ML20133F776

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Partial Response to FOIA Request for Documents Re Primary Results from New Madrid Seismotectonic Program.Forwards App a Documents.App a & B Documents Already in PDR
ML20133F776
Person / Time
Site: Nine Mile Point, Limerick, Vermont Yankee, Yankee Rowe, Midland, FitzPatrick, 05000000
Issue date: 06/24/1985
From: Felton J
NRC OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION (ADM)
To: Bell N
NUCLEAR INFORMATION & RESOURCE SERVICE
Shared Package
ML20132B198 List:
References
FOIA-85-363 NUDOCS 8508080428
Download: ML20133F776 (9)
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h t4 y Ms. Nina Bell Assistant Director Nuclear Information and Resource Service 1346 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 4th Floor IN RESPONSE REFER Washington, DC 20036 TO F01A-85-363

Dear Ms. Bell:

This is in partial response to your letter dated May 8, 1985, in which you requested, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (F0IA), records related to the following:

1.

Preliminary results from the New Madrid Seismotectonic Program; 2.

Draft reports of the " Engineering Characterization of Ground Motion" research program, related briefings and correspondence and schedules for finalization of research reports; 3.

The April 22, 1984, earthquake near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and August 17, 1984, earthquake near Charlottesville, Virginia, and microearthquakes near Mineville, New York; 4.

" Earthquake-Hazard Analysis for Nuclear Power Plants," in the June 1984 issue of Energy & Technology Review (published by Lawrence Livermore N,ational Laboratory) and NRC Staff responses thereto; 5.

The perceived need for research contracts on the seismic potential of regions of the country (e.g. " Charleston Research Program" RS-RES-84-128 and " Northeastern U.S. Neotectonic Research" RS-RES-84-116);

6.

Possible need for reassessment of the appropriate Safe Shutdown Earthquake, including responses to a January 17, 1977, letter from M. Bender, ACRS Chairman, to M. A. Rowden, NRC Chairman, regarding a minimum SSE of 0.2g for plants in the Eastern United States; 7.

Analyses of the potential for operator error during a seismic event; and 8.

Recommendations made by the United States Geological Survey to NRC that the Charleston earthquake be postulated up and down the Eastern coastal region.

8508080428 e50624 PDR FOIA BELL 85-363 PDR

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Ms. Nina Bell The documents listed on enclosed Appendices A and B are responsive to your request. Appendix A documents are being placed in the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR), 1717 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20555, in file folder F01A-85-363 for your inspection and copying. The documents listed on enclosed Appendix B are NUREG reports which have previously been made available at the PDR. Access to these NUREG reports may be acquired by referring to the accession number listed by each of these reports.

The staff.has provided the following information with regard to the followinn categories of your request.

Category one. The sub,iect program has been an ongoing program for more than 10 years. Consequently, there is a voluminous amount of administrative material j

and reports related to the program. The reports identified at numbers 9,10, 11, and 12 of Appendix A and the 32 NUREG reports listed on Appendix B have been prepared under this particular program. Therefore, we suggest that you review these reports and, if you have a further interest in this program, submit a separate F0IA request for any additional, specific records in which i

you may be interested.

l Category three. Documents 41 and 42 of Appendix A are responsive to this category of your letter.

In addition to these two records, the staff noted that you may wish to contact the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Should you wish to submit an FOIA request to the USGS, the address is:

U. S. Geological Survey

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Mail Stop 208 National Center 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 22092 ATTN: Geraldine Wilson l

Category four. Staff members are aware of the report referenced in this category. Although the report was read by several staff members, a copy was not kept in NRC files. The NRC staff chose not to coninent on the report.

Category five. The perceived need for research contracts on the seismic potential of certain regions ~of the country is reflected in documents 6, 7, 13, and 26 of Appendix A.

The staff is continuing to search for additional documents related to the remaining four categories of your request. You will be notified upon 4

  • i completion of'our search.

Si rely,/

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.M.

elton, Director Division of Rules and Records Office of Administration

Enclosures:

As stated i

Re: F01A-85-363 APPENDIX A 1.

Undated Table - Budget for Fiscal Years 1985 and 1986 w/ enclosure References (2 pages) 2.

Undated Background Information Re: Extreme External Phenomena SubcommitteeoftheACRS(5pages) 3.

' Undated USGS & NRC Meeting to Discuss the Charleston Research Program and Other Related Topics December 1, 1982 (17 pages) 4.

Undated Draft - NRC Possible Actions with Respect to USGS Position onCharlestonEarthquake(5pages) 5.

Undated Transcript Re: Charleston Earthquake (12 pages) 6.

Undated Seismotectonic Program Plan II - Executive Summary (44 pages) 7.

Undated Seismotectonic Program: Geology and Seismology (38 pages) 8.

Undated Engineering Characterization of Ground Motion - Empirical Data on Spatial Variations of Earthquake Groud Notice (189 pages) 9.

04/03/79 Memo to Robert Minogue from Saul Levine Re: Research Information Letter No. 48 A Tectonic Overview of the Midcontinent (4 pages) 10.

10/18/79 Memo to Harold Denton from Saul Levine Re: Research Infonnation Letter No. 62 New Madrid Seismotectonic Study w/ enclosures Table 1 & 2 and Results of NUREG-0379 and CR-0450 (9 pages) 11.

11/]6/79 Memo to Harold Denton from Saul Levine Re: Research Infonnation Letter No. 69 An Integrated Geophysical 'and Geological Study of the Tectonic Framework of the 38th Parallel Lineament in the Vicinity of its Intersection with the Extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone w/ enclosure Table Re: NewMadridExtension(7pages)

12. 03/24/80 Memo to H. Denton and R. Minogue from Robert Budnitz Re:

Research Infonnation Letter No. 85 An Integrated Geophysical and Geological Study of the Tectonic Framework of the 38th Parallel Lineament in the Vicinity of its Intersection with the Extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone w/ enclosure Figure 1 (7 pages)

Re: F01A-85-363

13. 01/22/82 Memo to D. Ross from Frank Arsenault Re: Relationship of NRC Seismic Networks and Geologic Research to: Jan. 9 and 11, 1982 New Brunswick Earthquakes (2 pages)
14. 02/05/82 Policy Issue Re: Possible Relocation of Design Controlling Earthquakes in the Eastern U.S.

(3 pages)

15. 06/10/82 Letter to Robert Jackson from James Devine Re: Earthquake Potential of Charleston w/ enclosures Ltr. dtd. 6/28/82 from W. Dircks and Policy Issue (13 pages)
16. 06/11/82 Letter to Andrew Murphy from Don Bernreuter Re: Transmittal of NRC Form 189 Proposal for LLNL Technical and Research Assistance to the Offices of NRR and RES " Seismic Hazard Characterization of the Eastern United States" w/ enclosure Project and Budget Proposal for NRC Work (17 pages) 17.

11/01/82 Memo to R. Jackson from Jeff Kimball Re: Seismic Hazard Characterization Program Improvements (2 pages) 18.

11/09/82 Memo to Richard Savio from Robert Jackson Re: Seismic Hazard Characterization Program (1 page) 19.

11/18/82 Letter to Rot'ert Jackson from James Devine Re: Seismic Potential of Eastern United States w/ enclosure Outline for Recomended Plan (4 pages)

.20.

11/19/82 Paper to Commissioners Re: Clarification of U.S. Geological Survey Position Relating to Seismic Design Earthquakes in the Eastern Seaboard of the United States (7 pages)

-21, 11/30/82 Meeting to Discuss the NRC Charleston Earthquake in the Context of Eastern Seismicity - Agenda (2 pages)

-2 2. 01/06/83 Note to Robert Jackson from James Knight Re: Comments on Charleston Plan (1 page)

,23.

