/P-su.. 9zAS WM RECORD COPY

Open File 80-941 Open-File 80-941

UNITED STATESDEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Mail Stop 964, Box 25046 Federal CenterDenver, Colorado 80225

Interpretation of Geophysical Well-Log Measurements

in Drill Role UE25a-1, Nevada Test Site,

Radioactive Waste Program

by

Jo To agstrum, Jo J. Daniels, and J. H. Scott

Open-File Report 80-941

1980

This report is preliminary and has not been edited or reviewedfor conformity with U.S. Geological Survey standards.

- .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Geologic Considerations . . . 4 . . . . . . . . a

Response Characteristics of Geophysical Well Logs in V4

Resistivity ................... 0 0 0

Density a.a.....a .............. 9 a a

Neutron ..................... a a 9

Gamma ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

Induced polarization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Magnetic susceptibility . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Computer-assisted Interpretation of Lithologies from

Geophysical Well Logs .. ...........

Composite Interpretation of Geophysical Well Logs . .

Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . .* * * ..

* * a * 6

* . a S

* a * S

Dlcanics .

* * * * c

Page

1

2

3

3

6* * . * a

* 0

*

S S S

*

a 5

*

a a

* S

S

6

6

7

7S0

* * * * a

* * * * S

* * a a S

8

17

23

24

25

* * * * S

* * * * S

Abstract

An exploratory hole (UE25a-1) was drilled at Nevada Test Site (NTS) to

determine the suitability of pyroclastic deposits as storage sites for radio-

active waste. Studies have been conducted to investigate the stratigraphy,

structure, mineralogy, petrology, and physical properties of the tuff units

encountered in the drill hole. This report deals with the interpretation of

physical properties for the tuff units from geophysical well-log measurements.

The ash-flow and bedded tuff sequences at NTS comprise complex litholo-

gies of variously welded tuffs with superimposed crystallization and altered

zones. To characterize these units, resistivity, density, neutron, gamma-ray,

induced polarization, and magnetic susceptibility geophysical well-log mea-

surements were made. Although inherently subjective, a consistent interpreta-

tion of the well-log measurements was facilitated by a computer program de-

signed to interpret well logs either individually or simultaneously. The

broad features of the welded tuff units are readily distinguished by the

geophysical well-log measurements. However, many details revealed by the logs

indicate that more work is necessary to clarify the causal elements of well-

log response in welded tuffs.

Introduction

To study the suitability of pyroclastic deposits as storage sites for

radioactive waste, an exploratory hole was drilled in July 1978 (under the

auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy) at the Nevada Test Site (NTS).

Erupted from the Timber Mountain-Oasis Valley caldera complex in late Tertiary

time (16-9 m.y.), up to 3000 m of rhyolitic tuffs at NTS mantle an eastern

portion of the basin and range province. In recent years, the tuff units and

their associated calderas have been the subject of mapping and detailed study

by the U.S. Geological Survey (Byers, et al, 1976; Christiansen, et al, 1977;

and Lipman, et al, 1966).

Exploratory drill hole UE25a-1 was drilled and cored to a depth of 762 m

off the northeastern flank of Yucca Mountain to investigate the stratigraphy,

structure, mineralogy, petrology, and physical properties of the Paintbrush

Tuff, the tuffaceous Beds of Calico Hills, and a portion of the lower member

of the Crater Flat Tuff. This study discusses the physical properties of the

tuff units as measured by U.S. Geological Survey borehole geophysical research

equipment that is operated and maintained by the Branch of Petrophysics and

Remote Sensing.

Geologic Considerations

The sequences of ash-flow and bedded tuffs at NTS have been classified as

stratigraphic units primarily on the basis of genetic relationships and cool-

ing histories. The cooling histories of the tuff units determine the degree

to which they become welded (i.e., non- to partially welded, moderately weld-

ed, densely welded) and are due largely to the temperature of emplacement and

the thickness of cooling units (Smith, 1960).

Zones of crystallization and alteration are superimposed on the variously

welded portions of the vitric tuffs, although their presence may be dependent

on the degree of welding. Devitrification of the pyroclastic flows has oc-

curred throughout almost all of the densely welded portions of the tuffs.

