Digital Commons Network^™

Mechanisms Of Gold Enrichment In Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposits: A Study On The Higashi-Aogashima Hydrothermal Field, Claudia Martinez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The study of Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMS) deposit formation is vital for assessing both the economic potential and environmental risks posed by future marine mining projects. Metal-rich SMS deposits form in hydrothermal vent systems within tectonically active regions, such as back-arc basins, where faults enhance crustal permeability, enabling fluid migration driven by magmatic heat sources at depth in the crust. Currently our understanding of SMS formation processes is based on bulk-rock geochemical and isotopic data, lacking the necessary spatial and temporal resolution to understand ore forming processes. As a result, critical gaps remain in understanding the exact mechanisms responsible for …

The Application Of Detrital Zircon Geochronology, Pressure-Temperature Modeling, Monazite Petrochronology, And Quartz-In-Garnet Elastic Geobarometry To The Tectonic Evolution Of The Funeral Mountains And Related Metamorphic Core Complexes, Suzanne Renae Mulligan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This dissertation investigates and applies different techniques for studying mid-crustal metamorphic rocks including detrital zircon geochronology, monazite petrochronology, thermodynamic pressure-temperature modeling, and elastic geobarometry. The first chapter reconstructs stratigraphy in deformed metamorphic rocks from the Funeral Mountains metamorphic core complex in Death Valley, California, and the Bullfrog Hills, Nevada, using U-Pb detrital zircon (DZ) geochronology. This study documents another successful application of stratigraphic techniques applied to metamorphic rocks and migmatites. DZ geochronology identified Pahrump Group metasediments in rocks that were previously interpreted to be Paleoproterozoic basement gneisses, providing insights into the distribution of Rodinia rift basins. This analysis has shown …

Initial Acoustoelastic Measurements In Olivine: Investigating The Effect Of Stress On P- And S-Wave Velocities, Taryn K. Traylor, Pamela C. Burnley, M. L. Whitaker

Geoscience Faculty Research

It is well known that elasticity is a key physical property in the determination of the structure and composition of the Earth and provides critical information for the interpretation of seismic data. This study investigates the stress-induced variation in elastic wave velocities, known as the acoustoelastic effect, in San Carlos olivine. A recently developed experimental ultrasonic acoustic system, the Directly Integrated Acoustic System Combined with Pressure Experiments (DIASCoPE), was used with the D-DIA multi-anvil apparatus to transmit ultrasonic sound waves and collect the reflections. We use the DIASCoPE to obtain longitudinal (P) and shear (S) elastic wave velocities from San …

Initial Measurements On The Effect Of Stress On P- And S-Wave Velocities In Olivine, Taryn Traylor

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

It is well known that elasticity is a key physical property in the determination of the structure and composition of the Earth and provides critical information for the interpretation of seismic data. This study investigates the stress-induced variation in elastic wave velocities, known as the acoustoelastic effect, in San Carlos olivine. A recently developed experimental ultrasonic acoustic system, the Directly Integrated Acoustic System Combined with Pressure Experiments (DIASCoPE), was used with the D-DIA multi-anvil apparatus to transmit ultrasonic sound waves and collect the reflections. We use the DIASCoPE to obtain longitudinal (P) and shear (S) elastic wave velocities from the …

Structural Evolution And Regional Implications Of The Arrowhead Mine Fault Within The Pahranagat Shear Zone, Nevada, Usa, Michael Dennis Evans

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Basin and Range province is characterized by normal faults associated with

extension, but the occurrence of strike-slip faults and the seismic hazard accompanying

them is less understood. One major strike-slip zone, the Pahranagat shear zone (PSZ),

lies in Lincoln County, Nevada and within the boundary zone between northern Basin

and Range (NBR) and central Basin and Range (CBR) sub-provinces. The PSZ is a 20-

25 km long zone of Cenozoic left-lateral faults. The Arrowhead Mine Fault (AMF) is one

of the three major faults in the PSZ. The western AMF and the faults that surround and

abut it are …

Perchlorate Bioremediation: Controlling Media Loss In Ex-Situ Fluidized Bed Reactors And In-Situ Biological Reduction By Slow-Release Electron Donor, Sichu Shrestha

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The main concern of perchlorate exposure through drinking water is its effects on the production of thyroid hormone, which is important for human metabolism and child’s brain development. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed perchlorate in the contaminant list as well as in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring rule.

