surface investigations included evaluation of aerial radiometric and hydrogeochemical stream-sediment reconnaissance data, verification of some reported uranium occurrences, and general field geology with rock, water, and sediment sampling. The subsurface evaluation was accomplished through the use of 230 various oil-well logs. The results of this investigation identified three environments favorable for sandstone uranium deposits in Eocene fluvial sediments. These environments are within the Battle Spring and upper Fort Union Formations of the northern Great Divide Basin and within the Wind River and the Wagon Bed Formations of the southwest Wind River Basin. ...

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The Grand Canyon Quadrangle (2/sup 0/), northwestern Arizona, was evaluated to identify environments and delineate areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium deposits. This was done using criteria developed for the National Uranium Resource Evaluation. General surface reconnaissance and geochemical sampling were carried out in all geologic environments within the quadrangle. Aerial radiometric and hydrochemical and stream-sediment reconnaissance surveys were performed, although results were not available in time for field checking. The results of this investigation indicate environments favorable for: channel-controlled, peneconcordant sandstone deposits in the Petrified Forest Member of the Chinle Formation in the north-central part of the quadrangle, vein-type deposits in collapse breccias in all areas underlain by the Redwall Limestone, and unconformity-related deposits in the metasediments of the Vishnu Group within the Grand Canyon. All other rock units ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Four very common long term mineralogical changes in salt formations are discussed in the view of the safety considerations for underground repositories. Two of these processes, the 'Hartsalz' and 'Carnallite' dissolution were studied in two scale in situ experiments. The results are presented and compared with the results of the geochemical modelling with the computer code EQ3/6. Furthermore the reactions leading to the formation of the gypsum cap rock on the top of the Zechstein salt formations and to the polyhalitization of anhydrite are discussed. Geological field observations and mineral assemblages agree well with the results of the geochemical modelling employing the Pitzer formalism along with the Harvie, Moller and Weare database. We conclude that once the mechanisms of the chemical reactions are well understood it becomes possible to evaluate realistically whether such processes, when encountered in the repository, are still active or whether they are ...

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The detection limit of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), about a few microgram per kg, is not sufficient to determine iridium concentrations in most geological samples. Use of the coincidence counting of the 316 and 468 keV gamma-rays emitted during the decay of {sup 192}Ir, improved the sensitivity (0.01 microgram per kg). The high iridium content of the clay layers from the Cretaceous-Tertiary transition (KTB) has been considered as an evidence of the extra-terrestrial origin of the KTB mass extinction. However some results indicate that a significant part of the iridium content in sediments has a volcanic origin. Radiochemical Neutron Activation Analysis (RNAA) in some KTB samples and in basic and ultra-basic rocks show that, unlike in volcanic products, no PGE (platinoids) fractionation appears in KTB samples. The nearby chondritic PGE pattern supports an extra-terrestrial origin for the KTB iridium anomaly. 2 figs., 2 tabs., 37 refs.

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Geological, geophysical, thermal, petrophysical and hydrological data available for the East Mesa hydrothermal system that are pertinent to the construction of a computer model of the natural flow of heat and fluid mass within the system are assembled and correlated. A conceptual model of the full system is developed and a subregion selected for quantitative modeling. By invoking the Boussinesq approximation, valid for describing the natural flow of heat and mass in a liquid hydrothermal system, it is found practical to carry computer simulations far enough in time to ensure that steady-state conditions are obtained. Initial calculations for an axisymmetric model approximating the system demonstrate that the vertical formation permeability of the deep East Mesa system must be very low (k/sub v/ approx. 0.25 to 0.5 md). Since subsurface temperature and surface heat flow data exhibit major deviations from the axisymmetric approximation, exploratory three-dimensional ...

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The Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP) Water inventory Study was initiated in September 1993 with the formation of a joint working group consisting of representatives from DOE-ID, State of Idaho INEL Oversight Program, US Geological Survey, and INEL employees to investigate three issues that had been identified by the INEL Oversight Program at ICPP: (1) the water inventory imbalance at ICPP, (2) the source of water infiltrating into the Tank Farm vault sumps, and (3) the source of water providing potential recharge to perched water bodies underlying ICPP. These issues suggested that water was being lost from the ICPP distribution system. The INEL Oversight Program was concerned that the unaccounted for water at ICPP could be spreading contaminants that have been released over the past 40 years of operations of ICPP, possibly to the Snake River Plain Aquifer. This report summarizes the findings of each of the component investigations that were undertaken to ...