Associated with the thickest densely welded zones are inner cores character-

ized by lithophysal cavities. These are nearly spherical, mainly unconnected

voids that are commonly lined with secondary minerals. Vapor phase minerals

2

that crystallize from the hot volatiles released by the cooling tuff units are

found mostly as linings or fillings of lenticular vugs. Alteration of the

tuffs by ground water has resulted in zones of zeolitization, silicification,

and calcitization. Zeolitization, the most prevalent of these, occurs for the

most part in the non- to partially welded portions of the Crater Flat Tuff.

Although the ground-water level is presently at 469 m in drill hole UE25a-1,

alteration related to ground-water saturation occurs 80 m above this level,

indicating a higher water table in the geologic past (Sykes, et al, 1979).

The lithologic intervals and the distribution of crystallization and altera-

tion zones as determined by Spengler (1979) are given in Figure 1. Detailed

descriptions of the authigenic phases found in UE25a-1 are given in Sykes, et

al (1979).

Response Characteristics of Geophysical Well Logs in Volcanics

Each geophysical wel-log measurement is affected by the physical proper-

ties of the rock, the interstitial fluid of the formation, the conditions in

the borehole (fluid and rugosity), the volume of rock investigated by the

probe, the vertical resolution of the probe, and the design characteristics of

each probe, and so should be considered an apparent rather than a true physi-

cal property value. Some characteristics of individual well-logging probes

follow:

(1) Resistivity

Resistivity is a measure of the facility with which electric current

passes through a material. Borehole resistivity measurements depend upon the

porosity, fluid resistivity, and grain resistivity of the rock investigated.

Densely welded tuffs have apparent resistivities in the 248-630 ohm meter

3

CMA AT

. If$ 246

8CU1ITIjY uuT.ATh,s~rT~t~t OQAP"100I units XI-SI UNITS LITLOCY

o 20 40 0 0

t"TALIUATIC" IALTERATION ZONES

=

-9

e.

Be

Iee

.200

260

*00

0

hi

I

I

IaI

50

too

S I1

i 200

250

350

I.

.s .

4'

•4

.wE ALLA

ss' DENSELY W91

MODERATELYI WELDED

I4ON- To FM. WELDED

VITROPtYRI!

scOE

tOO

LCM

EXPLANATION

IALLV

0

so

150

200

10tO

no

{.....1.....

-1

Z.,.;"4

9:@.b

EXPLAN4ATIt

* AL UIW.M

VITRIC

VAMP PHAS4!

LITHOPI4 YA

s....1I ..@':.::: :. 1- - -.-

1 - -le- ' ..i:::::

{4

ARI9ILLIZED

ZEVOTIZED

sILICIEO

Figure l(a).--Geophysical well logs (density, neutron, gamma-ray, magnetic susceptibility) from upper halfof drill hole UE25a-1 with lithology, crystallized and altered zones, and stratigraphic units assignedto depth intervals as determined by Spengler (1979).

SMg"A 0Y IPcps FM e IIO 2400 1 5 4 5

3 ulit* 1X10 4 Sit""OA A &A AA M .LIWLC.

.,CSRALLIZATION 0ALTERATION ZOECS

L.A

EMPLANATINI

I. I LLU'!U

P.

I.

I. .1ALLUAMI. .I

Ii, .1Iil

DMNIELY WfLDED VITRIC

MODRATeVWELDED . VAn PMSA

i

I DEVITRIFED

I.

I:VITOPHYM I

IV gA

DIED"

UTHOHYSAL

ANIILUZED

ZEOUTIZED

SILICIFIED

Figure (b).--Geophysical well logs (resistivity (.16-inch normal), density, neutron, gamma-ray, IP, magneticsusceptibility) from lower half of drill hole UE25a-1 with lithology, crystallized and altered zones,and stratigraphic units assigned in depth intervals as determined by Spengler (1979).

range while non-welded and bedded uffs have shown much lower values (19-158

ohm meters). Due to borehole diameter considerations, the 16" normal resis-

tivity log is considered the most reliable and is used in this report.