01/31/83 Earthquakes / East - Volume IL, Number 3 (3 pages)

24. 02/17/83 Memo to James Knight from Robert Jackson Re: Coments on Draft Seismic Analysis Research Plan (2 pages)
25. 03/02/83 Memo to Harold Denton from Richard Vollmer Re: Division of I

Engineering Geoscience Plan to Address USGS Clarification Relating to Seismic Desing Earthquakes in the Eastern Seaboard of the United States w/ enclosure Recommended Plan (22 pages)

Re: F01A-85-363

26. 03/07/83 Letter to Doug Walgren from Otto Nutt11 Re: Testimony on National Earthquakes Hazard Reduction Program w/ enclosure Testimony by Otto Nuttle (9 pages)
27. 03/21/83 Letter to S.T. Algermissen from Robert Jackson Re: ACRS Meeting on Extreme External Phenomena w/ enclosure Proposed Agenda (3 pages)
28. 03/21/83 Letter to Donald Bernreuter from Ian Wall Re: Seismic Design Earthquakes (1 page)
29. 03/21/83 " Letter to David Perkins from Ian Wall Re: Seismic Design Earthquakes (1 page)
30. 03/21/83 Letter to Walter Hayes from Ian Wall Re: Seismic Design Earthquakes (1 page)
31. 03/21/83 Letter to Robert Jackson from Ian Wall Re: Seismic Design Earthquakes (1 page)
32. 03/22/83 Memo to Frank Arsenault from Richard Vollmer Re: Seismic Design Earthquakes w/ enclosures Ltr. dtd.3/2/83 to H. Denton from R. Vollmer and Recomended Plan (23 pages)
33. 03/28/83 Memo to William Anderson from Zoltan Rosztoczy Re: Seismic Analysis Research Plan w/ enclosures DST and DL Coments on Seismic Analysis Research Plan, Memo dtd. 2/25/83 to Themis Speis from R. Vollmer and Coments on Draft Seismic Analysis Research Plan (17 pages)
34. 03/29/83 Memo to James Knight from Robert Jackson Re: ACRS Consultant P. Pomeroy's Coments on NRR Charleston Plan (2 pages)
35. 04/13/83 Geoscience Plan on Eastern Seaboard Earthquakes (29 pages)
36. 05/20/83 Memo to Richard Vollmer from Frank Arsenault Re: RES Actions on Division of Engineering Plan to Address USGS Clarification Relating to Seismic Design Earthquakes w/ attachment Outline ofRESActivities(5pages)
37. 05/30/83 Eastern Earthquakes - Volume IL, Number 2 (2 pages)
38. 06/13/83 Memo to Frank Arsenault from L. Beratan, A. Murphy, T. Schmitt, and E. Zurflueh Re: Trip Report on "The Wurkshop on the 1886 Charleston Earthquake and its Implications for Today,"

May 23-26, 1983 (7 pages) l

Re: F01A-85-363 39.03/30/84 Memo to James Knight from Robert Jackson Re: Revision 1 of Division of Engineering Geosciences Plan to Address USGS Clarification Relating to Seismic Design Earthquakes in the Eastern Seaboard of the United States w/ enclosures Ltr. dtd. 3/2/83 to H. Denton from R. Vollmer and Recomended Plan (23 pages)

40. 04/22/84 Telefax Re: EarthquakeInformation(1page)
41. 04/23/84 Memo to Richard Vollmer from Robert Jackson Re: 4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Near Lancaster, Pennsylvania w/ attachment Drawing (2 pages) 42.

05/11/84 Letter to Thomas Murley from W. Ullrich Re: Seismic Event in the Area of Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (2 pages)

43. 07/1984 Engineering Characterization of Ground Motion - Task II:

Soil-Structure Interaction Effects on Structural Response (189pages)

44. 08/20/84 Memo to James Knight from Leon Reiter Re: August 17, 1984 Virginia Earthquake (1 page)
45. 08/30/84 Memo to Leon Reiter from Stephan Brocoum Re: USGS Briefing on the Results of Ongoing NRC-Funded Research w/ attachment U.S. Geological Survey Briefin NRC-Funded Research (7 pages) g on the Results of Ongoing
46. 09/21/84 Memo to James Knight from Stephan Brocoum Re: Recent Small Earthquakes Near Mineville, New York (1 page) 47.

12/03/84 Memo to Guy Aroltto from James Richardson Re: Woodward-Clyde Presentation w/ enclosures Attendence List, Meeting A i

Extract from Introduction and Extract from Sumary (genda,17 pages) l 48.

01/25/85 Memo to Stephan Brocoum from A. Cardone Re: Visit to Charleston, South Carolina Area to Inspect Apparent Liquefaction - Flowage Features w/ enclosure Various Photos (14 pages) 49.

05/03/85 Memo to James Knight from Leon Reiter Re: ASLAB Decision on Midland Seismic Issue (2 pages) j 50.

10/26/83 Memo to Zoltan R. Rosztoczy from James A. Norberg, subject l

Obtaining Information from NPP Licensees to Support Human l

Factors Research ( 4 pages)

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l 51. Undated Draft Memo for Leon L. Beratan from Thomas J. Schmitt, subject Response to Geosciences Branch Plan to Address the USGS Clarification of Position on Seismicity of Eastern Seaboard (6 pages)

t-o Re: F01A-85-363 I

'52.

Undated The Charleston Eqrthquake and Its Implications for the

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Seismic Potential of the Eastern United States

, Draft Report (7 pages) i e

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Re: F01A-85-363 APPENDIX B NUREG REPORTS 1.

NUREG/CR-449'- Acc. No. 7812040064 2.

NUREG/CR-450 - Acc. No. 8004230307 3.

NUREG/CR-0874 - Acc. No. 7907190205 4.

NUREG/CR-1014 - Acc. No. 7910030077 5.

NUREG/CR-1065 - Acc. No. 7911090002 6.

NUREG/CR-0977 - Acc. No. 8003250174 7.

. NUREG/CR-1501 - Acc. No. 8008180647 8.

NUREG/CR-1519 - Acc. No. 8012230368 9.

NUREG/CR-1648 - Acc. No. 8010080389

' 10. NUREG/CR-1662 - Acc. No. 8012030823

11. NUREG/CR-1663 - Acc. No. 8012230201
12. NUREG/CR-1557 - Acc. No. 8106190110
13. NUREG/CR-1582 - Acc. No. 8304220583 14._ NUREG/CR-1877 - Acc. No. 8103180962
15. NUREG/CR-1878 - Acc. No. 8103040538
16. NUREG/CR-2129 - Acc. No. 8109250022 -
17. NUREG/CR-2130 - Acc. No. 8110080015
18. NUREG/CR-2484 - Acc. No. 8102030224
19. NUREG/CR-2653 - Acc. No. 8206100048 1

Re: F01A-85-363

20. NUREG/CR-2741 - Acc. No. 8207140097
21. NUREG/CR-2908 - Acc. No. 8211030208
22. NUREG/CR-2909 - Acc. No. 8210210051
23. -NUREG/CR-2914 - Acc. No. 8210110046
24. NUREG/CR-3173 - Acc. No. 8305170121
25. NUREG/CR-3174 - Acc. No. 8306080168
26. NUREG/CR-3145 - Acc. No. 8403230131 (Vol. 2)
27. NUREG/CR-3756 - Acc. No. 8405220095
28. NUREG/CR-3768 - Acc. No. 8405220039
29. NUREG/CR-3769 - Acc. No. 8405020505
30. NUREG/CR-4058.Acc. No. 8501030013 (Vol. 1)
31. NUREG/CR-4036 - Acc. No. 8501180501
32. NUREG/CR-4117 - Acc. No. 8502070553 e

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MEMORANDUM FOR: Robert B. Minogue, Director Office of Standards Development 3

Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation FROM:

Saul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Reguletory Research

SUBJECT:

RESEARCH INFORMATION LETTER NO. 48 A TECTONIC OVERVIEW 0F THE MIDCONTINENT

REFERENCES:

1.

