Gravity and seismic exploration in Yucca Valley, Nevada test site, January-April, 1959

Abstract

The thickness of the alluvial and tuffaceous deposits that overlie bedrock in Yucca Valley has been inferred from gravity and seismic measurements. Preliminary interpretations indicate that these deposits are thickest in a narrow north-trending trough in the eastern part of the valley. The gravity data delineate a buried north-trending ridge of bedrock that extends from Mine Mountain almost to Quartzite Ridge. Seismic refraction measurements confirm the existence of the bedrock ridge and indicate that the bedrock is as close as 100 feet to the surface. The buried bedrock high is important because it may alter concepts of the movement of groundwater within the valley. A single seismic-refraction profile was located near the area of thickest alluvium and tuff to determine the feasibility of using refraction techniques for determining the depth to bedrock where it is covered with several thousand feet of alluvium and tuff. The results are encouraging but not enough data were acquired to give a reliable depth estimate. Seismic-refraction measurements were used successfully to determine the thickness of alluvium in narrow valleys partly filled with alluvium. This work was in the northwestern part of Yucca Valley and was done to choose drilling sites for studies of ground-water movement.