(2) Density

The density probe consists of a gamma-ray source and one or more gamma-

ray detectors. Gamma rays emitted by the source are scattered by the rock,

and the gamma radiation measured at the detector is inversely proportional to

the electron density of the rock. By using two detectors, the effects of

fluid density and rugosity on the calibrated density measurement often can be

compensated, yielding a computed density that is approximately equal to the

bulk density of the rock. Non-welded units have low rock densities, densely

welded units have high rock densities, while highly altered units have low

rock densities (see Table 1). The unstable borehole wall conditions yield

measured bulk density values for the tuffs in the upper portion of UE25a-1

which are probably lower than the true bulk density of the rock.

(3) Neutron

A neutron source and detector, separated by approximately 50 cm, compose

the neutron well-logging probe. The number of neutrons counted by the detec-

tor is an inverse function of the hydrogen content of the rock surrounding the

borehole, and is primarily a measure of the amount of water contained in the

rock. The neutron count in volcanic tuffs appears to be approximately propor-

tional to the degree of welding.

(4) Gamma Ray

The gamma-ray probe measures the natural gamma radiation emitted by the

rocks surrounding the borehole. The principal natural gamma-ray-emitting

minerals are uranium-series isotopes and potassium-40. Because potassium-

6

bearing minerals are common in both primary and secondary crystallization

regimes in UE25a-1, the gama-ray values are considered principally to be a

measure of relative potassium abundance.

(5) Induced Polarization (IP)

The IP measurement is made by recording the decay voltage at a potential

electrode that is positioned on the probe at a spacing of 10 cm from an

abruptly terminated electrical current source. The rate of decay of the

potential during the current off time is inversely proportional to the elec-

trical polarizability of the rock. A high IP response in volcanics may be

caused by the presence of cation-rich clays, zeolites, or pyrite and other

sulfides. However, in some cases magnetite (and, to a lesser extent, hema-

tite) can contribute to the IP response.

(6) Magnetic Susceptibility

Magnetic susceptibility is a measure of the intensity of magnetization of

a magnetizable substance in the presence of a known magnetic field. The

magnetic susceptibility of a rock depends largely on the amount of ferrimag-

netic minerals that it contains. Magnetite is the most important ferrimag-

netic mineral due to its widespread occurence and high values of magnetic

susceptibility. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the welded tuffs are

primarily a measure of the volume content of magnetite in the rock. Addition-

al studies are needed to determine the exact relationship of the various

magnetic minerals in volcanics to the magnetic susceptibility of the rocks.

Problems with fluid loss and borehole wall stability made complete cover-

age of the entire drill hole with all logs impossible. The resistivity and

induced potential measurements were not made in the upper 469 m of the hole,

as they need a fluid couple with the formation. The neutron log values were

7

strongly affected by the absence of borehole fluid. Variations in borehole

rugosity in the drill hole above fluid level resulted in poor density data

and, in places, unreliable neutron data. Also affecting the density log was a

segment of casing, used to stabilize the upper portion of the hole during

logging below, that was left stuck in the hole from 267-396 m during logging

of the upper portion.

Computer-Assisted Interpretation of Lithologies from Geophysical Well Logs

The geophysical well logs from drill hole UE25a-1 are given in Appendix A

and are shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b); the stratigraphic units of the region

are assigned to depth intervals within the hole as determined by Spengler

(1979). The geologic observations of Spengler (1979) and of Sykes, et al

(1979) collectively form the initial data with which the geophysical well-log

measurements are compared. Although there are many consistent correlations

between the stratigraphic units and the geophysical well logs, there are also

notable exceptions and wide variation in values within single stratigraphic

units. To synthesize a consistent interpretation of the well-log data, a

computer program was written that assigns particular lithologies for those

depth intervals that contain one or more geophysical well-log measurements

within specified value ranges.

Because the most significant feature of the ash-flow tuff units is the

degree of welding, which is well correlated with density (Fig. 2) and neutron

(Fig. 3) logs in the lower portion of the hole, value ranges for the degree of

welding (Table 1) were subjectively selected for these logs to best match the

welded zones described by Spengler (1979). In Figure 1 the logs have been

separated into top and bottom halves since the different borehole conditions

8

-

Table 1.-Well-log value ranges for computer-assisted assignment oflithologies

[Selected value ranges for the individual wellthe degree of welding (density and neutron), tonetic susceptibility and IP),or to a combinationtivity) .]

logs correspond primarily tothe mineralogic content (mag-of both (gamma ray and resis-