The extent of perchlorate contamination can be categorized by the level of contamination into parts per million (ppm) levels, typically in locations where perchlorate was manufactured, and parts per billion (ppb) levels where perchlorate was used for various purposes. Ion-exchange is generally adopted for treating ppb levels of perchlorate while …

Porphyry Copper Exploration Of The Hualapai Mountains, Mohave County, Arizona, Usa: A Multi-Faceted Approach, Patrick Kevin Meazell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A variety of exploration methods including geologic mapping, trace- and major-level geochemical analyses, fluid inclusion petrography, remote sensing, and SWIR clay spectroscopy were used to investigate the potential for porphyry Cu-Mo mineralization at the Wikieup prospect, in the southern Hualapai Mountains of northwestern Arizona. Aspects of the Mineral Park mine were used as an analogue to guide exploration due to the proximity and similar geology of the area.

The Hualapai Mountains are a series of northwest-trending Precambrian gneisses, schists, granitoids and amphibolites that have been cut by younger intrusive rocks. Within the Wikieup study area, the intrusive rocks include aplite …

The Spratly Islands Dispute: International Law, Conflicting Claims, And Alternative Frameworks For Dispute Resolution, Robin Gonzales

Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards

The Spratly islands dispute is a regional maritime territorial sovereignty dispute which involves six countries in the South China Sea – China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. Underscored by the prospects of large natural energy reserves, control of strategic global maritime areas, and shifting global power dynamics, the dispute has significant international geo-strategic, economic, political and legal implications. This Honors Thesis evaluates the international legal standards for resolving maritime sovereignty disputes, provides a historiography of the six countries’ competing claims, and analyzes the legal soundness of their claims. This thesis also proposes and examines potential political and diplomatic frameworks …

Walking Box Ranch Custodianship Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending April 10, 2010, Margaret N. Rees

Walking Box Ranch

• UNLV provides stewardship of Walking Box Ranch (WBR) by providing a caretaker who oversees the property, facilitating use of the property by researchers and educators, developing a use and research policy for the property, and coordinating these activities with BLM and in accordance with TNC restrictions.
• UNLV currently addresses security issues for the property through the presence of the caretaker and three Metro Officers who reside on the property in two recreational vehicles, in rotation. UNLV has prepared a draft document outlining this agreement that will be signed by UNLV and participating officers. This agreement is currently under review by …

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Shane Bevell, Mamie Peers, Michelle Mouton

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! On-Site Programming (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

The Mayan Ice Cap: Glacial Geology And Paleoclimate Of The Northern Guatemalan Highlands, Alex Joseph Roy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Sierra de los Cuchumatanes region of the northern Guatemalan highlands supported a large plateau ice cap with an area of -40 km2 along with a group of 5 cirque glaciers -1 to 2 km2 during the local last glacial maximum (LLGM). A comprehensive mapping reconstruction of the northern Guatemalan highlands is presented here, including glacial geology and an estimate of maximum ice limits from physical evidence and computer modeling. The glacial geologic map was produced via field mapping with global positioning system (GPS) surveying combined with aerial stereo photographic and topographic map analysis. This new field work on moraine …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! On-Site Programming, Support Materials (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

What happened geologically to produce the landscape we see today? What was the stage like that ultimately produced the Colorado River? What are the processes that are still at work today?

