Quarterly Report to the Harry Reid Center

UCCSN-DOE Cooperative Agreement

Task 12: Seismic Monitoring

PI: James N. Brune

UNR Seismological Laboratory

Report Period: 01/01/2001 – 03/31/2001

Progress:

During this reporting period (Jan-Mar 2001), we have maintained seismic operations under the QA procedures which have been established with the HRC. Data collection has been above 98% overall.

We have completed the FY98-99 seismicity report, including responses to reviewer’s comments. We have completed roughly 95% of the draft for the FY00 seismicity report. This report contains a section on the application of Coulomb stress modeling to Yucca Mountain.

At the end of March, we have analyzed the earthquakes in the YM vicinity through approximately March 17, thus leaving a 14-day delay. This is not a significant change since the end of the last reporting period. Seismic activity in the YM vicinity has remained unusually low during this reporting period.

The CMG-40 instrument at RPY has been replaced with S-13 instruments. A portable recorder has been placed in Alcove 5 to provide dual recording capability for this important site.

GPS readings have now been taken at all the analog sites (except MZP) used in compiling the FY00 seismicity.

Problems:

We are still awaiting the final environmental record of decision from Death Valley National Park regarding the three stations to be installed in the park.

All personnel who travel in remote parts of Area 25 and elsewhere are required to have First Aid and CPR training. We are trying to arrange a group class for our personnel, to be given at UNR.

Data from the strong motion network was submitted to the project bringing data submittals up to date. Last site visit was in January. Yearly system checks from last year were submitted; delays were incurred due to manufacturer upgrades to system software necessary to accommodate conversion to new GPS clocks.

Plans:

We plan to continue to maintain a short backlog (< 10 days) of seismic event processing during the next quarter.

We will finish the validation of the program MLCALC, V2.0. We will validate new software versions of two major programs, both acquired software from the USGS, during this coming quarter. Changes are related to Y2K compliance.

We will submit the FY00 seismicity report for review according to QAP-3.5; it is anticipated that the final report can be submitted to the DOE in the coming quarter.

FY2001 systems checks for Yucca Mountain Strong Motion network will be performed next month; within one year from FY2000 system checks.