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This document describes the geology and hydrogeology at the former Advanced Coal Liquefaction Research and Development (ACLR&D) facility in Wilsonville, Alabama. The work was conducted by personnel from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Grand Junction office (ORNL/GJ) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center (PETC). Characterization information was requested by PETC to provide baseline environmental information for use in evaluating needs and in subsequent decision-making for further actions associated with the closeout of facility operations. The hydrogeologic conceptual model presented in this report provides significant insight regarding the potential for contaminant migration from the ACLR&D facility and may be useful during other characterization work in the region. The ACLR&D facility is no longer operational and has been dismantled. The site was characterized in three phases: the first two phases were an ...

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We have developed an ion probe technique for the in situ measurement of oxygen isotope ratios, {sup 18}O/{sup 16}O and {sup 17}O/{sup 16}O, with high spatial resolution in polished thin sections of silicate minerals. This technique allows the isotopic analysis of samples as small as picomoles of material which represents only 10{sup -7} of the sample size required by conventional fluorination oxygen isotope measurement methods and thus has wide application to the study of many terrestrial and extra-terrestrial samples that have heterogeneous oxygen isotope compositions on a scale of tens of micrometres. To illustrate the breadth of studies that are made possible by the ion probe, we report here oxygen isotope measurements from an authigenic quartz overgrowth obtained from the Penrith sandstone, UK, and measurements of magnetite grains from the Orgueil and Yamato 82162 carbonaceous chondrites which may be used to constrain possible formation mechanisms of the magnetite. (author).

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Cretaceous and Tertiary strata are known from outcrop in the northeast part of the area, while older rocks are presented in the southwest. The major structures are, from north to south: the Pedley Thrust, Coalspur Triangle Zone (formerly called Coalspur Anticline), Entrance Syncline, Mercoal Thrust, Brazeau Flats, Brazeau Thrust, Brazeau Syncline, Grave Flats Thrust, Cadomin syncline and Nikanassin Thrust. The economic coal seams of the Tertiary Coalspur Formation are of high volatile C rank and are present in three parallel bands in the Entrance Syncline and Coalspur Triangle Zone, where they have been mined extensively in the past. The Mercoal band is the southernmost and dips about 30[degree] to the northeast. The Coalspur band is in the middle and dips generally to the southwest. The Robb band is the northernmost band, contains northeast dipping strata and is less deformed than the Coalspur band. In the Entrance Syncline, the Coalspur coals are buried at various depths (up to 1 km) ...

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The video documents the results of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR-Phase II) project conducted for DARPA focusing on the use of all-source overhead remote sensor imagery for monitoring underground nuclear tests and related activities. The documentation includes: (1) the main unclassified body of the report; (2) a separate ground truth Annex; and (3) a separate classified Annex. Autometric's approach was to investigate the exploitation potential of the various sensors, especially the fusion of products from them in combination with each other and other available collateral data. This approach featured empirical analyses of multisensor/multispectral imagery and collateral data collected before, during, and after an actual underground nuclear test (named 'BEXAR'). Advanced softcopy digital image processing and hardcopy image interpretation techniques were investigated for the research. These included multispectral (Landsat, SPOT), hyperspectral, and ...

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This is a prompt report. These days the importance of acquiring knowledge about the structure from the lower crust down to the upper mantle is often discussed with reference taken to Hyogo-ken Nanbu Earthquake. The Hidaka collision belt where the lower crust is exposed on the surface is a rare phenomenon in the world and has been the subject of seismic survey. As a part of the survey, experiments are conducted by the use of vibrations produced by Vibroseis and dynamite sources. Every one of the shot records (20-second record) from the two types of vibration sources contains a clear echo in the vicinity of 16 seconds supposedly from a level deeper than 40 kilometers, not to mention reflections from shallow levels. Although some studies have to be conducted before the reflecting geological boundary (possibly the upper mantle) of the echo near the 16-second point can be identified, yet this is probably the reflection from the deepest level ever obtained in the seismic ...