Letter, W. R. Stratton to Dixie Lee Ray dated May 16, 1973.

Subject:

Report on Seismic Research, 2.

Title 10, Chapter 1, Part 100 CFR Appendix A -

l Seismic and Geologic Siting Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants.

3.

Memo to R. J. Mattson dated July 15, 1975.

Subject:

U.S. Tectonic Province Map.

INTRODUCTION Enclosed is NUREG-0382, "A Tectonic Overview of the Central Midcontinent."

The research effort to produce this report was conducted by Purdue University, Department of Geosciences, in cooperation with the University of Texas and the University of Pittsburgh Geoscience Departments. This e effort was conducted under the direction of Prof. W. J. Hinze of Purdue University as a part of the New Madrid Cooperative program.

6 The " Tectonic Overview" is especially significant because it is the most up-to-date synthesis of geologic knowledge of the earth's crust in the study area.

It contains the most complete bibliography of the geodynamics of the area ever assembled.

It is a significant block in the foundation of the seismic and geologic criteria which will aid in nuclear power plant licensing decisions.

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8 BACKGROUND In 1973 (ref.1) the ACRS recomended that investigations be initiated to detennine the reasons for, and source of. earthquakes in areas of the eastern U.S. where large shocks have occurred.

This recommendation also was in part brought about by Appendix A, 10 CFR Part 100 (ref. 2) which establishes requirements for seismic and geologic site investigations for nuclear power plants and associated nuclear 12C555011856 999 Ll US NRC ICE DIRECT E N thtGTCN QC 23555 C

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Harold R. Denton i,

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facilities necessary for evaluation of the site and for providing information needed for engineering designs. Paragraph (6),Section IV of Appendix A requires that, where possible, epicenters of historically q

reported earthquakes be correlated with tectonic structures, any part of which are within 200 miles of the site; and that epicenters or locations I

of highest intensity which cannot reasonably be correlated with tectonic I

structures should be identified with tectonic provinces, any part of which are within 200 miles of the site.

This part of the Regulation was developed to take into account the fact that tectonic settings of the eastern U.S. are significantly different j

from those of the western U.S.

The Regulation does not provide guidance ij, in the form of a map to establish seismotectonic provinces in the East.

'f ; i This has resulted in lengthy licensing delays because of the time needed to resolve controversies among applicants and the public and NRC regarding

.f a'g tectonic province boundary locations.

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I In 1974 the Office of Standards Development undertook an effort to develop an eastern U.S. Seismotectonic Province Map; however, when the map was completed, there was a consensus opinion that it was not adequate to clarify Appendix A to 10 CFR which requires the tectonic province There remained specific information needs to be satisfied in approach.

That is, order to develop a map which will be a useful regulatory tool.

f more geologic data and seismologic input are needed to more accurately delineate eastern U.S. seismotectonic provinces. Consequently, the cooperative geologic and seismic programs were undertaken with state (1) geological surveys and universities to gather regional data to:

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help delineate tectonic provinces; (2) identify earthquake source mechanisms; (3) improve knowledge of regional geologic conditions; (4) provide data to confirm past licensin decisions; (5) expand the existing f.

geologic and seismic data base; and, 6) to provide a consistent data I

base.

Approximately twenty-three state geological surveys and universities are cooperating under NRC funding to provide data needed to develop a data The studies are base for an eastern U.S. seismotectonic province map.

Phase I -- existing data compilation j

being conducted in three phases:

(complete), phase II -- new data acquisition, and Phase III -- problem resolution or conclusions including a tectonic synthesis of the problem areas of the eastern U.S. and a seismotectonic provinces trap. Many of these cooperative programs were funded initially by the Office of Standards Development (ref. 3). Later, the program responsibility was B'

transferred to the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research because of s

their long-tem nature.

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Robert B. Minogue Harold R. Denton RESULTS g.

This report, NUREG-0382, sumarizes the state of knowledge of the crust, including structural history, basement geology, and contemporary i

The tectonic models geodynamics of the central Midconur.:nt region.

which have been suggested to explain the contemporary tectonism are Modern tectonism is explained by three principal hypotheses:

1 (1) resurgent tectonics, (2) thermal expansion and contractions, and reviewed.

r The first of these hypotheses emphasizes crustal rifting and its relation to crustal boundaries, ancient zones of weak-isostatic warping.

The second hypothesis ness, and location of basement inhomogeneities.

is based on the idea of that thermal variations, caused by igneous intrusions, local heat flow or mantle convection, pmduce regional 4

The tension and compression that result in deformation of the crust.

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third model, isostatic warping, considers the effects o i

r iI to warping of the crust, faulting, and earthquake activity.

1 The present geologic and seimsic data base is insufficient to evaluate It is apparent, however, that a satisfactory i

working tectonic model for the Midcontinent region should be based on fully these hypotheses.

the concepts of plate tectonics and must consider the lateral and vertical variations in composition and pnysical properties, fault zones y

and intraplate boundaries imposed by past defonnational and thermal It is clear from the report that an understanding of the F

contemporary tectonism of this area requires definition of the tectonic events.

a history and sequence of events which have resulted in the present geologic setting in the interior of the North American Plate.

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RECOMENDATION_$_

It is recomended that the information and hypotheses in NUREG-0382 considered by the Office of Standards Development and the Office of F

Nuclear Reactor Regulation as input to the development of a tectonic province or seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S. and to provide a t

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basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area.

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_4 Harold R. Denton Additionally, RES recommends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated, with redirection and modifica-g' tion of projects as deemed necessary by ongoing work.

t' Technical questions concerning NUREG-0382 results may be directed to t

!i Neil B. Steuer at 427-4370.

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Enclosures:

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NUREG-0382 2.

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OCT 18159 j

MEMORANDUM FOR: Harold R. Denton, Director j

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Robert B. Minogue, Director A

Office of Standards Development i

FROM:

Saul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

SUBJECT:

RESEARCH INFORMATION LETTER NO. 62 NEW MADRID SEISM 0 TECTONIC STUDY

REFERENCES:

1.

Letter W. R. Stratton to Dixie Lee Ray dated May 16,1973.

Subject:

Report on Seismic Research.

2.

Title 10, Chapter 1, Part 100, CFR Appendix A -

Seismic and Geologic Siting Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants.

3.

Memo:

N. B. Steuer to R. J. Mattson dated July 15,1975.

Subject:

U.S. Tectonic Province Map.

INTRODUCTION This memo transmits NUREG's 0379 and CR-0450 titled "New ttadrid Seismotectonic Study Activities During Fiscal Years 1977 and 1978." The research, efforts to produce these reports are a cooperative effort conducted by the IllTnois Geological Survey, the Indiana Geological Survey, the Missouri Geological Survey, the Kentucky Geological Survey, the Arkansas Geological Survey, Vanderbilt University, the Alabama Geological Survey, Purdue University and Memphis State University.

This cooperative geologic, seismic and geophsyical effort was coordinated by Dr. Thomas Buschbach of St. Louis University.