To begin exploring and discovering the answers to these questions, we can look at what’s happened in the past and also examine the clues that are evident on today’s landscape. Lake Mead’s geologic past can be organized like acts in a play. These geologic “acts” represent the area’s significant geologic events. The acts are not equal in terms of time (millions of years), nor is all geologic time accounted …

Archaeological Inventory, Site Assessment, And Data Management, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lmnra) And Parashant National Monument (Para): Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2008, Margaret N. Rees

Archaeology

• Completed modifications to original task agreement, extending the agreement through February 17, 2009

• Completed all field and laboratory work associated with the Saint Thomas Project (Project 1A)

• Completed over 2,000 acres of inventory and found over 90 archaeological sites for fuels-related projects on PARA (Project 3B)

• Conducted subsurface test excavations at two Virgin Anasazi Pueblos and collected pollen/soil samples from three prehistoric agricultural fields on PARA (Project 4A)

• Completed draft technical reports for all three inventories associated with Phase 2 of the Capital Improvement Project (Project 5)

• Conducted geophysical surveys on three sites at …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Post-Visit Lesson: The Story In Art (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

The following post-visit activity is designed to synthesize and expand the knowledge students have gained in their Forever Earth experience. Students will demonstrate, with a visual creation, their understanding of at least five major components of the land and land forms that are part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit Lesson: Topograhic And Geologic Maps (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

This activity introduces students to topographic and geologic maps and their respective purposes.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit Lesson: Lake Mead Geologic Webquest (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

This activity is an inquiry-oriented activity designed to introduce students to the geology, landforms, geologic processes, and geologic timeline of Lake Mead NRA.

Geology Of The Southern Reveille Range, Nye County, Nevada, Matthew Alan Mckelvey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Reveille Range in central Nevada provides a unique window into the mid-Miocene geology and volcanology of the central Great Basin during the "ignimbrite flare up." Although faulted along its margins, the interior of the range is relatively undeformed thus preserving volcanic centers. The Reveille Range contains three mid-Miocene caldera complexes. Previous studies have identified the Goblin Knobs caldera (25.6 Ma) in the central Reveille Range and the caldera of northern Reveille Range (25.3 Ma) to the north. These calderas are completely filled with intracaldera tuffs. This study has identified a younger third caldera located in the southern part of …

Sex And The Agricultural Transition: Dental Health Among Early Agricultural Females, Misty Fields

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

This project analyzed dentition from a sample (n =142) of Early Agricultural period skeletons (B.C. 1600-200 A.D.) from the site of La Playa (SON F:10:3), Sonora, Mexico. Data was collected on pathology rates for dental caries and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) to test the hypothesis that hormone-fluctuations associated with pregnancy increase dental pathology in females. Males and females were not found to have significant differences in caries rates. However, statistically significant differences in AMTL were found with females exhibiting more tooth loss than males ( p=.022). When compared across age categories, reproductive-age females had substantial increases in AMTL compared to …

Geodetic Monitoring Of The Yucca Mountain Region Using Continuous Gps Measurements, Geoff Blewitt, Jonathan Price, Nevada Geodetic Laboratory, Nevada Bureau Of Mines & Geology

Publications (YM)

What Task 3 is About:

Monitor current crustal deformation at YM
– In the broader tectonic context of the NA-Pacific plate boundary
– In the regional context of the East California Shear Zone (ECSZ)
– In the geological context of specific fault activity
– Vertical motion associated with geophysical fluids

Using geodetic methods
– GPS – mature, proven
track the 3-D point-positions of 47 stations with < 1 mm precision
– InSAR – new, experimental
regional map of displacement along the line-of-sight (accuracy??)
proven capability: (1) co-seismic deformation; (2) local instabilities

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit, Support Materials: Lake Mead Geologic Webquest (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Student worksheets and teacher rubric to accompany the Lake Mead Geologic WebQuest lesson.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Post-Visit Lessons, Support Materials: The Story In Art (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Student worksheet and teacher's sample for creating a geologic landscape.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit, Support Materials: Topographic And Geologic Maps (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Student worksheets for reading Lake Mead area topographic maps.