Well Log Well-Log Value Ranges

Density (lower portion of drill hole)Low valuesMedium valuesHigh values

Neutron (lower portion of drill hole)Low valuesMedium valuesHigh values

g/cu1.762.172.27

cps814.3

1119.61424.9

cps92.3

139.3

- 2.17- 2.27- 2.42

- 1119.6- 1424.9- 1883.0

- 139.3- 215.0

Gamma Ray. Low values

High values

ResistivityLow valuesHigh values

ohm0 - 157.5

157.5 - 618.8

Magnetic SusceptibilityLow valuesMedium valuesHigh values

SI units (10-6)0 - 10.2

10.2 - 18.518.5 - 68.9

IPLow valuesHigh values

percent.38 -

1.79 -1.793.32

9

between top and bottom resulted in different response values for all but the

gamma-ray and magnetic susceptibility logs. The low density values for the

densely welded rock in the top portion of the hole are due to borehole wall

instability caused in part by the extensive fracturing of these units. The

lack of fluid in the upper part of the hole makes the neutron response values

consistently high and difficult to compare with similar units below the water

level (469 m). Although the gamma-ray (Fig. 4) and resistivity (Fig. 5) logs

tend to show high values in densely welded rocks and lower values in rocks

less densely welded, there are exceptions to this trend (e.g., the lower

portion of the Topopah Spring Member and the Bullfrog Member, respectively).

Similarly, the magnetic susceptibility (Fig. 6) and IP (Fig. 7) measurements

are for the most part consistent within units or groups of units, but show no

consistent relation to the degree of welding as described in the core analy-

8is. The value ranges (Table 1) for these logs, then, were subjectively

selected on the basis of the largest groups of units within a log that give

similar values.

The densely welded sections of the Tiva Canyon and Topopah Spring Members

of the Paintbrush Tuff (Fig. 1) give gamma-ray measurements of 128.2-152.7 cps

and 103.8-140.5 cps, respectively, while the densely welded sections of the

Crater Flat Tuff fall within a 79.4-103.8 cps range. Because all of these

densely welded zones have been devitrified, the difference in the gamma-ray

response values can be attributed to the fact that the fine-grained devitrifi-

cation products of the Paintbrush Tuff units are 40 percent richer in K-

feldspar than the Crater Flat Tuff units, and that spherulitic textures, which

are more K-feldspar rich than the other phases, are more prevalent in the

Paintbrush Tuff (Sykes, et al, 1979). The lower units are also sites of vapor

10

DENS I TY DENS ITY

0-

50

100

u 1 50-

It-

z'.4

;200 -I

...

......... ~

......

......

.......

400 ...

450 ....

50 EiEE>.v

.....

...............0.......

750 ....

.illlLHIGH ALUE

:::: mLO AU

[I-

EXPLANATION

'. .U-

0

250-

300-

3502

Figure 2.--Computer-assisced interpretation of thehole UE25 a-I based on the value ranges givenand low value ranges correspond to densely,lithologies, respectively.

density well log from drillin Table 1. High, medium,partially, and non-welded

I1

. .. . .. _ .... . .. .

NEUTRON NETRON

0-

so

50-

100-

en t50-

:

zI-,200

x

CLa

250-

300.

350-

I

. .

.. .

400-

450-

OQ

500 ; E ?

6550

7- 00

750

EXPLANATION

, t111155

Is-.wrrzrtrorTTt * n

. r _r rrT r II x a W X,, T I

. 1H11i1H _i

_ 1 [ __ _

I ., .,, ,11r-r TTr r z _

_ i _

9 _-

6 H _

: _ :*6*voo8 e

*w*v9669

***esv@e @

Z *@sesv

e@@@v4es

@@@sese

zoF=eseeZ

:::::::::@@@@@@@ee

w**@*@e

so *@esXse

X

eees@s

w

s@@0**vz @e@eess *

HIGH VALUE

MEDIUM VALUE

LOW VALUE

Figure 3 .--Computer-assisted interpretation of the neutron well log from drillhole UE25a-1 based on the value ranges given in Table 1. High, medium,and low value ranges correspond to densely, partially, and non-weldedlithologies, respectively.

12

GAMMA RAY

A%

GAMMA RAY

WI

50-

100

z,200

a-CL0

250

300

350

. .. . .. . ...

r40.

.-

.. . . .

.....

..........00.....

....0 .