SUMMARY

The New Madrid Seismotectonic Study is a coordinated program of geological, geophysical, and seismological investigations of the area within a 200 mile radius of New Madrid, Missouri. The study is designed to define the structural setting and tectonic history of the area in order to realistically evaluate earthquake risks in the siting of nuclear facilities. An important goal of the research program is to produce useful seismotectonic and seismic zoning map for the study area.

Fiscal year 1978 was the second year of a five-year program. Results of aero-magnetic surveys funded in FY 77 were integrated with previously existing data in adjacent areas. Extensive gravity surveys were made in Kentucky and Indiana near the intersection of the 38th Parallel Lineament and the north-eastern extension of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The stations were gravi-metrically tied to the national network, and preliminary 30uguer gravity yp.

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Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue anomaly maps were constructed. An interesting relative positive anomaly occurs parallel to the Wabash Valley Fault System.

Seismic equipment was prepared for crustal seismic studies, and a seismic refraction line 150 kilometers long was monitored along the Wabash Valley Fault System.

Geologic studies are undemay in the Wabash River area, and seven stations of the Wabash Valley Seismic Network were installed and are currently operating.

Subsurface geologic studies during the year have:

1.

located suspected faulting in Tertiary sediment, of the Missouri s

Bootheel; 2.

found fossils of Middle Cambrian Age in deep sediments of western Kentucky. The rocks are correlated with the Conasuag strata of Eastern United States and represent the oldest sedimentary rocks identified in our area; 3.

indicated that a broad expanse of fine clastic sediments, possibly pre-late Cambrian Age, is present inmediately below Cretaceous strata in the Pascola Arch area;

4.. suggested that faulting does not occur in a continuous line along the base of the Tiptonville scarp, near Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee, as had been indicated by earlier trenching in the area; and S.

provided data for the preparation of preliminary maps showing rock types and configuration of the Precambrian igneous basement.

BACKGROUND Refer to RIL No. 48, "A Tectonic Overview of the Midcontinent." The background infomation in RIL 48 applies equally to this RIL.

It covers ACRS recommenda-tions, relevance of 10 CFR Part 100 Appendix A to the study, and previous NRC effort and organization of the current programs.

Criteria for Study Area Selection

-Late in 1811 and early in 1812, the New Madrid area was the site of the strongest series of earthquakes ever recorded in the central United States.

The Saint Louis University seismograph network recorded close to 200 seismic events each year for the past two years, indicating that the area continues to be seismically active.

Evaluating seismic risk for the surrounding region, especially when consideration is given to the siting of nuclear facilities, requires a better understanding of the structure and tectonics of the area and their relationship to the seismicity than is presently available.

Planning An initial five-year program is planned; general plans for the first four years have been formulated (Table 1), and a generalized flow chart of NUREG/CR-0450 (Table 2) and this memo indicate the proposed timing of efforts

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Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue within the broad categories of this study. Research performed by State Geological Surveys and universities under contracts with the USNRC are fully coordinated in this cooperative study, and reports of research activities by those organizations during FY 77 and FY 78 are included.

In additton, virtually all pertinent geologic research performed in the area by Federal and state agencies, and by the major universities, has been coordinated with the research projects funded through USNRC. Only the general scope and regional significance of research sponsored by the other agencies are reported in this summary.

New Madrid Research Froarams Nine research proposals were supported by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the cooperative study of geology, geophysics, and seismol-ogy in the New Madrid area.

The project titles of the coordinated research programs, the investigators, and the participating organizations are:

A.

Coordination of a Cooperative Seismotectonic Study of the New Madrid Area; T. C. Buschbach, Illinois State Geological Survey.

B.

An Integrated Geophysical and Geological Study of the Tectonic Frame-work of the 38th Parallel Lineament in.the Vicinity of Its Intersection with the Extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone; L. W. Braile and W. J. Hinze, Purdue University; E. G. Lidiak, University of Pittsburgh, G. R. Keller, University of Texas at El Paso.

C.

Near Surface Geology of the Reelfoot Lake District of the New Madrid Earthquake Region; R. G. Stearns, Vanderbilt University.

D.

Structural Geologic Study of Southeastern Missouri; Thomas L. Thompson, Ira Satterfield, and Ronald Ward, Division of Geology and Land Survey, Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

E.

Paleozoic Geology of the New Madrid Area; H. P. Schwalb, Kentucky Geological Survey.

F.

A Study of Indiana Fault Locations, Displacements, Attitudes and Ages Within a 200-Mile Radius of New Madrid, Missouri; Dan M. Sullivan and Curtis H. Ault, Indiana Geological Survey.

G.

Structural Framework of the Mississippi Embayment of Southern Illinois; Dennis R. Kolata, Illinois State Geological Survey.

H.

Memphis Area Regional Seismic Network; Laurence Lackey, Memphis State University.

J.

A Seismological Study of the Northern Extent of the New Madrid Seismic Zone; R. 3. Herrmann, St. Louis University.

The Wabash Valley Fault System in Southeastern Illinois; Hubert M. Bristol K.

and Janis D. Treworgy, Illinois State Geological Survey.

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Stratigraphy of the Pleistocene Loess Deposits in the New Madrid Region; John C. Frye, Geological Society of America; H. D. Glass and H. B. William, Illinois State Geological Survey.

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Harold R. Denton Robert 8. Minogue RESULTS

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NUREG's 0379 and CR-0450 describe data currently being gathered and present some preliminary results of the state of the earth's crust, including geologic history, basement geology, contemporary seismology, and geophysics of the area within a 200 mile radius of New Madrid, Missouri.

The present geologic and seismic data base is insufficient to evaluate the area fully.

A satisfactory seismotectonic model for the New Madrid region should be based on the concepts developed frcm results of the studies and must consider the lateral and vertical variations in composition and physical properties, fault zones and intraplate boundaries imposed by past deformational and thermal events.

It is clear from the reports that an understanding of the contemporary tectonism of this area requires definition of the tectonic history and sequence of events eich have resulted in the present geologic setting in thMnterior of the North American Plate.

Study results are being used by Rondout Associates, Inc., in a project funded by the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation to produce a seismic zoning map for the Eastern U.S.

Additionally, data gathered by the New Madrid Seismotectonic Study are considered by the NRR staff in making licensing decisions.

RECOMMENDATIONS It is recomended that the information in NUREG-0379 and CR-0450 be con-sidered by the Office of Standards Development and the Office of Nuclear Rcactor Regulation as input to the development of a tectonic province or seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S. and to provide a basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area.

Additionally, RES recommends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated, with redirection and modification of projects as deemed necessary by ongoing work.

Technical questions concerning NUREG-0379 results may be directed to Neil B. Steuer at 427-4370.

f'W aul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Enclosures:

1.

NUREG-0379 2.

NUREG/CR-0450 3.

Table 1 4.

Table 2

7 I

if M

M

SUMMARY

OF PROGRAM PLANNING

.(

COOPERATIVE SEISMOTECTONIC STUDY OF NEW MADRID AREA d

T. C. Buschbach, coordinator 1

1 Year Seismology Geophysics Geology

1. Survey of historical seismicity
1. Survey of gravity and magnetic
1. Survey of subsurface data.

y

2. Install B-station broadband coverage in area.

J. Sample studies of critical deep wells.

[

seismic array in Wabash Valley.

2. Gravity and magnetic surveys
3. Determine location, depth, and petrol-
3. Install 8-station high f requency in areas lacking coverage.

oqy of igneous rocks in borings.

b(

seismic array in New Madrid

3. Ground-magnetic surveys to
4. Survey of surface mapping.

1977 seismic zone.

check aeromagnetic anomalies.

