Near-surface accumulations of secondary carbonates are common in the soils and sediments of the Yucca Mountain area. These carbonates contain small amounts of uranium that allow dating by the uranium-series disequilibrium method. Preliminary results from the Yucca Mountain area indicate that the U-series methods can (1) identify multiple episodes of tectonic fracturing, (2) provide a chronologic framework for paleoclimatically significant eolian deposits, and (3) place constraints on the probable source of waters from which the carbonates precipitated.
Additional publication details
Uranium-series dating of secondary carbonates near Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Applications to tectonic, paleoclimatic, and paleohydrologic problems
Publ by ASCE
Boston, MA, United States
Proceedings of the 1st International Topical Meeting on High Level Radioactive Waste Management. Part 1