750 _

EXPLANATION

,-HiHVAU

1........

- LO VALUE

Figure 4.--Computer-assisted interpretation of the gamma-ray well log fromdrill hole UE25a-l based on the value ranges given in Table 1. High andlow value ranges approximately correspond to densely and non- to partiallywelded lithologies, respectively, although anomalous concentrations ordepletions of K-rich minerals would adversely influence this interpreta-tion.

13

RESISTIVITY

400

450

50I

C5Qar

W" 550 -

z

af 600-Q

0

1

650

700-

750-

" I . . z., 1

.|..

- LOWIG VALUE.............

EXPLANATION

Figure 5.--Computer-assisted interpretation of the 16-inch normal resistivitywell log from drill hole UE25a-1 based on the value ranges given in Table1. High and low value ranges approximately correspond to densely and non-to partially welded lithologies, respectively, although secondary features(i.e., fracturing, highly conductive minerals) could mask the true lithol-ogy.

14

-

MAC SUSC A SMAC SUSC

0.

50

100

U)150-a:w

::25

3ot

250-

*200-

350-

: : 1.

.... ...

400-

450

500.

a:

is 550! --

a6600-I-

650

700-

750-

. zr.ra ; : ;a ., , .

. . .l . . ..........................................................................

................

::::::::................................................................

::: :::::................................................................

::::::::.........

.........................

::::::::::: :::::........................................

. _.

. .s- .........

.........................................

.......

.................................

::-:::::.. :.....................................................................

::-:::::.: ............

........

..............._

. .

. _ ._:_-

. .

. _ .

. .................

::::: ::::::: :::........................................

::::::::......................... .........

EXPLANATION

v ..........n_

-|irTTATrTT

............

vwllllrrrnnswrrran

q:

R4T+izelililillU-

swi-lxn

Lr mI r --s

'

F I

If.........._ La r, X

, l

| |., l

, g

4:: ::: ::::SX fl

, l

s L

s r, e

,

1'''''''''t

HIGH VALUE

MEDIUM VALUE

LOW VALUE

Figure 6 .--Computer-assisted interpretation of the magnetic susceptibilitywell logs from drill hole UE25a-1 based on the value ranges given in Table. High, medium, and low value ranges correspond to the relative amount

of magnetic minerals (primarily magnetite) present in the lithologic unit.

15

tP

400

450

500

.........

.........

.........

.........

:::::::::.................

.. ..........

................

.................

::::::::........................

.................................

EXPLANATION

a::en ..... .S . .. HIGH ALUE

W"5 50 -.-Z ..... ......

LOW VALUE

o..600~...

650

750

Figure 7.--Computer-assisted interpretation of the induced polarization (IP)veil log from drill hole UE25a-1 based on the value ranges given in Table1. High and low value ranges correspond to the relative amount of polar-izable minerals present in the lithologic unit which may include cation-rich clays, zeolites, or pyrite, and to a lesser extent magnetite andpossibly hematite.

16

phase crystallization which is SiO2 rich with only minor amounts of K-

feldspar. The moderate-to-high magnetic susceptibility values for the densely

welded Paintbrush Tuff sections, compared to the low magnetic susceptibility

values for those of the Crater Flat Tuff, may be related to the variation of

magnetite in the initial composition of the magma, but the lower values may

also be an indication of the degree of oxidation of magnetite to hematite.

Particularly high magnetic susceptibility values are associated with a vitro-

phyre interval at the base of the Paintbrush Tuff. There is also a zone

toward the base of the densely welded Paintbrush Tuff (330-380 m) where the

gamma-ray values, along with those for the neutron logdrop off sharply to

values that suggest a less densely welded or intensely fractured interval.

Values (density and neutron) for the lower non-welded portion of the Tiva

Canyon Member (63-73 m) are not reliable due to borehole wall collapse that

has enlarged the drill hole from about 24-80 cm in this region. This crystal-

rich (14 percent) non-welded zone, however, exhibits high magnetic suscepti-

bility values (55.7-175.1(xlO- 6 ) SI units) and regions of high gamma-ray

values (91.6-140.5 cps) that are on par with those for the upper crystal-poor

(<5 percent) welded portion; this suggests equally high concentrations of K-

bearing minerals and magnetite within the two units.

