Research Centers

Yucca Mountain
Correlation of sedimentary and volcanic units across the Garlock Fault to estimate its slip rate is an important component of our work. Between 1986 and 1996, CVTS research involved volcanic hazard studies at the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Most of this work was funded by the State of Nevada Nuclear Waste Project Office (NWPO) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

This research concentrated on providing a regional perspective of the Quaternary-Tertiary volcanic and tectonic history of the Great Basin and Basin and Range provinces. Faculty members looked in detail at volcanism in the Yucca Mountain area. CVTS produced a considerable volume of data; some of the data was published, but much is unpublished. The data include geochemistry (major, trace and Sr, Nb and Pb isotopes) for basalt centers in Crater Flat and our analog areas (Fortification Hill and Sunset Crater, Ariz.; Grand Wash Trough, Ariz. and Nevada; Lunar Crater, the McCullough and Reveille Ranges, Nevada; and Hurricane, Utah); field data for Crater Flat and analog areas; geochronology; and kinematic studies of bedrock structures in Crater Flat and analog areas.

A portion of the CVTS Final Report to the State of Nevada NWPO can be viewed through this link to their website.

Your questions and comments are appreciated. If you would like more information about the Center for Volcanic & Tectonic Studies, please contact Eugene I. Smith, Ph.D. at eismith@unlv.nevada.edu.