5. Field mapping and fault studies with Q f some trenchinq.

,_ 3

6. Construct work maps on Precambrian top, 4

Ordovician structure, isopachs.

i

1. Acquire, process, and display data 1. Gravity and magnetic surveys
1. Field mapping and fault studies with from New Madrid and Wabash Valley in areas lacking coverage.

some trenching and drilling to show h

arrays.

2. Detailed gravity and ground-ages and extent of faults.

[

g

2. Deep structural investigations.

maquetic surveys of critical

2. Geomorphology studies-Iness, gravel,
3. Determine proposed locations for anomalies.

terrace levels to determine recent p

I 1978 boreholes to Precambrian in New

3. Detailed interpretation o f warping and faulting.

]

Madrid vicinity and suggest available magnetic and gravity

3. Basement geology studies.

instrumentation that should be data.

f

4. Dating of igneous rocks.

f' -

installed in holes.

4. Seismic refraction across 38th
5. Sample and core studies of deep borings.

Parallel Lineament.

6. Studies of lineaments in the drea.

Il j

1. Acquire, process, and display data
1. Complete all gravity and maq-
1. Field mappinq and fault studies with ij 4

from New Madrid and Wabash Valley netic work in area.

Reduce some trenching and drilling.

arrays, data, compile regional maps.
2. Geologic interpretations of seismic J
2. Synthesize seismologic data for
2. Deep reflection scismic survey activity and qcophysics of New Madrid i

]

input into geophysical studies across linear zones of earth-seismic zone to locate deep reflection r "$

2 1979 for selection of traverses for quake activity.

seismic traverse.

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deep reflection seismograph

3. Seismic refraction surveys in
3. Geomorphology studies (continued).

r; survey.

areas with faulted Tertiary

4. Complete structure and isopach maps.

d 2

sediments.

5. Pield checks of significant features
p
4. Seismic reflection-Wabash Valley established by remote sensing studies.
1. Summarize and compare seismologic 1.

Integrate qcophysical and

1. Prepare regional qcoloqic maps.

I

.A data acquired from New Madrid area geological observations in order soil maps,.usd structure maps for Ih with data from Wabash Valley Area to prepare finalized version New Madrid Area.

f

2. Supervise installation of seismo-of tectonic synthesis.
2. Supervise drilling of two or three j[d meter in Precambrian test to he
2. Supervise magnetic suscepti-boreholes into Piccambrian rocks across

)

1980 drilled in area of high seismic-bility and heat-flow studies crest of Pascola Arch.

ity.

for loreholes to he drille.I

(*

into Precambrian rocks.

Tat le 1 - summary of Program Planning

-n Table 1 - sumanary cf Program I1.anning

- - - -- ---~ -- -

~ ~ ~ -

T. Thin 2 Gena ralized Flow Chart - New Mendrid Scismotectonit Study l

1977 1978 1979 1900 IqRI Geologic history and qcologic sett inq s

Structiaral history and structural setting Basement geology and configuration of basement rurface norcholc(s) to Precam Construction of region-brian.iu area nf high 2

scar,micity al geoloqic maps and structure maps.

- s, Location, aqc. petrology of intrusive rocks Show location and age 8

of faults.

o Quaternary geology studies l

Geophysical measurements of the earth: Cravity. Magnetics. Resistivity. Seismic t

Analysis of contempo-integrate geophysical data-compile regional maps rary geodynamics:

He-Overview of tectonic lationship of seismic setting activity to geologic and tectonic history i

overview of crustal rifting g6--

I-g "of the area.

A n

E f

m Evaluation of tectonic hypotheses v

g p

i.

s seismic refraction across o

o U

30th Parallel u

l Seismic reflection in y

)vi#'s wabash Valley n

Establish seismograph arrays h

m o

'?'

Interpret data from seismograph arrays

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h comparison of the Focal mechanism studies nature of seismicity u

"*" #'^iIId "Ilh C

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""d' Ground motion modelling seismicity in surround-g

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>g inq regions, c

h Install seismometer.

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}i.

3 etc. in borchole to h.

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m op Precambrian g[

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i

nerosa H. Canton

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Robert B. Min::gua RESUt.TS 7)

NUREG's 0379 and CR-0450 describe data currently being gathered and present some preliminary results of the state of the earth's crust, including geologic history, basement geology, contemporary seismology, and geophysics of the area within a 200 mile radius of New Madrid, Missouri.

The present geologic and seismic data base is insufficient to evaluate the area ' fully. A satisfactory seismotectonic model for the New Madrid region should be based on the concepts developed from results of the studies and must consider the lateral and vertical variations in conposition and physical properties, fault zones and intraplate boundaries imposed by past defomational and thermal events. It is clear from the reports that an understanding of the contemporary tectonism of this area requires definition of the tectonic history and sequence of events which have results in the present geologic setting in the interior of the North American Plate.

Study results are being used by Roundout Associates. Inc., in a project funded by the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation to produce a seismic zoning map for the Eastern U.S.

Additionally, data gathered by the New Madrid Seismotectonic Study are considered by the HRR staff in making licensing decisions.

REC 0iiMENDATIONS It is recommended that the infomation in NUREG-0379 and CR-0450 be con-sidered by the Office of Standards Development and the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation as input to the development of a tectonic province or seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S. and to provide a basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area.

Additionally, RES recommends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated, with redirection and modification of projects as deemed necessary by ongoing work.

Technical questions concerning NUREG-0379 results may be directed to Meil B.

Steuer at 427-4370.

DISTR IBUTION:

Subj ect Murley, cy Circ Shao, cy Chron 3eratan, cy Steuer, rf Jackson, cy Saul Levine, Director Najeby udntz; Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research ge cy L'* " ' ##

Enclosures :

1.

NUREG-0379 2.

NUREG/CR-0450 Takta 1 A A n'

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. 2 Harold R. Centon' Robert B. Minogue - /

RESULTS.

NUREG's 0379 and CR-0450 describe data currently being gathered and present some preli:ninary results of the state of the earth's crust, including geologic history, basement geology, contemporary seismology, and geophysics of the^ area within a 200 mile radius of New Madrid, Missouri.

The present geologic and seismic data base is insufficient to evaluate the-area fully. A satisfactory seismotectonic model for the New Madrid region should be based on the concepts developed from results of the studies and must consider the lateral and vertical variations in composition and physical properties, fault zones and intraplate boundaries imposed by past defonnational and thennal events. It is clear from the reports that an understanding of the contemporary tectonism of this area requires definition of the tectonic history and sequence of events which have resulted in the present geologic setting in the interior of the North American Plate.

Study results are being used by Rondout Associates, Inc., in a project funded by the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation to produce a seismic zoning map for the Eastern U.S.

Additionally, data gathered by the New thdrid Seismotectonic Study are considered by the NRR staff in making licensing decisions.=

REC 0!NENDATIONS It is reconmended that the information in NUREG-0379 and CR-0450 be con-sidered by the Office of Standards Development and the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation as input to the development of a tectonic province or seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S. and to provide a basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area.

Additionally, RES recomends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated, with redirection and modification of projects as deemed necessary by ongoing work.

Technical questions concerning NUREG-0379 results may be directed to Neil B. Steuer at 427-4370.

i DISTR IBUTION:

l Subj ec t Murl ey, cy l

Circ Beratan, cy

{

Chron Jackson, cy Steuer, cf Larkins, cy i

Harbour, cy Budnitz, cy Saul Levine, Director Kenneally, cy Levine, cy Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research Shao, cy

Enclosures:

1.

NUREG-0379 2.

HUREG/CR-0450 3.

Table 1

  • see previous yellow for concurrence 4.

