Geochemical and isotopic evaluation of Pahute Mesa-Oasis Valley groundwater flow paths, southern Nevada

Pahute Mesa, located in the northwest corner of the Nevada Test Site (NTS) in southern Nevada, was the location of numerous underground nuclear tests. Contaminants from tests are widely dispersed over the entire NTS, and transport of contaminants in the groundwater is the main method by which contaminants may leave the NTS and pollute wells, and surface waters (spring discharge) outside of the NTS. Oasis Valley, within 30 km of the NTS, is considered to be the closest point of groundwater discharge from the NTS. Consequently, identifying sources, flow paths, and mixing relationships and determining travel times for groundwater discharging in Oasis Valley is important to the understanding of potential contaminant migration. A geochemical mass balance code was used to determine groundwater flow paths and ground water travel times between Pahute Mesa and Oasis Valley. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...