Composite Interpretation of Geophysical Well Logs

Because a geophysical well-log measurement may represent a sum of several

properties or a single property consistent throughout a varied lithology, it

becomes necessary to simultaneously interpret several well logs to best char-

acterize the encountered rock. Our computer program uses several digitized

well logs and the corresponding value ranges subjectively assigned to a par-

17

ticular lithology. The result is a lithologic column where a lithologic

symbol has been assigned only to those depth intervals where the given set of

value ranges for the well logs are found to overlap. Due to the problems

encountered in logging the upper portion of UE25a-1, only the lower logs are

considered in the multiple log analysis.

Figure 8 shows the results of multiple log interpretation combining the

density and neutron logs. In the first case, 8(a), each log was divided into

two value ranges: non-welded and densely welded. The analysis for this

oversimplified model left gaps (570-580 m, 705-715 m), indicating disagreement

between the value ranges for the lithologies assigned. The density and neu-

tron logs were subsequently divided into three value ranges (non-, partially,

and densely welded) as given in Table 1, and the result is shown in Figure

8(b). Accepting this interpretation as having essentially established the

welding intervals, the value ranges of these intervals were set against those

for each well log (Table 1) to form matrices of possible welding interval vs.

well-log value associations (Fig. 9, explanations). The results of the com-

puter analysis, which assigned depth ranges to the value ranges (Table 1) of

those existing possibilities in an individual well log, are shown in Figure

9. Figure 9 is a preliminary interpretation that should be augmented by

geologist's logs, driller's records, and the detail of the original geophys-

ical well-log measurements.

There are notable differences of the resistivity and IP response values

between the densely welded zones of the Prow Pass Member and the Bullfrog

Member of the Crater Flat Tuff (Figs. 2 through 7, and Fig. 9). The densely

welded intervals of the Prow Pass Member have high resistivity values and low

IP values, and the Bullfrog Member has low resistivity values and high IP

18

a) \ DENS I TYNEUTRON b) DENSITYNEUTRON

400.0

450.

500

coIr

F 550

z

Q 600

650

700-

750-

..*.

.: :

...

.. .

-.

.......

.s-.

.f.;

*_.:.

EXPLANATION

... - -..

. - .:....... ..

DENSELYWELDED

NON- TOPARTIALLYWELDED

400

450

500-

cr

"- 550-

z

I-

o. 600-

650-

x x,

g .._

-.

_ .........

........

I ........I ::::::::; .......I :.......l ........

I ........I ........I ................

........

I : :::::I :.:....., .

DENSELYWELDED

PARTIALLYWELDED

NON-WELDED

EXPLANATION

700-

750- r

Figure 8.--Computer-assisted simultaneous interpretation of the density andneutron well logs from drill hole UE25a-1 using two values ranges in part(a) non-welded density - 1.76-2.27 gcm3; neutron - 814.3-1329.9 cps; anddensely welded density - 2.27-2.42 g/cm ; neutron - 1329.9-1883.0 cps; andthree value ranges in part (b) (those given in Table 1).

19

DENSITY-NEUTRON DENSITY-NEUTRON DENSITY-NEUTRONRESISTtVITY . CAMMA RAY IP

DENSITY-NEUTRONMAC SUSC

400-

450-

500-

'550-

2

o .600-0 w

650 -

700-

750-

.�J LU�

400

450-

500-

tF 550 -x

I.-X 600-0

A_

.. jj. Jo;-.,...............

*i'.¢i ' ..jj j ;-.- .::::::::: -

--

s _

-.-

--

- .

-_

g

� j .

uiiu

NON-WELDEDLOW VALUE

PARTIALLY WELDEDLOW VALUE

DENSELY WELDEDLOW VALUE

NON- WELDEDHIGH VALUE

PARTIALLY WELDEDHIGH VALUE

DENSELY WELDEDHIGH VALUE

EXPLANATION

400

450-

. 500-

550-

z

600

650 -

700-

750

N4

r%,!7

ii.