Table-2 GRSR:AD

(. _R.E.S RES:0 SSRB/GRSR

  • SD:BC*

NRR:BC*

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Harold M. Derit:2 Robert B. Minogue

-4 i

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f RESU1.TS_

NUREG's 0379 and CR-0450 describe data currently being gathered and present.

some preliminary results of the state of the earth's crust, including geologic history, basement geology. contemporary seismology, and geophysics of the area within a 200 mile radius of.New Madrid, Missouri.

The present geologic and seismic data base is insufficient to evaluate the i

area fully. A satisfactory seismotectonic model for the New Madrid region should be based on the concepts developed from results of the studies and i

l must consider the lateral and vertical variations in composition and physical properties, fault zones and intraplate boundaries imposed by past deformational and thermal events. It is clear from the reports that an understanding of the contemporary tectonism of this area requires definition of the tectonic l

history and sequence of events which have resulted in the present geologic setting in the interior of the North American Plate.

f Study results are being used by Rondout Associates. Inc., in a project j

funded by the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation to produce a seismic j

zoning map for the Eastam U.S.

Additionally, data gathered by the New, i

Madrid Seismotectonic Study are considered by the NRR staff in making licensing decisions.

5 RECOW ENDATIONS It is recommended that the infomation in NUREG-0379 and CR-0450 be con-sidered by the Office of Standards Development and the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation as input to the development of a tectonic province or-seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S. and to provide a basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area.

Additionally, RES recommends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated, with redirection and modification of projects as deemed necessary by ongoing work.

Technical questions concerning NUREG-0379 results may be directed to Neil B. Steuer at 427-4370.

DISTRIBUTION:

Subject Murley, cy Orleinal Signed By Circ Beratan, cy sadt Levine Chron Jackson, cy d

Steuer, rf Larkins, cy i

Harbour, cy Budnitz, cy Saul Levine, Director Kenneally, cy Levine, cy Office of Nuclear Regulatory,Research Shao, cy

Enclosures:

1.

NUREG-0379 2.

NUREG/CR-0450 3.

Table 1

  • see previous yellow for concurrences 22A 4.

Tabbr-2 e

orricc SSRB/GRSR*

SD:BC*

NRR: BC*

RSR:D*

h7 RE "5't'EiiEF/fi"F60ur "C."C.~5ha o M frh n 5 '"

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/p na fo UNITED STATES v9

[ p'*.,7f( g*Vj. g NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION g

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 Y., -,gl 0 f E ~

NOV 101973

\\.

MEMORANDUM FOR. Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Robert B. Minogue, Director Office of Standards Development FROM:

Saul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research RESEARCH INFORMATION LETTER N0 6"

SUBJECT:

ANINTEGRATEDGE0PHYSICALANDGE0(0GICALSTUDYOFTHE TECTONIC FRAMEWORK $ 0F THE 38TH PARALLEL LINEAMENT IN THE VICINITY OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE NEW MADRID FAULT ZONE

REFERENCES:

1.

Letter W. R. Stratton to Dixie Lee Ray dated fiay 16,1973.

Subject:

Report on Seismic Research.

2.

Title 10, Chapter 1, Part 100, CFR Appendix A -

Seismic and Geologic Siting Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants.

3.

Memo:

N. B. Steuer to R. J. Mattson dated July 15,1975.

Subject:

U.S. Tectonic Province Map.

This ceno transmits MUREG/CR-0449 entitled "An Integrated Geophysical and Geological Study of the Tectonic Framework of the 38th Parallel Lineament in the Vicinity of Its Intersection with the Extension of the New Madrid 7"

Fault Zone." The research effort to produce this report was conducted by Purdue University, Department of Geosciences in FY 78, in cooperation with the Univcrsity of Texas and the University of Pittsburgh Geoscience Departments. This effort was conducted under the direction of Prof. W. J.

Hinze of Purdue University as a part of the New Madrid Cooperative program.

NUREG/CR-0449 is an interim document reflecting information available as of 1978 and its conclusions may be modified at a later date.

SUMMARY

OF THE NEW MADRID COOPERATIVE PROGRAM This study is a part of the "New Madrid Seismotectonic Study" which is a coordinated program of geological, geophysical, and seismological investi-The gations of the area within a 200 mile radius of New Madrid, Missouri.

study is designed to define the structural setting and tectonic history of the area in ordei to realistically evaluate earthquake risks in the siting of nuclear facilities. An important goal of the research program is to produce useful seismotectonic and seismic zoning maps for the study area.

bl0Q$0 y t

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. Harold R. Denton

, Robert B. Minogue NOV 191373 Extensive gravity and aeromagnetic surveys have been conducted in critical areas of 7entucky, Illinois, and Indiana centering around the intersection of the 38th Parallel Lineament and the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone. Available aeromagnetic maps have been digitized and these data have been. processed by a suite of computer programs developed for this purpose. Seismic equipment has been prepared for crustal seismic studies and a 150 km long seismic refraction line has been observed along the Wabash River Valley Fault System.

Preliminary basement rock and configura-tion maps have been prepared based on studies of the samples derived from basement drill holes.

Interpretation of these data is only at a prelim-inary stage, but studies to this date indicate that the 38th Parallel Lineament features extend as far. north as 39*N and a subtle northeasterly-striking magnetic and gravity anomaly cuts across Indiana from the south-west corner of the state, roughly on strike with the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

The 38th Parallel Lineament is a band of geologic features extending across eastern U.S. along the 38th parallel of latitude.

It is manifested in many ways, but primarily by a series of east-west trending fault zones which were active at least through the Paleozoic era.

It may represent a Precambrian fracture zone or crustal boundary extending deeply into the crust and possibly the mantle. The northeasterly-trending New Madrid Fault Zone has been the site of several intermediate and major earttquates in historic time and is the most seismically active area in eastern Nc,rth America. The trend of the New Madrid Fault Zone extends into southern Illinois and Indiana and the Wabash River Valley Fault System. This trend intersects the 38th Parallel Lineament in the vicinity of the confluence of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers.

Fundamental questions of the New Madrid Fault Zone are its extension to the northeast and the nature of its inter-section with the 38th Parallel Lineament. These questions are particularly significant to the evaluation of earthquake risk in the region.

This program is a part of the New Madrid Seismotectonic Study and is being coordinated with all NRC funded programs in the New Madrid area.

Results of these and other studies are presented in biannual symposiums and are being utilized and will be utilized to formulate conclusions and plan future investigations.

The major products completed and efforts underway to date include the following:

1.

Develop computer codes for gridding, contouring, and processing gravity and magnetic data.

2.

Prepare Bouguer gravity anomaly maps of western Kentucky.

3.

Conduct gravity survey of central Kentucky and southwestern Indiana, reduce data and prepare preliminary Bouguer gravity anomaly maps.

c

(

Harold R. Denton Robert B. Mingoue NOV 10 G3 4.

Prepare Bouguer gravity anomaly maps of Dyersburg Sheet (88'-90*W and 36'-37'N) and Paducah Sheet (88'-90*W and 37*-38 N).

5.

Digitize and grid southwestern Illinois (south of 39'N and west of 89'W) aeromagnetic data.

6.

Digitize and grid Indiana aeromagnetic data. Analyze geomagnetic field removal problem and prepare total magnetic intensity anomaly Prepare interpretational maps (filter, second derivative, etc.)

map.

and preliminary interpretation.

7.

Conduct aeromagnetic survey of southeastern Illinois (south of 39 N and east of 89 W), reduce data, and prepare anomaly map. Complete aeromagnetic tie lines across Illinois and Indiana.

8.

