NUREG/CR-0294, Research Info Ltr 64:transmits NUREG/CR-0294, Revised & Augmented List of Earthquake Intensities for KS,1867-1977. W/O Encl

Research Info Ltr 64:transmits NUREG/CR-0294, Revised & Augmented List of Earthquake Intensities for KS,1867-1977. W/O Encl

ML20009B282
Person / Time
Issue date:	11/01/1979
From:	Levine S NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY RESEARCH (RES)
To:	Harold Denton, Minogue R Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, NRC OFFICE OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
References
RIL-064, RIL-64, NUDOCS 8107150227
Download: ML20009B282 (4)

Text

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• 1 W9 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

SUBJECT:

RESEARCH INFORMATION LETTER fi0. 64 Ig' "A REVISED AND AUGMENTED LIST OF EARTHQUAKE INTENSITIES Q FOR KANSAS, 1867-1977" d

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/CR-0294 entitled, "A Revised and Augmented List of Earthquake Intensities for Kansas, 1867-1977." The research effort to produce this report was conducted by the Kansas Geological Survey. This research is a cooperative geologic, seismic and geophysical effort of the State Geological Surveys of Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota to study the carth science parameters of the Nemaha Uplift and the tiidcontinent Gravity Anomaly. The Nemaha Uplift and Midcontinent Gravity Anomaly are buried geologic structures along which there has been a history of earthquake activity. Hence, a knowledge of the Nemaha Uplift and Midcontinent Gravity Anomaly are of vital import-ance in the siting and licensing of nuclear power plants.

SUMMARY

The Kansas Geological Survey, in cooperation with the state geological surveys of Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa, is conducting a 5-year study of the regional tectonics and seismicity of the Nemaha Uplift and other regional geologic structures of the central midcontinent. The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of the sources of earthquakes that have occurred in the region as an aid to developing a more rational evaluation of earthquake risk as it applies to the siting and design of nuclear facilities. g7g227791101 C1*7150227 PDR 4

l ( f. Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue The studies are funded jointly by the Division of Reactor Safety Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; the Kansas City District, U.S. Corps of Engineers; and the Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas. This NUREG presents a revised and augmented list of earthquake intensi-ties for Kansas, 1867-1977. The elements of the overall study, as proposed, are: (1) a reinventory of historic earthquakes in Kansas; (2) regional surface and subsurface geologic studies; (3) regional'aeronagnetic and gravity studies; (4) regional studies of specific areas; (5) detailed surface and sub-surfacc studies of specific areas; (6) acquisition, installation, and operation of a regional seismograph network for recording microcarth-quakes; (7) exploration seismology for location of faults; (8) synthesis and analysis of data from above studies and integration with that from studies being done in adjacent states. A summary of the above project activities to the end of the second year, or September 30, 1978, are presented in NUREG/CR-0666. Twenty-five earthquakes, whose epicenters were within the borders of Kansas, have been reported during about the past 110 years. Two large nuclear and coal-fired electrical generating complexes and several existing or proposed reservoirs are sited near or in areas of past seismic activity in Kansas. The seismic design parameters for these facilities are based largely upon the locations, sizes, and trequency of earthquakes which have occurred in the region as far back as reports are available. Because of the critical nature of this information in esti-mation of seismic risk, it is important that the date, location, and size of each earthquake be determined as accurately as possible. The original purpose of this study was to verify the basis for placement of the 1867 and 1906 earthquake epicenters near Manhattan, Kansas. It was subsequently expanded to review the reports on all earthquakes whose epicenters were within the boundaries of Kansas. The investigation included a review of the references cited for Kansas earthquakes by authors of previously published state, regional, and national earthquake listings. In addition, old newspaper files, microfilms, and other records at the University of Kansas and the Kansas State Historical Society were searched for reports which may have been previously over- -looked or not recorded. As a result of this study, the authors believe that three changes in epicenter locations should be made, including those of the two largest earthquakes: Date Mit Intensity Location -From ~To April 24, 1867 VII-VIII 22 mi. TF }ianhattan Wamego vicinity Nov. 8, 1875 V Valley Falls Topeka vicinity Jan. 7,1906 VII 10 mi. N. Manhattan Manhattan vicinity