EXPLANATION

*-ii' NON- WELDEDLOW VALUE

PARTIALLY WELDED--..-- LOW VALUE

DENSELY WELDED_:: LOW VALUE

NON-WELDEDMEDIUM VALUE

PARTIALLY WELDEDMEDIUM VALUE

. V DENSELY WELDED. kMEDIUM VALUE

(I0 NON-WELDEDHIGH VALUE

PARTIALLY WELDEDHIGH VALUE

DENSELY WELDEDHIGH VALUE

650-

700

750-

Figure 9.--Computer-assisted simultaneous interpretation of possible welded interval (Fig. 8(b)) vs. well-log value (Table 1) associations for well logs from the lower half of drill hole UE25a-1.

values (Table 1). The density, neutron, gamma-ray and magnetic susceptibility

log measurements all show consistent values between these units. The Prow

Pass Member has resistivity and IP values indicative of low porosity and low

zeolite (?) alteration. The Bullfrog Member probably contains a higher- con-

centration of a low-resistivity polarizable mineral than the Prow Pass Mem-

ber. Hematite (observed in the Bullfrog Member samples taken from UE25a-1 as

an alteration product of mafic xenocrysts (Sykes, et al, 1979)) could cause

some of the IP responses seen in the Bullfrog Member.

The non-welded units in the lower half of the borehole show lower den-

sity, neutron, and magnetic susceptibility values than the welded units. The

tuffaceous Beds of Calico Hills appear to be the least indurated interval and

show the lowest density and neutron values (Fig. 8). Resistivity, gamma-ray,

and magnetic susceptibility values are also among the lowest encountered in

the drill hole indicating a relatively high porosity and low concentrations of

[-rich minerals and magnetite (Fig. 9). There is one particular interval

within the tuffaceous Beds of Calico Hills (443-493 m) that gives an anoma-

lously high gamma-ray response for this unit (79.4-103.8 cps) with a large IP

value (>5 percent) at the 469-m. depth (Fig. 1). The high IP response may be

the result of conditions at 469 m (possibly associated with the water-table

level), similar to those found in a sample recovered from 482.9 m which con-

tained an opaque crack filling that shone bright yellow in reflected light

(Sykes, et al, 1979). If this mineral is pyrite, and is present in greater

abundance than at the 469-m depth, it could account for the high IP value.

The higher gamma-ray value may also reflect fracture filling in the region

with K-rich minerals.

21

The partially welded units of the Prow Pass Member are segregated into

similar upper units and a lower unit on the basis of the resistivity, IP, and

magnetic susceptibility values (Fig. 9). The upper partially welded units ex-

hibit low resistivity, high IP, and mostly low magnetic susceptibility val-

ues. The density and neutron measurements (Figs. 2 and 3) for these upper

units suggest a slightly more indurated version of the tuffaceous Beds of

Calico Hills, which is supported by the corresponding resistivity and magnetic

susceptibility values (Fig. 9). For the lower partially welded section, the

density and neutron measurements parallel those of the upper units, but here

the resistivity and magnetic susceptibility values differ. High magnetic

susceptibility values reflect the relative abundance or magnetite in this

lower unit, but the high resistivity values are probably caused by the higher

degree of silicification found within this unit (Spengler, 1979). The gamma-

ray values are about the same for all zones, but are higher for the uppermost

partially welded zone. The crystal-rich (10-14 percent) portion of the Prow

Pass Member (upper 60 m) should be relatively abundant in K-rich minerals and

magnetite (Sykes, et al, 1979). The magnetic susceptibility values indicate

places in this unit that contain moderately high amounts of magnetite. Be-

cause zeolites are present throughout the member, the high IP values shown

only by the upper partially welded units of the Prow Pass may be caused by the

presence of some other cation-rich mineral (clay alteration), or the IP re-

sponse.may be suppressed by conditions in the lower portion of the Prow Pass

as well as in the tuffaceous Beds of Calico Hills.

22

Conclusions

The broad features of the welded tuff sequence encountered in drill hole

UE25a-l are readily characterized by their physical properties measured by the

geophysical well logs. Welded tuffs, however, are extremely complex litholog-

ic units involving the superimposition of several factors and processes, and a

detailed interpretation requires equally detailed lithologic information.

Interpretation of geophysical well logs from UE25a-l was hampered by incom-

plete log coverage and the complex response of some well logs. In particular,

the I measurements did not consistently correspond to any single mineral

expected to give a high response. More mineralogic and petrologic work is

needed to clarify the causal elements of well-log response in welded tuffs, to

understand the interrelationships between logs responding to textural and/or

mineralogic conditions, and to shed more light on the unexpected response

values of the well-log measurements. Future studies must also include labora-

tory physical properties measurements to link the mineralogic and petrologic

work to the geophysical well-log measurements.

