Pahute Mesa--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive

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Metadata:


Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Dennis Grasso
Publication_Date: 20030525
Title: Pahute Mesa--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive
Edition: version 1.0
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Open-File Report
Issue_Identification: ofr-03-151
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: USGS Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
Online_Linkage: <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr-03-151>
Description:
Abstract:
Surface effects maps were produced for all 85 underground nuclear detonations conducted at the Pahute Mesa testing area of the Nevada Test Site between April 14, 1965 (Palanquin detonation, borehole U-20k, Area 20) and March 26, 1992 (Junction detonation, borehole U-19bg, Area 19). The Pahute Mesa Surface Effects Map Database contains digital reproductions of these original maps. The database is provided in both ArcGIS (v. 8.2) geodatabase format and ArcView (v. 3.2) shapefile format. When testing began at Pahute Mesa in 1965, detailed surface effects mapping at the Nevada Test Site had become routine. Thus, these surface effects maps show in considerable detail the collapse sinks, cracks, faults, and pressure ridges that were produced by the Pahute Mesa detonations. The combined (cumulative) length of surface effects in the database is 915.6 km (568.9 mi). In GIS digital format, the user can view all surface effects maps simultaneously, select and view the surface effects of one or more sites of interest, or view specific surface effects by area or site. Three map layers make up the database. They are: (1) the surface effects maps layer (pmse_n27f), (2) the bar symbols layer (pmse_bar_n27f), and (3) the ball symbols layer (pmse_ball_n27f). Additionally, an annotation layer, named "Ball_and_Bar_Labels," is contained in the geodatabase version of the database. This annotation layer automatically labels 880 of the 970 ball-and-bar symbols shown on these maps.

Purpose:
Post-detonation surface effects maps were produced for detonation sites using field and aerial-photo mapping techniques. The fractures produced by the detonations were mapped and reported on in many USGS Technical Letter reports. Features mapped included surface cracks (and fractures), collapse sinks, various types of fault movements, pressure ridges, and reactivated cracks. A final surface effects map, or "crack map" as they were often called, was prepared on stable-base mylar drafting film for use in USGS publications and reports. Ultimately, these maps were stored by the USGS in map files at the Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, Colorado. The digital reproduction and archiving of these maps was implemented as a means to not only store the original crack maps in a more permanent compact disc format, but to also make them accessible for scientific study and management activities.

Supplemental_Information:
1: This metadata file pertains to the three primary map layers that make up the database, as well as to all other area-wide and site-specific surface effects maps of the Pahute Mesa testing area.

2: The three map layers are named as follows: pmse_n27f: polyline coverage containing the surface effects map features pmse_bar_n27f: polyline coverage containing the bars of the bar-and-ball symbols pmse_ball_n27f: point coverage containing the balls of the bar-and-ball symbols

3: The bar-and-ball symbols are used to illustrate vertical displacement on the down-thrown side of faults and vertically displaced cracks. The ball symbols (point coverage) contain an attribute field named OFFSET_CM. This field contains a numerical value that is used to label the fault symbols. The value indicates the amount of vertical offset (in centimeters) that was originally measured for these features.

Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 19650414
Ending_Date: 19920326
Currentness_Reference: Surface effects mapped shortly following each detonation
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -116.588575
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -116.277819
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.374358
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.194180
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: AGI Glossary of Geology
Theme_Keyword: Underground nuclear detonations
Theme_Keyword: Surface effects maps
Theme_Keyword: GIS surface effects map archive
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Board of Geologic Names
Place_Keyword: Pahute Mesa
Place_Keyword: Nevada Test Site
Place_Keyword: Nevada
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints: None
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
Contact_Person: Ric Page
Contact_Position: Geologist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing Address
Address: Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
City: Denver
State_or_Province: Colorado
Postal_Code: 80225-0046
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: Ric Page at (303) 236-1141
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: rpage@usgs.gov
Browse_Graphic:
Browse_Graphic_File_Name: <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2001/ofr-01-0272/ofr-01-0272map.pdf>
Browse_Graphic_File_Description: Pahute Mesa Surface Effects Map
Browse_Graphic_File_Type: Portable Document Format (PDF)