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An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Jharia Coalfield (JCF) was recently completed as part of a World Bank funded project. The JCF, 260 km west of Calcutta, comprises 450 km{sup 2}. Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) operates an area of 258 km{sup 2}. Coal mining has been conducted for more than 100 years. There are severe constraints to mining due to geology, coal fires and the large population. BCCL counterpart staff participated actively in all aspects of the work. Air and water are heavily polluted, however, mining operations contribute only to a limited extent to the total pollution. Water contamination is generally due to inadequate sewage treatment and discharge from non-mine facilities such as power plants. The large area disturbed by mining to date will increase, as open pit mining operations are expected to expand significantly. Reclamation to date is generally confined to planting of trees. Areas where cost effective reclamation can be done were ...

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With the end of the cold war the United States, Russia, and other countries have excess plutonium and other materials from the reductions in inventories of nuclear weapons. The United States Academy of Sciences (NAS) has recommended that these surplus fissile materials (SFMs) be processed so they are no more accessible than plutonium in spent nuclear fuel (SNF). This spent fuel standard, if adopted worldwide, would prevent rapid recovery of SFMs for the manufacture of nuclear weapons. The NAS recommended investigation of three sets of options for disposition of SFMs while meeting the spent fuel standard: (1) incorporate SFMs with highly radioactive materials and dispose of as waste, (2) partly burn the SFMs in reactors with conversion of the SFMs to SNF for disposal, and (3) dispose of the SFMs in deep boreholes. The US Government is investigating these options for SFM disposition. A new method for the disposition of SFMs is described herein: the simultaneous conversion of SFMs, SNF, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Determining the time of most recent fault movement is an important part of assessing a possible site for a nuclear power plant. The purpose of this paper is not to present research information but to provide a practical guide to some of the dating techniques available to the engineering geologist working on nuclear power plant siting. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects, such as usable minerals, conditions necessary for them to yield correct dates, degree of accuracy, sample collection, sample size, and sample packaging. In this paper, the usual geologic field techniques are taken for granted (such as those used in stratigraphy, paleontology, and structural analysis) for assessing fault history. Laboratory techniques used in conjunction with or supplemental to field methods are discussed. The specific radiometric methods discussed are "1"4C(carbon-14), fission track, K-Ar (potassium-argon), thermoluminescense, Rb-Sr (rubidium-strontium), and U-Th ...