Prepare seismic equipment for crustal seismic studies and conduct a refraction line along Wabash River Valley Fault System.

9.

Prepare preliminary basement rock and configuration of basement surface maps from basement drill hole records and samples.

10. Prepare bibliography on tectonics of the ?!ew Madrid area.
11. Prepare " Tectonic Overview of the Central Midcontinent."
12. Initiate petrologic investigation of the ultramafic and mafic intrusions of the midcontinent.

PLANNING Initially, a five-year program was planned. General plans for the first four years are depicted on Figure 1, "A Schematic Program Summary."

BACKGROUNO Support for Licensing Decisions Refer to RIL No. 48 "A Tectonic Overview of the Midcontinent." The background information in RIL 48 applies equally to this RIL.

It covers ACRS recommendatior.s, relevance of 10 CFR Fart 100 Appendix A to the study, and previous NRC effort and organization of the current programs.

Criteria for Study Area Selection Late in 1811 and early in 1812, the New Madrid area, which includes the area covered in NUREG/CR-0449, was the site of the strongest series of earthquakes ever recorded in the central United States. Tho Saint Louis University seismograph network recorded clcse to 200 seismic events each year for the past two years, indicating that the area continues to be seismically active.

Evaluating seismic risk for the surrounding region, especially when consideration is given to the siting of nuclear facilities, requires a better understanding of the structure and tectonics of the area and their relationship to the seismicity than is presently available.

~

[

(

Harold R. Denton-R'obert B. Minogue NOV 19 G79 RESULTS -;

NUREG/CR-0449 presents results of gravity and aeromagnetic surveys conducted

~ in critical areas around the intersection of the 38th Parallel Lineament and the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone. Available aeromagnetic maps have been digitized and these data have been processed by a suite of computer programs developed for this purpose. Seismic equipment has been prepared for crustal seismic studies and a 150 km long seismic refraction line has been observed along the Wabash River Valley Fault System.

Preliminary basement rock and configuration maps have been prepared based on studies of the samples derived from basement drill holes.

Interpretation of these data is only at a preliminary stage, but studies to this date indicate that the 38th Parallel Lineament features extend as far north as 39'N and a subtle northeasterly-striking magnetic and gravity anomaly cuts across Indiana from the southwest corner of the state, roughly on strike with the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Study results are being used by Rondout Associates, Inc., in a program funded by the NRC Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation to produce a seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S.

Additionally, project data are considered by the NRR staff in making licensing decisions.

1 RECOMMENDATIONS While these interim results are not definitive, we recommend that the current practice of extending the New Madrid 1811-1812 earthquakes north of the Rough Creek Fault Zone (38th Parallel Lineament) be continued until additional data being developed indicate that this practice should be changed.

It is also recommended that the information in NUREG/CR-0449 be considered by the i

Office of Standards Development and the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation as input to the development of a tectonic province or seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S. and to provide a basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area.

The interpretation of existing data is preliminary. Additional work is planned. Researchers may want to complete interpretation of existing data i.

so that this information can be used to plan future studies, including a long seismic line along the Wabash Valley River Fault System.

Additionally, RES recommends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated, with redirection and modification of. projects as deemed necessary by ongoing work.

i i

,,'w-I i

Harold R. Denton 5-NOV 101379 i Robert B. Minogue t

' Technical questions concerning NUREG/CR-0449 may be directed to Neil B.

~

Steuer'at 427-4370.

f I M Saul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Enclosure:

' NUREG/CR-0449

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PROGR AM

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PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM l

SYNTHESIS PROGRAM i

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- Evaluate Working Hypotheses

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to Structural and Liuologic Variations in the Crust r

ie-A Field Work 5 Reduce, God, o.gittee ead compile Maps O Processing and Interpretation Figure 1.

' Flow Chart Which Schematically Summarizes the New Madrid Extension - 38th Parallel Lineament Program.

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Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue NOV 191979 f

Technic'l questions concerning NUREG/CR-0449 ray be directed to Neil B.

a Steuer it 427-4370.

Original S!;r.ed By Saul Levins,

Saul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Enclosure:

NUREG/CR-0449 DISTRIBUTION:

Subject Circ chron Steuer, rf Harbour, cy Kenneally, cy Shao, cy Murley, cy Beratan, cy Jackson, cy Budnitz, cy Larkins, cy Levine, cy ffb

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UNITED STATES ne%q

  • /

Ig NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMisslON y

WASmNGTON, D. C. 20555 G

l W 2 41980 i

k./

HEMORANDUM FOR: Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Robert B. Minogue, Director Office of Standards Development FROM:

Robert J. Budnitz, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research 4

SUBJECT:

RESEARCH INFORMATION LETTER NO.

85 AN INTEGRATED GEOPHYSICAL AND GE0 LOGICAL STUDY OF THE TECTONIC FRAMEWORK 0F THE 38TH PARALLEL LINEAMENT IN THE VICINITY OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE NEW MADRID FAULT ZONE - ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT -

FISCAL YEAR 1979 - PURDUE UNIVERSITY-4

References:

1.

Title 10, Chapter 1, Part 100, CFR Appendix A -

Seismic and Geologic Siting Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants 2.

Memo:

N. B..Steuer to R. J. Mattson dated July 15, 1975, subject:

U.S. Tectonic Province Map This memo transmits NUREG/CR-1014 entitled, "An Integrated Geophysical and Geological Study of the Tectonic Framework of the 38th Parallel Lineament in the Vicinity of Its Intersection with the Extension of the New Madrid-Fault-Zone - Annual Progress Report - Fiscal. Year 1979." The research effort to produce this report was conducted by Purdue University, Department of

.Geosciences, in cooperation with the University of Texas and the University of Pittsburgh Geoscience Departments. This effort was conducted under the direction of Prof. W. J. Hinze of Purdue University as a part of the New Madrid Cooperative Program.

It is the third in a series of reports that-sumarizes information presented in previous reports and presents results of study data acquired since the previous interim reports were published.

SUMMARY

OF THE PURDUE STUDY 0F THE 38TH PARALLEL LINEAMENT.

This study is a part of the "New Madrid Seismotectonic Study" which is a coordinated program of geological, geophysical, and seismological investi-gations of the area within a 200-mile radius of New Madrid, Missouri. The study is designed to define the structural setting and tectonic history of the area in order to realistically evaluate earthquake risks in the siting of_ nuclear facilities. An important goal of the research program is to produce useful:seismotectonic and seismic zoning maps for the study area.

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4 Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue 2

The principal progress in this integrated study program has been in acquiring and synthesizing critical magnetic, gravity, and geologic data; conducting crustal seismic investigations; and in interpretation of the available data.

Two of the most important tectonic features of the continental interior are the New Madrid Fault Zone and the 38th Parallel Lineament. The northeasterly-trending New Madrid Fault Zone has been the site of several intermediate and major earthquakes in historic time and is the most seismically active area in eastern North America.

The trend of the New Madrid Seismic Zone extends into Southern Illinois and Indiana in the vicinity of the Wabash River Valley Fault System. This trend intersects the 38th Parallel Lineament in the vicinity of the confluence of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. The 38th Parallel Lineament is a band of geologic features extending across the eastern U.S. along the 38th parallel of latitude.

It is manifested in many ways, but primarily by a series of east-west trending fault zones (Figure 1) which were active at'least through the Paleozoic Era.

It may represent a Precambrian fracture zone or crustal boundary extending deeply into the crust and possibly the mantle.