Data_Set_Credit:
Many investigators of the U.S. Geological Survey, the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency performed the tedious task of mapping surface effects at the Nevada Test Site. These investigators comprehensively documented the surface effects of more than 600 underground nuclear detonations. A short list of those involved include F.M. Byers Jr., H.R. Covington, D.D. Dickey, G.L. Dixon, M.N. Garcia, E.C. Jenkins, Florian Maldonado, P.P. Orkild, T.L. Prather, R.P. Snyder, R.R. Spengler, Susan Steele Wier, Pete Thompson, W.S. Twenhofel, and Dean Townsend of the USGS; and Brian Allen, Anne Cavazos, Sigmund Drellack, Jose Gonzales, Ward Hawkins, Richard McArthur, Lawrence McKague, William McKinnis, Lance Prothro, William Davies, Casey Schmidt, and Margaret Townsend of the National Laboratories. Their combined mapping efforts and reports documented the surface effects produced by nearly 41 years of underground nuclear detonations at the Nevada Test Site between 1951 and 1992. The digital GIS data presented here will preserve the arduous achievements of those who spent countless hours in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding about the surface effects of underground nuclear testing.

Native_Data_Set_Environment:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.1 (Build 2600) ; ESRI ArcCatalog 8.2.0.700


Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
All attribute data were entered during the digitizing process. Each digitized map element contains a logical array of attributes. Information about these attributes is listed in this metadata file. All of the attribute data created during the preparation of the GIS Surface Effects Map Archive were verified against the original source maps, reviewed, and thoroughly tested for accuracy, naming consistency, and spelling.
Logical_Consistency_Report:
All observed and identified surface effects were documented directly on aerial photographs or topographic base maps at scales ranging from 1:1,200 to 1:2,400. Some of these surface effects maps were published in USGS Open-File Reports and Professional Papers, however, most were stored as unpublished maps, reports, and memos, and some were only stored as raw field notes. For each site, every attempt was made to find the "final" version of the map (preferably the master drawing for clarity) and to verify map scale and authenticity. These "original" maps were digitally reproduced for this data set.
Completeness_Report:
These data are considered to be complete. All available surface effects maps, which were originally prepared on a site-by-site basis for the testing area, were scanned, georeferenced, and digitally transformed into vector-base GIS databases. These maps comprise the GIS Surface Effects Map Archive. Any maps that may have been lost, misplaced, or destroyed prior to the start of this GIS archiving project in October 1997 were unavailable, and therefore not included in the archive.
Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
The horizontal positional accuracy of the original surface effects maps is unknown. The digitizing accuracy of the vector conversion of these maps was maintained by on-screen digitizing at very large map scales (1:500 to 1:1,200) from the scanned and georeferenced original maps. A root mean square error (RMSE) of 0-3 meters (0-10 ft), as measured on the ground, was maintained during the preparation (scanning and georeferencing) of the original maps. No formal tests were performed.
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy:
Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report: NA
Lineage:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Dennis Grasso
Publication_Date: 20030525
Title: GIS Surface Effects Map Archive, Nevada Test Site, Nevada
Edition: 1.0
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Geodatabases and Shapefiles
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Open-File Report
Issue_Identification: ofr-03-151
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Denver Federal Center
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey
Source_Scale_Denominator: 6,000 to 12,000
Type_of_Source_Media: Map
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 19650414
Ending_Date: 19920326
Source_Currentness_Reference: Site-by-site shortly following each detonation
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Grasso, 2003
Source_Contribution:
Vector data representing mapped surface effects of underground nuclear detonations
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Digital, vector-based reproductions of the original surface effects maps were produced. Reproduction involved preparation of the original, post-detonation surface effects maps by scanning and georeferencing each map and digitized all mapped surface effects into comprehensive GIS databases. Scanning of the original maps was done at a resolution of 300-600 dots-per-inch to preserve map detail and accuracy. The scanned, raster-based copies of these maps were georeferenced to a common map coordinate system--Nevada State Plane, (Central, 2702, in feet), North American Datum 1927 (NAD27)--using 4-12 ground control points placed at known grid coordinates on each map. The raster-based maps were then resampled, pixel-by-pixel, to the Nevada State Plane coordinate system using a bilinear algorithm applied to the ground control reference points. Each new georeferenced map was produced with a pixel size of 0.5 meter for large-scale (1:6,000) maps, and 1.0 meter for small-scale (1:12,000) maps. Subsequently, the georeferenced copies of the original maps were inserted into the GIS mapping software program as raster-based map layers from which each detonation site's surface effects could be digitized. Surface effects digitizing was performed on-screen at very large scales. For most areas, a digitizing scale of 1:500 (1 inch equals 42 feet) to 1:1,200 (1 inch equals 100 feet) was used. For areas containing very complex surface effects, digitizing scales as large as 1:50 (1 inch equals 4.2 feet) were necessary. As part of the digitizing process, each map element (that is, surface effects feature) was attributed (identified) with such unique information as site number, feature type, feature length, and source map information. These data are contained in the attribute tables of each GIS surface effects map database in the archive.
Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: Grasso, 2003
Process_Date: 19971001 to 20020930
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Ric Page
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
Contact_Position: Geologist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing Address
Address: Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
City: Denver
State_or_Province: Colorado
Postal_Code: 80225-0046
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: Ric Page at (303) 236-1141
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: rpage@usgs.gov


Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector
Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:
SDTS_Terms_Description:
SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: String
Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 16827


Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Planar:
Grid_Coordinate_System:
Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: State Plane Coordinate System 1927
State_Plane_Coordinate_System:
SPCS_Zone_Identifier: 2702
Transverse_Mercator:
Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.999900
Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -116.666667
Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 34.750000
False_Easting: 500000.000000
False_Northing: 0.000000
Planar_Coordinate_Information:
Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair
Coordinate_Representation:
Abscissa_Resolution: 0.000128
Ordinate_Resolution: 0.000128
Planar_Distance_Units: survey feet
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1927
Ellipsoid_Name: Clarke 1866
Semi-major_Axis: 6378206.400000
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 294.978698


Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: pmse_n27f
Entity_Type_Definition: Attribute Table
Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: OBJECTID
Attribute_Definition: Internal Object Number
Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 16827
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Integer
Attribute_Measurement_Resolution: 1
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: SHAPE
Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry
Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Polyline
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Shape type
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: ESRI
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: AREAID
Attribute_Definition: Operation Area of the Nevada Test Site
Attribute_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Area20
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: NTS Operation Area
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: GIS Surface Effects Map Archive
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: SITEID
Attribute_Definition: Hole (borehole) identification name
Attribute_Definition_Source: DOE/NV-209, Rev. 15 (U.S. Department of Energy, 2000)
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: U-20at
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Hole (borehole) name
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: DOE/NV-209, Rev. 15
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: FEATURE
Attribute_Definition: Surface effects feature type
Attribute_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: crack
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Feature type
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LENGTH
Attribute_Definition: Length of surface effects feature, in feet
Attribute_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 117.59
Range_Domain_Maximum: 7836.95
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Feet
Attribute_Measurement_Resolution: 0.01
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: SOURCE
Attribute_Definition: Source map information from which GIS SE map was produced
Attribute_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Original Mylar U-20at
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Source map information
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LABEL
Attribute_Definition: A label that can be displayed on the maps, where necessary
Attribute_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Boxcar Fault
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: A map label
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: SHAPE_LENGTH
Attribute_Definition: Length of surface effects feature, in feet
Attribute_Definition_Source: Grasso, 2003
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Range_Domain:
Range_Domain_Minimum: 3.43555304513742
Range_Domain_Maximum: 15865.0320003368
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Feet
Attribute_Measurement_Resolution: 0.00000000000001


Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing Address
Address:
Central Publications Group, Mail Stop 902, Box 25046, Denver Federal Center
City: Lakewood
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80225-0046
Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 236-5486
Resource_Description: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report
Distribution_Liability:
This Compact Disc (CD) publication was prepared by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof nor any of their employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed in this report or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference therein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. Although all data and software published on this CD have been used by the USGS, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and related materials and (or) the functioning of the software. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data, software, or related materials.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: Shapefiles
File_Decompression_Technique: GZIP compressed TAR file (Unix), ZIP archive (Windows)
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name: <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr-03-151>
Fees: none


Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing Address
Address:
USGS Information Services Box 25286 Denver Federal Center
City: Denver
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80225-0046
Country: United States
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 1-303-202-4963
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ask@usgs.gov
Resource_Description: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report
Distribution_Liability:
This Compact Disc (CD) publication was prepared by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof nor any of their employees makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed in this report or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference therein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. Although all data and software published on this CD have been used by the USGS, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and related materials and (or) the functioning of the software. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data, software, or related materials.
Standard_Order_Process:
Non-digital_Form:
Available as one printed map sheet plus one pamphlet. Order from USGS at the address listed above or see <http://rmmcweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/mod/order.html> for more ordering information.
Fees:
For current charges please see <http://rmmcweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/mod/order.html>


Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20030525
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
Contact_Person: Ric Page
Contact_Position: Geologist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing Address
Address: Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
City: Denver
State_or_Province: Colorado
Postal_Code: 80225-0046
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: Ric Page at (303) 236-1141
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: rpage@usgs.gov
Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Metadata_Time_Convention: local time


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