Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Geology And Structures In The Northern Hiko Range, Lincoln County, Nevada, Douglas D. Switzer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the northern Hiko Range, extension occurred in four temporally distinct episodes during the Cenozoic. The extensional events are (1) prevolcanic (> 27.31 ± 0. 03 Ma), (2) syn-volcanic (between 22.78 ± 0,03 and 18.5 ± 0.4 Ma), (3) Tertiary(?) post-volcanic ( < 14.7 ± 0.4 Ma), and ( 4) Pliocene(?) - Quaternary. Four fault sets are delineated based on orientation and cross-cutting relationships: (I) northeast- to northwest-striking moderately dipping prevolcanic faults, (2) east-west striking, steeply-dipping syn-volcanic faults, (3) east-west- and east-northeast-striking, steeply dipping Tertiary(?) post-volcanic faults, and (4) generally north-striking steeply dipping Pliocene (?) - Quaternary faults.

Prevolcanic faults in the northern Hiko Range are interpreted to be footwall faults to an Oligocene age extensional system. These faults increase the area affected by Oligocene extension and support existing evidence that suggests this event is widespread.

A tectonomagmatic rift model has been proposed to explain synvolcanic extension during the Tertiary in the northern Basin and Range …

Kinetic-Energy- And Angular-Resolved Fragmentation Of Co In Vibrational-Resolved C 1s Excitation, N. Saito, Franz Heiser, Oliver Hemmers, K. Wieliczek, J. Viefhaus, U. Becker

Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

Angular distributions of C⁺+O⁺ from CO were measured, following vibrationally resolved C 1s excitations into the 2pπ, 3sσ, and 3pπ orbitals as well as into higher unresolved orbitals. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer, with a multihit-type position-sensitive anode, was used for the measurements. The anisotropy parameters (β) of C⁺+O⁺ approach their theoretically expected values as the released kinetic energy in the fragmentation increases. The value of the β parameters remains constant for all vibrational states within each orbital.

First Results From The High-Brightness X-Ray Spectroscopy Beamline 9.3.1 At Als, W. Ng, G. Jones, Rupert C. Perera, D. Hansen, J. Daniels, Oliver Hemmers, P. Glans, S. B. Whitfield, H. Wang, Dennis W. Lindle

Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

Beamline 9.3.1 at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) is a windowless beamline, covering the 1–6 keV photon energy range. This beamline is designed to achieve the goal of high brightness at the sample for use in the x‐ray atomic and molecular spectroscopy (XAMS) science, surface and interface science, biology and x‐ray optical development programs at ALS. X‐ray absorption and time‐of‐flight photoemission measurements in 2–5 keV photon energy range along with the flux, resolution, spot size and stability of the beamline will be discussed. Prospects for future XAMS measurements will also be presented.

Post-Collision Interactions In The Auger Decay Of The Ar L-Shell, James A.R. Samson, Wayne C. Stolte, Z. X. He, J. N. Cutler, D. Hansen

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

The photoionization cross sections for Ar⁺ through Ar⁴⁺, produced by the Auger decay of a 2p hole in argon, have been measured between 242 eV and 253 eV by the use of synchrotron radiation. The high resolution of the monochromator has allowed a detailed study of the postcollision interactions that occur in this spectral region. The concept of photoelectron recapture by Ar²⁺ to produce the Ar⁺ continuum is studied. The relative values of the quantum-mechanical calculations of the photoelectron recapture probability are shown to be in excellent agreement with the present data. The magnitude …

Cross Sections For The Production Of He+ (Np) 2p0 States By 50 To 150 Kev Proton Impact On Helium, Wayne C. Stolte, R. Bruch

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

Cross sections have been measured for the production of He⁺ (np) ²P^o states, n=2,3,4, by proton impact on helium over a projectile velocity range of 1.42–2.45 a.u. (50 ≤E≤150 keV). Cross sections were determined by measuring the extreme ultraviolet photons emitted from excited He1 ions. The data indicate a lower energy than expected for the maximum cross section. A comparison of the present results in terms of projectile energy dependance with the cross sections for excitation to He (1snp) ¹P^o, ionization, and total electron capture suggests the primary mechanism …

The Petrogenesis Of Andesites Produced During Regional Extension: Examples From The Northern Mccullough Range, Nv And Xitle Volcano, Mexico, Kelly Ann Boland

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Andesite dominated volcanic systems produced during regional crustal extension remain a relatively unexplored aspect of andesite petrogenesis. In the southern Basin and Range province, thick sections of andesite and basaltic andesite have been documented in areas including the Piute Range, California, the Eldorado Range, Nevada, and the McCullough Range, Nevada. The northern McCullough Range, located 20 miles south-southeast of Las Vegas, is an ideal place to study the petrogenesis of an andesite dominated system. This area contains a mid-Miocene stratocone composed mainly of a 1200 m thick section of andesite flows that formed synchronous with regional extension.

