Geophysical Model Studies of the Tularosa Basin, New Mexico.
Abstract
The Tularosa and Jornada del Muerto Basins are two prominent north-south valleys in southern New Mexico. In 1975 two one hundred ton TNT equivalent tests were conducted in the Tularosa Basin by the Defense Nuclear Agency as part of the Dice Throw high explosive test series. In 1976, 620 tons of explosive were detonated in the Jornada del Muerto. Seismic records of these events revealed apparent anomalous surface wave propagation within the basins. Results of a shear wave refraction profile as well as reflection, gravity, and magnetic data have been used as input for theoretical computation of Rayleigh wave characteristics within the basins. The theoretically predicted group and phase velocities, as well as ellipticities, correlate well with those measured from seismic records of the surface waves excited within the basin. In general, the slowest surface wave group corresponds to the fundamental mode of the Rayleigh wave, while the earlier surface wave arrival can be correlated with the higher modes of the Rayleigh wave. The observed surface wave behavior has placed additional constraints upon the interpretation of the geophysical surveys of the basins. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA054161
Entities
People
- Eugene T. Herrin
- Robert E. Reinke
Organizations
- Southern Methodist University