Unlv Magazine, Carol C. Harter, Joe Cockrell, Tony Allen, Regina Bacolas, Lori Bachand, Jennifer Lawson, Bret C. Birdsong, Steve Parker, Erin O'Donnell, Jennifer Robison

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

A Geodetic Investigation Of Ground Deformation At Yucca Mountain, Southern Nevada, Emma Mccaughey

Publications (YM)

The data from 28 continuous BARGEN GPS stations in the Yucca Mountain region were processed for January 2000 to June 2004. The data have been processed independently using both the GIPSY and GAMIT software packages for quality assurance purposes, yielding an RMS of velocity differences between the solutions of 0.06 mm/yr for the east and 0.10 mm/yr for the north. The velocity solution for the local Yucca Mountain network has a relatively smooth signal showing NW-trending rightlateral shear. The magnitude of the velocity contrast across the local network, from east to west, is 0.95 ± 0.04 mm/yr. The GPS results …

The Silver Spring And Blackrock Faults, East-Central Nevada: Kinematics, Timing, And Role Of Low-Angle Normal Faulting In The Development Of Railroad Valley, Tyler R Knudsen

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The structural development of Railroad Valley, a large and economically important Tertiary basin in east-central Nevada, has been the focus of much debate. This study addresses many of the points of controversy through a detailed geologic study of structures in the southwestern White Pine Range; Detailed geologic mapping and construction of cross-sections reveal both low- and high-angle normal faults. The low-angle faults consist of three bedding-parallel faults, two top-to-the-southwest and one top-to-the-south, and two large displacement (>8 km heave) (26,000 ft) top-to-the-west detachments that denude a range-scale Mesozoic fold. Two spatially distinct groups of high-angle normal faults are present: …

The Role Of Transverse Faults In Great Basin Extension: Transfer Faults Or N-S Extension?, Tandis S Bidgoli

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

New geologic map data (1:24,000 scale), geometric analyses, and kinematic analyses in the vicinity of the Crescent Spring fault zone (CSFZ), an E-W-striking fault zone in eastern Nevada, allow the recognition of four distinct extensional episodes. The episodes are pre-volcanic (pre-27 Ma), syn-volcanic (∼27-18 Ma), Miocene (?) post-volcanic, and Miocene (?) - Pliocene or Quaternary post-volcanic extension. This extensional pattern, which is consistent with other fault studies along the broadly defined Timpahute lineament, has several important aspects. (1) Transverse faults of the CSFZ are normal faults that accommodated a distinct N-S extensional event. (2) The strain field within this part …

Petrogenesis And Geochemistry Of Pleistocene And Pliocene Basalt Flows Of The Pine Valley Volcanic Field, Utah And Their Relationship To The Tectonics Of The Utah Transition Zone, Matthew Faust

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

The Pine Valley Volcanic Field in southwestern Utah consists of at least 24 mafic lava flows and 10 vents. Eruptions have spanned the past 2.4 m.y. The youngest eruptions at the Snow Canyon and Diamond Valley cones occurred between 1 and 20 ka. Lava flows range in composition from basalt to andesite, and include both alkaline and subalkaline rocks throughout the field. Trace element abundances for the youngest lavas show both oceanic island basalt (OIB) and mid-oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) components in their source. Sr and Nd isotopic ratios exhibit evolved values, spanning a large range from epsilon Nd of …

Pottery And Mobility: A Functional Analysis Of Intermountain Brownware, Britt J Betenson

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Intermountain Brownware, is a late prehistoric ceramic type made by mobile hunter-gatherers that is found throughout southern Nevada, western Utah and northern Arizona. Most hunter-gather groups around the world are not pottery producers. Through interdisciplinary analysis, I examine the physical and morphological characteristics to understand the amount of labor invested in the construction and production of Intermountain Brownware. I then evaluate these results amongst environmental, historical, ethnological, and archaeological data to conclude that Intermountain Brownware possesses lower porosity, and is thinner and stronger than commonly reported. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is performed to empirically characterize food residues remaining in the …

Gis Analysis Of The Pre And Post-Diversion Water Balances In Owens Valley, California, Anna Corinne Draa

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

Owens Valley, California is located at the western border of both the Basin and Range and Great Basin Provinces. The valley is hydrologically closed; the only outflow for ground and surface waters is evaporation to the atmosphere. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) began diverting water from Owens Valley in 1913 and has steadily increased the amount of water removed from the valley since then; LADWP has always assumed that the hydrologic system as it existed in 1913 was in equilibrium with modern climate. This study develops a geographical information systems (GIS) based model of Owens Valley to …