A suite of geophysical data sets is being collected, processed, analyzed, and interpreted using observed geologic constraints from the basement and overlying sedimentary rocks to investigate the tectonic and geologic history of the 38th Parallel Lineament and the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone and associated features, and to determine the variations in structure and properties of the crust and their relationship to the regional contemporary geodynamics. Gravity and magnetic anomaly data have been collected and reduced to complete coverage over the study area from 36.5 to 39'N latitude and from 85 to 90 W longitude.

Preliminary compilations have been completed in the vicinity of the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone and all data are being gridded in preparation for compiling the regional maps and the computation of interpretative maps. Several seismic refraction profiles have been recorded in the Wabash Valley by project personnel and a preliminary analysis in Indiana and Illinois to study the velocity structure of the crust. These profiles have centered on the Wabash Valley Fault Zone and the New Madrid Fault Zone extension.

In addition, petrologic studies by the University of Pittsburgh and the mafic and ultramafic dikes and related intrusions have shown that the mantle was involved in the tectonic development of the region.

Furthermore, various basement geologic maps including age, lithology, configuration, and geophysical provinces are being developed to assist and constrain the geophysical interpretation.

Although the principal effort has been directed toward collecting and processing data, several significant preliminary results have been obtained which bear strongly on the tectonic history or contemporary geodyna:nics of

-the region.

Interpretation of the regional gravity and magnetic anomaly maps indicates parallel linear trends of isolated nearly circular, correlative positive gravity and magnetic anomalies which bound a central zone of low gravity and magnetic anomaly relief and are associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone. These trends can be traced northeast across the 38th Parallel

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Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue 3

Lineament and related prominent west-northwest striking geophysical anomalies into southern Indiana at least 39 N latitude. These trends of circular anomalies which are interpreted as having a source within the basement are associated with the trend of earthquake epicenters in the New Madrid area.

This suggests that a linear basement structural feature is a primary control on the location of earthquake epicenters in the New Madrid region. The extension of the New Madrid structural feature to the northeast does not imply that it is or will be seismically active along its entire length. The frequency of occurrence of earthquakes northeast of the New Madrid area is clearly lower than in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Thus, although the entire length of the feature (39"N latitude) is interpreted as a structural unit, it is unclear that it must be considered as a single unit for' seismic regionalization.

Gravity and subsurface data indicate that the Rough Creek Fault Zone, a major element of the 38th Parallel Lineament near its intersection with the northern Mississippi Embayment, is the northern boundary of a complex graben.

The scale and deep seated nature of the faulting suggest an origin by extensional tectonic forces relead to intracratonic rifting. The graben was fomed in late Precambrian-early Paleozoic time, has been reactivated and is now approximately 5 km deep.

Short to intermediate period (5-80 sec) Rayleigh waves recorded at St. Louis, Missouri and Oxford, Mississippi have been analyzed to determine group and phase-velocity dispersion curves. These data were used to determine crustal nd upper mantle shear-velocity structure of the northern Mississippi a

Embayment. The derived models show the crustal thickness to be at least 47 km and probably in the range of 50-55 km. An anomalously high-velocity layer (V = 4.0 km/sec) occurs in the lowermost crust. These results together with previous studies are highly suggestive of a failed rift zone (aulacogen).

s The results of the investigation to date demonstrate the importance of regional, integrated geological and geophysical studies in investigations of contemporary tectonics and seismicity in the Midcontinent region. These data also provide striking evidence for basement structural control of contemporary stresses.

RESULTS AND EVALUATION The major products completed in FY 79 include the following:

1.

A gravity survey of Indiana, south of the 39th parallel, was completed; 2.

Gravity data for the region around New Madrid were acquired and reduced; 3.

Aeromagnetic data from southeastern Illinois (collected last year) were filtered and various interpretive maps were prepared;

Harold R. Denton i-Robert B. Minogue 4

i 4.

Aeromagnetic and gravity data were integrated for the area bounded by 36.5'.39'N latitude and 85 -90 W longitude. With these data, a 2 km grid has been interpolated to facilitate computation of interpretive maps. Bouguer gravity anomaly and total magnetic intensity anomaly maps have been prepared for the area. These maps, along with the interpolated grid values, represent a most significant accomplishment toward_ making integrated geophysical information available to the researchers in the New Madrid region; 5.

Crustal seismic refraction profiles were acquired, and preliminary interpretations of the data were made; e

6.

A new hypothesis was proposed suggesting that the rifting and associated igneous intrusions present in the New Madrid area may extend northeastward into central Indiana; 7.

A bibliography, listing approximately 1200 studies on continental i

rifts, was prepared; and 8.

Radiometric dating was completed for several samples of igneous rocks from the New Madrid region.

The potential extensions of the New Madrid seismic zone northeastward across the Rough Creek Fault Zone toward central Indiana has been postulated. This hypothesis is based on similarities of geophysical signatures from the New Madrid area to those to the northeast. This is a legitimate hypothesis that may be proved or disproved during current and future'studias.

a Geologic evidence that has been building up during the past few years suggests that the New Madrid area and its associated seismic activity is quite separate from the area north of the Rough Creek. This geologic picture is now counter-balanced by the geophysical picture. Seismology will be an important key to the puzzle.

Currently the Wabash Valley array is recording few seismic events.

Those that have been recorded appear to have hypocentral depths of 20 km or more. This is considerably deeper than earthquakes in the New Madrid area.

With another year of seismic records, a deep seismic reflection line across the postulated linear trend, and analyses by other workers in the region, we should be able to adequately test this hypothesis. The original licensing posture of NRC in extending the zore of potential New Madrid type earthquakes northeastward to Vincennes, Indiana, is conservative, and there is no reason to alter this posture until further studies are completed.

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Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue 5

BACKGROUND Refer to RIL No. 48, "A Tectonic Overview of the Midcontinent." The background information in RIL 48 applies equally to this RIL.

It covers ACRS recommenda-tions, relevance of 10 CFR Part 100 Appendix A to the study, and previous NRC effort and organization of the current programs.

NUREG/CR-1014 presents results of gravity and aeromagnetic surveys conducted in critical areas around the intersection of the 38th Parallel Lineament and the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone. Available aeromagnetic maps have been digitized and these data have been processed by a suite of computer pro-gram: developed for this purpose. Seismic equipment has been prepared for e;ustal seismic studies and a 150 km long seismic refraction line has been observed along the Wabash River Valley Fault System. Preliminary basement rock and configuration maps have been prepared based on studies of the samples derived from basement drill holes.

Interpretation of these data is only at a preliminary stage, but studies to this date indicate that the 38th Parallel Lineament features extend as far north as 39 N and a subtle northeasterly-striking magnetic and gravity anomaly cuts across Indiana from the southwest corner of the state, roughly on strike with the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

RECOMMENDATIONS While these interim results are not definitive, we recommend that the current practice of extending the New Madrid 1811-1812 earthquakes north of the Rough Creek Fault Zone (38th Parallel Lineament) be continued.

It is also recommended that the information in NUREG/CR-1014 be considered by the Office of Standards Development and the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation as input to the development of a tectonic province or seismic zoning map of the eastern U.S. and to provide a basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area.

Additionally, RES recommends that these studies which are in the data gathering phase, especially the seismic monitoring in areas of low seismicity, be continued to attain the objectives previously stated so that we may better understand the geology and seismicity of the eastern U.S.

Projects should be redirected and modified as deemed necessary by ongoing. work.

It is also recommended that researchers make annual oral presentations to all NRC geologists and seismologists so that work progress can be discussed and studies redirected, if necessary.

i

Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue-6 t

i Technical questions concerning NUREG/CR-1014 may be directed to Neil Steuer at 427-4370.

a Robert J. Budnitz, Director i

Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Enclosures:

1.

NUREG/CR-1014 2.

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