Paleomagnetic Correlation of Surface and Subsurface Basalt Flows in the Central and Southwestern Part of the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5020
DOE/ID-22263
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy
By: , and 

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  • Document: Report (3 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
  • Plate: SIR 2025-5020 Plate 1 — (476 KB pdf) Subsurface stratigraphic fence diagrams interpreted from paleomagnetic inclination data from coreholes in the southern part of the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, pl. 1
  • Data Release: USGS data release - Paleomagnetic inclination data collected from Coreholes EREF-GW-1, STF-PIE-AQ-02, TAN 2336, USGS 138, USGS 139, USGS 142, USGS 143, USGS 144, USGS 145, USGS 147, and USGS 148A, located at and near the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho
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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, used paleomagnetic data from 22 coreholes to construct 3 fence diagrams of subsurface basalt flows in the southern part of the Idaho National Laboratory. These diagrams provide comprehensive descriptions of the horizontal and vertical distribution of basalt flows and sediment layers beneath the surface, aiding geological studies and contributing valuable data to numerical models of groundwater flow and contaminant transport. The correlations established though these diagrams include spatial correlations between basalt flows found in multiple coreholes. Correlations were identified by matching average paleomagnetic inclinations and confirming or denying these correlations using petrology, geochemistry and radiometric ages.

The fence diagrams aid in identifying potential locations of subsurface vents, volcanic vents that have been buried by more recent volcanic activity, associated to subsurface basalt flows. By tracing the subsurface flows and analyzing where the greatest thickness occurs, the locations of buried vents can be inferred. Some subsurface flows exhibit correlations across several coreholes and may indicate yet unidentified surface or buried vents, thereby enhancing our understanding of the volcanic history and subsurface geology of the region.

Suggested Citation

Hodges, M.K.V., Trcka, A.R., and Champion, D.E., 2025, Paleomagnetic correlation of surface and subsurface basalt flows in the central and southwestern part of the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5020, 38 p., 1 pl., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255020.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Geologic Setting and Framework
  • Sampling and Analytical Methods
  • Fence Diagram Correlations of Basalt Flows
  • Volcanic Vents and Associated Basalt Flows
  • Summary
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Paleomagnetic correlation of surface and subsurface basalt flows in the central and southwestern part of the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5020
DOI 10.3133/sir20255020
Publication Date June 05, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Idaho Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 38 p.; 1 Plate: 50.00 x 32.00 inches; Data Release
Country United States
State Idaho
Other Geospatial Idaho National Laboratory
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details