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In the corrosion aspect of container for the deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste, disposal concepts and the related container materials, which have been developed by advanced countries, have been reviewed. The disposal circumstances could be divided into the saturated and the unsaturated zones. The candidate materials in the countries, which consider the disposal in the unsaturated zone, are the corrosion resistant materials such as supper alloys and stainless steels, but those in the saturated zone is cupper, one of the corrosion allowable materials. By the results of the pitting corrosion test of sensitized stainless steels (such as 304, 304L, 316 and 316L), pitting potential is decreased with the degree of sensitization and the pitting corrosion resistance of 316L is higher than others. And so, the long-term corrosion experiment with 316L stainless steel specimens, sebsitized and non-sensitized, under the compacted bentonite and synthetic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Centre's new structure, implemented in July 1997 is now operating well. CMTE Development Limited is now the legal entity for the CRC and replaces the previously unincorporated joint venture. CMTE has ten core participating organisations. Roche Highwall Mining Pty. Ltd., withdrew participation during the year. The annual report describes its structure and management and various cooperative links. It outlines research programs in the following areas: mining; geological sensing; automation; reliability and maintenance; and coal processing. Projects include: developing an ultra-short-radius drilling machine for drainage of methane gas from coal seams; developing techniques for improved drilling speed and accuracy to reduce costs for gas drainage holes in underground coal mining; developing draglines; developing geophysical logging tools; developing autonomous control of underground vehicles such as coal-haul-dump (LHD) and haulage trucks, developing tools ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The primary purpose of the pilot Coal Compilation Project is to provide coal resource maps to stimulate and support industry exploration programs and to assist government in matters of resource management. An essential feature of the program is the use of cost effective Geoscience Information System (GSIS) technology that allows the database and various thematic maps to be analysed, updated and displayed with complete flexibility at any scale. This report describes the main features (geology, resource management, exploration history, coal occurrences etc.) of the study area, mapsheet NTS 83E/9 (Moberly Creek), and includes a copy of the 1:50,000 scale map produced. The study area is located in West-central Alberta and contains coal measures deposited amid thick successions of sandstones, siltstones, shales and conglomerates. These coal-bearing sequences are part of the Luscar Group, Upper Cretaceous Brazeau Formation and Paleocene Coalspur Formations. Coal seams ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liquid high-level nuclear waste will be immobilized at the Savannah River Site (SRS) by vitrification in borosilicate glass. The glass will be produced and poured into stainless steel canisters in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). Eventually these canistered waste forms will be sent to a geologic repository for final disposal. In order to assure acceptability by the repository, the Department of Energy has defined requirements which DWPF canistered waste forms must meet. These requirements are the Waste Acceptance Preliminary Specifications (WAPS). The WAPS require DWPF to identify the crystalline phases expected to be present in the final glass product. Knowledge of the thermal history of the borosilicate glass during filling and cooldown of the canister is necessary to determine the amount and type of crystalline phases present in the final glass product. Glass samples of seven projected DWPF compositions were cooled following the same temperature ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In Sweden, spent nuclear fuel will be encapsulated and placed in a deep geological repository. In this procedure, reliable and accurate spent fuel data such as discharge burnup, cooling time and residual heat must be available. The gamma scanning method was proposed in earlier work as a fast and reliable method for the experimental determination of such spent fuel data. This thesis is focused on the recent achievements in the development of a pilot gamma scanning system and its application in measuring spent fuel residual heat. The achievements include the development of dedicated spectroscopic data-acquisition and analysis software and the use of a specially designed calorimeter for calibrating the gamma scanning system. The pilot system is described, including an evaluation of the performance of the spectrum analysis software. Also described are the gamma-scanning measurements on 31 spent PWR fuel assemblies performed using the pilot system. The results obtained ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The objective of this report was to evaluate four possible alternative methods of preparing and packaging spent fuel assemblies for geologic disposal against the Reference Process of unmodified spent fuel. The four alternative processes were: (1) End fitting removal, (2) Fission gas venting and resealing, (3) Fuel bundle disassembly and close packing of fuel pins, and (4) Fuel shearing and immobilization. Systems analysis was used to develop a basis of comparison of the alternatives. Conceptual processes and facility layouts were devised for each of the alternatives, based on technology deemed feasible for the purpose. Assessments were made of 15 principal attributes from the technical, operational, safety/risk, and economic considerations related to each of the alternatives, including both the surface packaging and underground repository operations. Specific attributes of the alternative processes were evaluated by assigning a number for each that expressed its ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During the early years of the INEL, the USGS conducted extensive studies (sitewide drilling program) of the geology and hydrology of the area collecting varied data over the years. The unsaturated zone has not received much attention until recently. The studies that have been done are a result of problems or concerns arising from liquid radioactive waste disposal. The TRA facility has the most information published about its waste