Geologic aspects of geothermal development in northern Dixie Valley, Nevada

Online access for this thesis was created in part with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). To obtain a high quality image or document please contact the DeLaMare Library at https://unr.libanswers.com/ or call: 775-784-6945.Prospective geothermal development in Dixie Valley makes pertinent a consideration of the following geologic conditions there: l) groundwater hydrology; 2) engineering properties of soils; 3) seismicity; 4) flashfloods; 5) slope stability; and 6) soil erosion. The hydrologic characteristics of the reservoir determine the potential for induced seismicity and subsidence. From present water chemistry data, silica precipitation during production should not be a problem. Five soil units were tested for engineering properties. The two alluvial fan units were found to be the most suitable for building. Liquefaction and/or differential settling are potential problems in the playa, valley fill and delta deposits. Dixie Valley is in a seismically active area. The maximum magnitude earthquake expected is 7.5 with up to five meters of displacement. Flashfloods are a problem in the valley. The potential for slope instability is minimal in the basin. Soil erosion has been accelerated from the extensive off-road travel