GASBUGGY: Postshot Geologic Investigations
Abstract
In the Gasbuggy experiment on nuclear stimulation of natural gas flow, the nominal 26-kt nuclear explosive was detonated on December 10, 1967, at a depth of 4240 ft, in the Lewis shale some 40 ft below its contact with the Pictured Cliffs gas-bearing formation. Post shot exploration of the chimney and the surrounding fractured region consisted of geophysical, chemical, and radiochemical investigations in the redrilled explosive emplacement hole (GB-E) and in the redrilled preshot hole GB-2, which was offset about 300 ft from the emplacement hole. Gas production testing was also done to assess in a preliminary way the effects of nuclear stimulation. This report covers the investigations of chimney size and extent of fracturing. The Gasbuggy explosion produced a rubble-filled chimney about 80 ft in radius and 333 ft high. The reentry hole penetrated only the upper portion of the chimney, which appears to consist of sagged and slumped rock strata, with a few rubble-filled voids. There is apparently no large void at the top of the chimney, as has been seen in other nuclear chimneys. It is thought that the horizontally bedded strata and the bulking characteristics of the rock with tensile failure are responsible for the lack of a void.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- ADA382361
Entities
People
- D. E. Rawson
- J. A. Korver
- R. L. Pritchard
- William Joseph Martin
Organizations
- University of California