Pahute Mesa--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive

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Frequently-anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

    Title: Pahute Mesa--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive
    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.
    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.

  1. How should this data set be cited?

    Grasso, Dennis, 20030525, Pahute Mesa--GIS Surface Effects Map Archive: Open-File Report ofr-03-151, U.S. Geological Survey, USGS Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -116.588575
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -116.277819
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.374358
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.194180

  3. What does it look like?

    <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2001/ofr-01-0272/ofr-01-0272map.pdf> (Portable Document Format (PDF))
    Pahute Mesa Surface Effects Map

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Beginning_Date: 19650414
    Ending_Date: 26-Mar-1992
    Currentness_Reference: Surface effects mapped shortly following each detonation

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • String (16827)

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      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 coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000128
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.000128
      Planar coordinates are specified in survey feet

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1927.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.400000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.978698.

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    pmse_n27f
    Attribute Table (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    OBJECTID
    Internal Object Number (Source: ESRI)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:16827
    Units:Integer
    Resolution:1

    SHAPE
    Feature geometry (Source: ESRI)

    ValueDefinition
    PolylineShape type

    AREAID
    Operation Area of the Nevada Test Site (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    Area20NTS Operation Area

    SITEID
    Hole (borehole) identification name (Source: DOE/NV-209, Rev. 15 (U.S. Department of Energy, 2000))

    ValueDefinition
    U-20atHole (borehole) name

    FEATURE
    Surface effects feature type (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    crackFeature type

    LENGTH
    Length of surface effects feature, in feet (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    Range of values
    Minimum:117.59
    Maximum:7836.95
    Units:Feet
    Resolution:0.01

    SOURCE
    Source map information from which GIS SE map was produced (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    Original Mylar U-20atSource map information

    LABEL
    A label that can be displayed on the maps, where necessary (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    ValueDefinition
    Boxcar FaultA map label

    SHAPE_LENGTH
    Length of surface effects feature, in feet (Source: Grasso, 2003)

    Range of values
    Minimum:3.43555304513742
    Maximum:15865.0320003368
    Units:Feet
    Resolution:0.00000000000001


Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

    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.

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    U.S. Geological Survey
    c/o Ric Page
    Geologist
    Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
    Denver, Colorado 80225-0046
    USA

    Ric Page at (303) 236-1141 (voice)
    rpage@usgs.gov


Why was the data set created?

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.


How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

    Grasso, 2003 (source 1 of 1)
    Grasso, Dennis, 20030525, GIS Surface Effects Map Archive, Nevada Test Site, Nevada: Open-File Report ofr-03-151, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center.

    Type_of_Source_Media: Map
    Source_Scale_Denominator: 6,000 to 12,000
    Source_Contribution:
    Vector data representing mapped surface effects of underground nuclear detonations

  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: 01-Oct-1997 to 20020930 (process 1 of 1)
    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.

    Person who carried out this activity:

    Ric Page
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
    Denver, Colorado 80225-0046
    USA

    Ric Page at (303) 236-1141 (voice)
    rpage@usgs.gov

    Data sources used in this process:
    • Grasso, 2003

  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?


How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    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.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    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.

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

    NA

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    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.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    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.


How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints: None

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 2)

    U.S. Geological Survey
    Central Publications Group, Mail Stop 902, Box 25046, Denver Federal Center
    Lakewood, CO 80225-0046

    (303) 236-5486 (voice)

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    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.

  4. How can I download or order the data?


  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 2 of 2)

    U.S. Geological Survey
    USGS Information Services
    Box 25286 Denver Federal Center
    Denver, CO 80225-0046
    United States

    1-888-ASK-USGS (voice)
    1-303-202-4963 (FAX)
    ask@usgs.gov

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

    U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    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.

  4. How can I download or order the data?


Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 25-May-2003

Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey
c/o Ric Page
Geologist
Box 25046, MS 913; Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225-0046
USA

Ric Page at (303) 236-1141 (voice)
rpage@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)


Generated by mp version 2.8.0 on Tue May 20 16:31:51 2003