disposal activities. The ICPP has less data about the unsaturated zone due to the fact that most waste water disposal has been to a well. Little is known about the effect of waste water disposal at the NRF on the unsaturated zone. Essentially no information was found about waste disposal activities at other facilities, primarily because there does not appear to be any reported problems associated with waste water disposal at these locations. The RWMC has received much attention in the last few years as the result of being priority No. 1 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An aerial radiological survey was conducted from August 10-16, 1993, over a 78-square-kilometer (30-square-mile) area of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant and surrounding area located near Portsmouth, Ohio. The survey was performed at a nominal altitude of 46 meters (150 feet) with a line spacing of 76 meters (250 feet). A contour map of the terrestrial gamma exposure rate extrapolated to 1 meter above ground level was prepared and overlaid on a set of United States Geological Survey topographic maps of the area and an aerial photograph of the plant. The terrestrial gamma exposure rates varied from about 7 to 14 microroentgens per hour at 1 meter above the ground. Protactinium-234m was observed at six sites within the boundaries of the plant. At a seventh site, only uranium-235 was observed. No other man-made, gamma ray-emitting radioactive material was present in a detectable quantity, either on or off the plant property. Soil sample and pressurized ion ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled with high field Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) allows for the direct detection of acidic NSO compounds in petroleum. The technique requires no chromatographic separation, is able to distinguish 18 different compound classes (e.g., neutral nitrogen, carboxylic acids and oxygenates), and can identify {approx}14,000 distinct masses by ultra-high mass resolution and mass accuracy. We previously studied three crude oils from different geological origins [Organic Geochemistry 33 (2002b) 743-759]. Here, we expand our research by comparing two source-equivalent Smackover oils of different levels of thermal maturity. We observe clear differences in the distribution of NSO compound classes, types (number of rings plus double bonds within a class), and number of alkyl carbons. With increasing thermal stress, the relative amount of sulfur and oxygen containing compounds decreases, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anomalous fading of the feldspar infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signal hampers possibilities of using feldspar IRSL to obtain burial ages for sediments beyond the dating range of quartz optically stimulated luminescence. Here, we propose a new approach to quantify anomalous fading of the feldspar IRSL signal over geological burial times based on laboratory fading experiments. The approach builds on the description of the quantum mechanical tunnelling process recently proposed by Huntley [2006. An explanation of the power-law decay of luminescence. J. Phys. Condensed Matter 18, 1359-1365]. We show that our methods allow the construction of un-faded and natural IRSL dose-response curves as well as anomalous fading rates in field saturation. The predicted level of field saturation closely approximates the measured saturation level for five samples from fluvial deposits (Lower Rhine) known to be older than 1 Ma. The modelled anomalous fading rate in field ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper examines the role that carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies could play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions if a significant unconventional fuels industry were to develop within the United States. Specifically, the paper examines the potential emergence of a large scale domestic unconventional fuels industry based on oil shale and coal-to-liquids (CTL) technologies. For both of these domestic heavy hydrocarbon resources, this paper models the growth of domestic production to a capacity of 3 MMB/d by 2050. For the oil shale production case, we model large scale deployment of an in-situ retorting process applied to the Eocene Green River formation of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming where approximately 75% of the high grade oil shale resources within the United States lies. For the CTL case, we examine a more geographically dispersed coal-based unconventional fuel industry. This paper examines the performance of these industries under two hypothetical climate policies ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Petroleum Technology Transfer Council (PTTC) and cooperating Regional Lead Organizations (RLOs) in its South Midcontinent (Oklahoma Geological Survey, Norman, Oklahoma) and West Coast (University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California) regions conducted a ''Mentor-Based Effort to Advance Implementation of Preferred Management Practices (PMPs) For Oil Producers'' (DE-FC26-01BC15272) under an award in Phase I of Department of Energy's (DOE's) PUMP (Preferred Upstream Management Practices) program. The project's objective was to enable producers in California, Oklahoma and Arkansas to increase oil production, moderating or potentially reversing production declines and extending the life of marginal wells in the near term. PTTC identified the primary constraints inhibiting oil production through surveys and PUMPer direct contacts in both regions. The leading common constraint was excess ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of major and trace elements in rock and sediment samples by wavelength dispersive XRF. Sample measured were made from cellulose powder pressed into 4 cm diameter aluminium ring 0.4 t cm"-"2, and then 1 g of powdered sample (0.08 g cm"-"2) was placed on the disk and repressed at 1.6 t cm"-"2. X-ray measurements were performed for total XRF intensity (I_p) at the characteristic line of each element and background intensity (I_b) in vicinity of the line. The correction of matrix effect was achieved by X-ray intensity ratio of peak to background for each element. Eight standard rock samples from Geological Survey of Japan were used as standard materials, and linear calibration curves were obtained by the plot of I_p - I_b vs. concentration for Ca, Na and Pb and by the plot of I_p/I_b ratio vs. concentration for Si, Fe, Ti, K, P, Cl, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Sr and Ba, respectively. The relative standard ...