GIS Surface Effects Map Archive
Nevada Test Site, Nevada

Open-File Report 03-151

The GIS Surface Effects Map Archive contains a comprehensive collection of maps showing the surface effects produced by underground nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site. From 1951 to 1992, scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey and agencies of the U.S. Department of Energy used field and aerial-photo mapping techniques to painstakingly map such surface effects as collapse sinks, craters, cracks, fractures, faults, and pressure ridges. Shortly after each test, a complex surface effects map was produced. Of the more than 920 underground detonations conducted at the Nevada Test Site, 688 were mapped for surface effects. This archive preserves these original maps in digital format. 

A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to digitally reproduce each original, hand-drawn surface effects map and to assemble these maps into the digital data sets of this archive. The archive was designed to allow easy access to the maps, while preserving the original maps for perpetuity. Users can query the detonation sites database; prepare, view, and print individual or composite maps; and perform various types of scientific analysis and management tasks. Spatial analyses and queries can be performed on detonation sites and related surface effects in conjunction with other chronological, geographical, geological, or hydrological information via links to external maps and databases.

This browser interface provides information about the archive, the history of surface effects mapping at the Nevada Test Site, the methods used to produce the digital surface effects maps, and links to published reports, data tables, and maps. Location maps show testing areas, operational areas, and detonation sites. Demonstration maps illustrate the methods used to produce the digital surface effects maps and exhibit some of the characteristics and uses for these data. Use the links below to view and print individual surface effects maps, retrieve information about the detonations and types of surface effects produced, and to learn about the organization and intended use of the map data contained in the archive.

Access: Click one of the links at left to access a topic of interest. Additional links are provided from each of these topic pages.

Navigation: Navigate the archive for information, documents, maps, and data tables. Use the "Previous Page" or "Main" buttons on the bottom of these pages to return to the previous page or this (main) page. In most cases, users can simply click on the links (in blue) and use their browser's back arrow button. 

Acrobat Files: Some of the links open Adobe Acrobat, Portable Document Format (PDF) maps and reports. Acrobat Reader software must be installed to view these items. When viewing a PDF map, use the zoom and pan tools to peruse the map. Use the print tools to print. For guidance on how to save a copy of the map or document to disk click here. All PDF files, except for large published maps, are formatted for printing in color on letter-size paper.

On-Screen Viewing: The maps, data tables, and documents presented here were designed for on-screen viewing at a resolution of 1024x768 using 24- or 32-bit color.

• Support: This archive was prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Nevada Operations Office, under Interagency Agreement DE-AI08-01NV13944.

• Disclaimer: This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or the author.