23

References

Byers, F. M., Jr., Carr, W. J., Orkild, P. P., Quinlivan, W. D., and Sargent,

K. A., 1976, Volcanic suites and related caldrons of Timber Mountain-Oasis

Valley caldera complex, southern Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Profes-

sional Paper 919, 70 p.

Christiansen, R. L., Lipman, P. W., Carr, W. J., Byers, F. M., Jr., Orkild, P.

P., and Sargent, K. A., 1977, Timber Mountain-Oasis Valley caldera complex

of southern Nevada: Geological Society America Bulletin 88, p. 943-959.

Lipman, P. W., Christiansen, R. L., and O'Connor, J. T., 1966, A composi-

tionally zoned ash-flow sheet in southern Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey

Professional Paper 524-F, 47 p.

Smith, R. L., 1960, Ash flows: Geological Society America Bulletin 71, p.

795-842.

Spengler, R. W., MHuller, D. C., and Livermore, R. B., 1979, Preliminary report

on the geology and geophysics of drill hole UE25a-1, Yucca Mountain,

Nevada Test Site: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 79-1244, 43 p.

Sykes, M. L., Heiken, G. ., and Smyth, J. R., 1979, Mineralogy and petrology

of tuff units from the UE25a-1 drill site, Yucca Mountain, Nevada: Los

Alamos Scientific Laboratory Informal Report LA-8139-MS, 76 p.

24

APPENDIX A

Geophysical Well Logs from Drill Hole UE25a-1,

Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site

25

8-to ES (UE25a-11ohm meterc

0 . 375 750

16-En RES (UE25-1 )othm meters

0 375 750

32-In ES (UE25*-1)ohw meters

0 375 750

400

450

500

I-

b 600

w 5502;

zi

aeh 600Qo

650

700'

750-

Figure Al.-Normal resistivity well logs (8-in., 16-in., 32-in.) for drillhole UE25a-1. Units are in ohm meters.

26

DENSITY UE25a-1)gc3

/Cm20 3.0 2.0 3.1Q1

0 i -

DENSI'1Y (UE25-1 )S/cm3

1.0 2.0 3.0

400 l

450

2150

I-i

z,200

500

3550-

zz

:eX 600-

650-

' 700

750

Figure A2.-Compensatld density wellgrams/centimeters (g/cm ).

log for drill hole UE25a-1. Units are in

27

CALIPER (UE25a-1 ) CALIPER UE25e-l }

cm630 125 0

3 163 1 25

i 3.

150

wz;z

,200:1

400

450

500

IL 5502:

z

600.a

650

700

4

7501

Figure A3.--Caliper well log for drill(cm).

hole UE25a-1. Units are in centimeters

28

-

NEUTRON (UE25a-1)cps

0 2000 4000

NEUTRON (UE25a-1)cps

0 2000 4000

150

z

,200

l

.

I . .

7-550-

z

E600

650 -

700

750

hole UE25a-1. Units are in counts/sec-Figure A4.--Neutron well log for drillond (cps).

29

CAMMA RAY UE25a-1)cp8

80 160 - 240

GAMMA RAY (UE25a-1)cp's

80 160 240-

*1 * _ _ _ _ _ _

' 400,

450

500-

(0150w

zz,200

. N

1 550-

z.

a, 600 -

650

700

750

Figure A.--Camma-ray well log forcounts/second (cps).

drill hole UE25a-1. Units are in

30

* IF (UE25a-1)percent

0 1 3 4 5

* 400

450

500

wi550z

GO

1h oo

650

700

750

Figure A6.-Induced polarization (IP) well log for drill hole UE25a-1. Unitsare in percent.

31

HAGSI0

SUSC (UE25a-1)unts (X10-6}20 40 60 8Q

"AG SUSC (UE25a-1)SI units XO-6)0 20 40 60 80

0

50

t 00

011111I-1

i

I

i

.I

i

iI--

ep 150

I-w.z

"200

Q

250'

300'

35Q-

Figure. A7.-Magnetic susceptibility well log for drill hole UE25a-1. Unitsare in SI units x 36.

32

. . .