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Documentation of single-well aquifer tests and integrated borehole analyses, Pahute Mesa and Vicinity, Nevada

Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5096
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office, Office of Environmental Management, under Interagency Agreement DE-NA0001654
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185096

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Abstract

Single-well aquifer testing has been carried out at Pahute Mesa in southern Nevada since 1962. These tests include single-well pumping and slug tests to estimate geologic formation hydraulic properties. Initially, aquifer tests focused on identifying low-permeability rocks suitable for testing large-yield nuclear devices, whereas later hydrologic investigations focused on potential subsurface transport of radionuclides away from Pahute Mesa. 

The number of single-well aquifer tests analyzed for Pahute Mesa and vicinity was much greater than the number of actual tests because each response to a water-level displacement was interpreted multiple times using different analytical models by different investigators, which were reported as distinct, individual aquifer tests. Some aquifer tests also were reinterpreted multiple times because the wells had not been defined uniquely. Previous databases and reports identified wells by different borehole names, reported various depths to top and bottom of open intervals, and used inconsistent wetted-aquifer thicknesses, which were coupled with inappropriate analytical methods to interpret aquifer-test data.

This work standardized the reporting of single-well aquifer-test results at Pahute Mesa and vicinity. A hydraulic-parameter database was created that uniquely identifies tested wells, reports all replicated aquifer tests in each well, and identifies the best transmissivity estimate for each well. Datasets, interpreted models, and results from 1,459 analyses are presented and evaluated for 360 unique wells. 

Integrated borehole analyses were used to estimate hydraulic conductivity by depth in Pahute Mesa because vertical variations in hydraulic conductivity greatly affect groundwater velocities, which directly affect subsurface transport rates and directions. The integrated analyses reconciled differences between transmissivity estimated from pumping tests and the summed transmissivity from straddle-packer slug tests done at different depth intervals in a borehole. An integration borehole database was created that presents integrated aquifer-test results from 17 boreholes.

Suggested Citation

Frus, R.J., and Halford, K.J., 2018, Documentation of single-well aquifer tests and integrated borehole analyses, Pahute Mesa and Vicinity, Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018–5096, 22 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185096.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Description of Study Area
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Single-Well Aquifer Tests
  • Data Compilation, Analysis, and Synthesis
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Documentation of single-well aquifer tests and integrated borehole analyses, Pahute Mesa and Vicinity, Nevada
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2018-5096
DOI 10.3133/sir20185096
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Nevada Water Science Center
Description Report: v, 23 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Nevada
Other Geospatial Pahute Mesa
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details