The northern McCullough …

Hydrostratigraphy And Allostratigraphy Of The Cenozoic Alluvium In The Northwestern Part Of Las Vegas Valley, Clark County, Nevada, David J. Donovan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This investigation was conducted to determine the location, nature, and boundaries of the most permeable unit within the alluvial aquifer material in Las Vegas Valley. It was prompted by declines in specific capacity of about 90% at the Las Vegas Valley Water District's West Central Well Field. It was hypothesized that the decline in specific capacity resulted from dewatering of the most permeable interval of the alluvium. Lithologic descriptions from wells and aquifer test information were analyzed for geologic and hydrogeologic variability. New information, in the form of detailed unpublished lithologic and hydrologic information, was available from twenty water wells …

Las Vegas Flamigo Hilton/Unlv Environmental Studies Program Environmental Resource Analysis & Optimization Plan, Dennis Nowlin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

From 1987 through 1992 the Las Vegas Flamingo Hilton instituted resource efficiency improvements in electrical, natural gas, water and materials consumption. In 1992, the Flamingo Hilton commissioned the University of Nevada Las Vegas Environmental Studies Department to analyze and quantify the improvements made by The Flamingo Hilton and investigate the potential for further improvements.

Historical billing data from the periods 1987 - 1992 were used to analyze past and present (1992) electric, natural gas and water consumption. Materials disposal data was only available for a ten month period in 1992. Pollutant emissions data were supplied by Nevada Power Company.

The …

The Real Cost Of Beef: A Monetary Assessment Of The Environmental Degradation Caused By Beef Production, Carolyn Babcock

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The environmental degradation caused by beef production is severe. The current literature assesses the ecological damage, but falls short of assigning a per pound dollar amount to reflect the real cost of beef. In the United States, most of the environmental focus has been centered around the use of public lands for grazing and the grazing fee the government considers appropriate. The fee covers the maintenance of the grazing program, which includes maintenance of the actual land. This paper will concentrate on beef-related environmental degradation and select specific damage for monetary valuation.

A Comparative Analysis Of Viable Solar Thermal Technologies For Solar Field Development And Commercialization, Sean M. Crawford

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Diminishing fossil fuels and concerns about the quality of the environment has lead the recent drive to establish a commercialized solar field in Southern Nevada. The competing solar thermal technologies for the Solar Enterprise Zone (SEZ) are Parabolic Dish-Stirling, Central Receiver Power Towers, and Parabolic Trough Systems. It is important to compare the technologies based on the guidelines set by the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources. The variables weighted are solar conversion performances, initial capital investment, operation and maintenance costs, water and land use, and electricity production costs. All technologies have been proven to viable power sources and …

Residence Time Of Groundwater Issuing From The South Rim Aquifer In The Eastern Grand Canyon, Jim Fitzgerald

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the eastern Grand Canyon, secondary porosity created by north trending faults, folds, and breccia pipes, facilitates groundwater flow through the South Rim carbonate aquifer. Springs associated with the South Rim Aquifer have low ³H concentrations, [Ca²⁺]/[Mg²⁺] rations close to unity, and variable uranium concentrations. For a geochemical comparison, springs are subcategorized on the basis of geology and discharge. Type I springs are associated with high-angle normal faults and have high discharge rates. These springs discharge Ca²⁺ - Mg²⁺, HCO₃^- waters, have ³H concentrations <2 TR, and ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity …

Trace Element Analysis Of Selected Springs In The Virgin River Basin, Mary A. Yelken

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Spring water from 23 springs in and near the Virgin River Basin (southwestern Utah, northwestern Arizona, and southeastern Nevada) was collected and analyzed for chemical concentrations. Trace elements and major ion chemistry was used to determine the potential for utilizing water chemistry to provide information on spring water source and flow pathways. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), rare earth element (REE) normalization patterns, and mineral equilibrium modeling (PHREEQE) techniques were used to analyze the data set. Four major spring water groups were displayed by the PCA, based on similarities in water chemistry. The analyses suggest that spring water chemistry is a …

Report Of Significant Findings--Las Vegas Bay/Boulder Basin Investigations, James F. Labounty, Michael Horn, Bureau Of Reclamation

Publications (WR)

Field sampling was carried out between 0830 and 1500 beginning at the confluence of Las Vegas Wash and the Inner Las Vegas Bay. Ten (10) locations were sampled, each in a similar manner. Locations of sampling stations are in line from the Wash-Bay confluence to a point midway between Saddle and Black Islands. In addition, sampling was done at a location midway between Sentinel Island and the base of Fortification Hill, and at the buoy line in front of Hoover Dam. Sampling stations are labeled from LV01, at Wash-Bay confluence, to LV17 at Hoover Dam. A significant data collection point …

An Analysis Of Remediation Alternatives In An Attempt To Establish An Effective Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soils Remediation Program At The Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project (Ymp), Marc A. Gonzales

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

An analyses, of six (6) soil remediation alternatives was completed in attempt to establish an effective hydrocarbon-contaminated soils remediation program at the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Program (YMP). The remediation alternatives analyzed included: no remediation, on-site incineration, off-site incineration, in-situ .bioremediation, ex-situ bioremediation, and excavation and disposal. Variables considered in the evaluation process included cost of contaminated soil transportation, treatment costs, future liability, and success of remediating the contaminated soils to below regulatory thresholds. The analysis concluded in the recommendation of an on-site ex-situ bioremediation treatment facility (BTF) to remediate hydrocarbon-contaminated soils at the YMP. The selection was based on …

Auger Resonant Raman Spectroscopy Used To Study The Angular Distributions Of The Xe 4d5/2 → 6p Decay Spectrum, B. Langer, N. Berrah, A. Farhat, Oliver Hemmers, J. Bozek

Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

The Auger resonant Raman effect can be used as a method to eliminate natural lifetime broadening in resonant Auger spectra. We have coupled this method with high-resolution photons from the Advanced Light Source to study angular distributions and decay rates of the Xe4d_5/2→6p resonant Auger lines. The angular distribution parameters β of almost all possible final ionic 5p⁴(³P, ¹D, ¹S)6p states have been determined. Our data, which remove the discrepancy between previous lower-resolution experimental results, are compared to different theoretical results.

An Experimental Technique In Lowering Total Dissolved Solids In Wastewater, Aaron Crotts

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

An experimental method for lowering total dissolved solids in wastewater. This thesis project has been undertaken by Aaron Crotts in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. The problem undertaken in this thesis is to apply an experimental technique in wastewater treatment in hopes of reducing the total dissolved solids. Total dissolved solids consist of various dissolved ions in water such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur and sodium. In looking at one industry in particular a local Ice Cream manufacture, the problem with total dissolved solids is evident because of their manufacturing process, an …

Innovations In Reuse, Lisa R. Osorio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Material reuse benefits all sectors in the community by decreasing the amount of reusable solid waste that is discarded. It increases the resources available for various programs and builds partnerships with educators, and businesses to support and promote reuse programs that will improve the quality of life in areas in which they operate. Several areas of the country currently have reuse programs that focus on several areas of reuse. Successful projects in several cities have focused on such areas as reuse for education, the arts, or other nonprofit activities. These sustainable programs have benefited other communities and should serve as …

The Barriers Present In More Developed Countries And Less Developed Countries Slowing The Implementation Of Substainability, Luke Giovine

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In 1996 the natural resource base of the world is being depleted at a rate far below the sustainable level. This is very evident in less developed countries (IDC), where raw limited natural resources are being poorly utilized and/or exported to more developed countries (MDC). The More Developed Countries such as the United States, Japan, and Germany use a high amount of natural resources and energy to maintain their material Standard Of Living (SOL), and this is at rates above what their own country can sustain with its own natural resources within its own borders. Both MDC's and LDC's are …

Describing The Elephant: Multiple Perspectives In New York City's Watershed Protection Conflict, Krystyna Anne Stave

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Publications

New York City's efforts to avoid filtration mandated by the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments and the 1989 Surface Water Treatment Rule have generated considerable controversy. Since the conflict began in 1990, a spectrum of stakeholder groups has emerged, representing land owners, sport fishermen, businesses, environmental groups, developers, and watershed communities. What was originally defined by New York City water supply managers as a scientific problem--identifying sources of water quality degradation and preventing contaminants from entering the water supply system--now has broadened to include a diverse set of social and economic issues as well.

Synthetic Organic Compounds: Las Vegas Wash And Lake Mead, National Water Quality Assessment Program (Nawqa): Nevada Basin And Range

Publications (WR)

The Nevada Basin and Range (NVBR) study unit of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program is investigating the status of, trends in, and factors affecting water quality in the Las Vegas area. A principal objective of the investigation is to assess the effects of urbanization on the quality of area water resources.

Las Vegas Wash is the surface-water outlet for the Las Vegas area. The wash transports stormwater runoff, shallow ground-water discharge, and tertiary-treated sewage effluent from the Las Vegas area to Las Vegas Bay of Lake Mead on the Colorado River. Most of the flow—about 96 …