( ( ~ Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue, Changes in Modified Mercalli intensities for five earthquakes were made: Ifi Intensity Date From To Location Mar. 18,1927 V VI White Cloud Nov. 26,1929 IV V Ashland Aug. 9, 1931 IV-V VI Turner Jan. 28,1932 III, V VI Ellis Nov.10,1942 III, IV V Hays This report includes a complete list of all felt reports compiled during this study. The proposed construction of several large nuclear or coal-fired elec-trical generating complexes, dams, and other critical facilities in or near areas associated with past seismic activity in Kansas has raised questions concerning future earthquake probability and risk. The location, size, and frequency of past earthquakes are presently used in calculating the seismic design parameters for such facilities. An additional safety factor is usually applied because the design life of a major dam and reservoir, for example, is approximately twice the 110-year period of record for reported earthquakes in Kansas. Because of the critical nature of such listings, it is important that the catalog be as complete and correct as possible. Figure 1 depicts the Nemaha Ridge, earthquake epicenters and intensities. The State Geological Surveys of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska are presently making a 5-year detailed study of the sources of seismicity in the Nemaha Uplift area for the Site Safety Research Branch, Division of Reactor Safety Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This report comprises a part of that research. BACKGROUND Refer to RIL No. 48, "A Tectonic Overview of the Midcontinents." The background information in RIL No. 48 applies equally to this RIL. It covers ACRS recommendations, 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 SEl.ECTION AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY Please refer to NUREG/CR-0666 and/or the RIL entitled, "A Study of the Regional Tectonics and Seismicity of Eastern Kansas - Summary of Project Activities and Results to the End of the Second Year or September 30, 1978."

i The criteria are the same for this RIL.

C c Harold R. Denton Robert B. Minogue RESULTS Results of this study are included in the

SUMMARY

Section beginning on Page 1. PLANNING A 5-year multidisciplinary study in cooperation with the Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa and Minnesota Geological Surveys is planned. The study will outline the geology, structure, tectonics and seismicity of the Nemaha Uplift and Midcontinent Gravity Anomaly region. Project work is planned in three separate but interrelated phases which are: 1. Existing data synthesis; 2. Acquisition of new data, seismic network installation and operation; and 3. Final synthesis of new and old data, interpretation, map and report preparation. This is an interim topical report that presents some results of work completed in Phase I. RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the information in NUREG/CR-0294 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 e basis and guide for ongoing studies in the area. Additionally, RES recoimiends that studies be contir.ued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated. ~ It is also recommended that researchers make annual oral presentations to all NRC geologists and seismologists so that work progress can be discussed and the program redirected and/or modified as deemed necessary. Technical questions concerning NUREG/CR-0294 may be directed to Neil S. Steuer at 427-4370. O n.1 aul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Enclosures:

1. WUREG/CR-0294 2. Figure 1 1 l

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( {- Distribution SubJ l Circ ll Harold R. Denton Chron NBSteuer rf Robert B. Hinogue JHarbour cy LBeratan cy RESULTS JJacksgjjggneallycy i Results of this study are included in the SUf41ARY Section beginning on hhu ey cy Page 1. JLarkins cy n cy PLANNING SLevine cy A five-year multidist.iplinary ' study in cooperation with the Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa and Minnesota Geological Surveys is planned. The study will outline the geology, structure, tectonics and seismicity of the Nemaha Uplift and Midcontinent Gravity Anomaly region. Project work is planned in three separate but interrelated phases which are: 1. Existing data synthesis; 2. Acquisition of new data,' seismic network installation and operation; and 3. Final synthesis of new and old data, interpretation, map and report preparation. This is an interim topical report that presents some results of work completed in Phase I. RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the infomation in NUREG/CR-0294 be considered by the Office of Standards Development and the Office of Nuclear Peactor Regulation as input to tha 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 recorrends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated. It is also recommended that researchers make annual oral presentations to all NRC geologists and seismologists so that work progress can be discussed and the program redirected and/or modified as deemed necessary. Technical questions concerning HUREG/CR-0294 may be directed to Neil B. Steuer at 427-4370. Saul Levine, Director Office clear Regulatory Research GRSR:SS GRSR:TA:AD RSR:DIR /79 /79 W"b hR-0D4 orrico.2. Figure,1 dlR: JR3 _ RES:PCB RES:DEPD RES:DIR _,,LBe ratan 's n JLarkins RJBudnitz Slevine sunu m. => 9/ S / 79 .._9.[3k.79__ 9/ /79 9/__ / 79.,,_._, 9 / /79 NHC Fn.m 31RR (4 7Q) NRCM 0740 e aa--.r, ..==a....

~. ;. i Distribution: Murley, cy Subject Larkins, cy Harold R. Denton Circ Budnitz, cy Robert B. Minogue - Chron Levine, cy Steuer, rf Beratan, cy Harbour, cy Jackson, cy RESULTS Kenneally, cy ~ Shao, cy Results of this study are included in the

SUMMARY

Section beginninc on Page 1. PLANNING A 5-year mult1 disciplinary ctudy in cooperation with the Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa and Minnesota Geological Surveys is planned. The study will outline the geology, structure, tectonics and seismicity of the Nemaha Uplift and Midcontinent Gravity Anomaly region. Project work is planned in three separate but interrelated phases which are: 1. Existing data synthesis; 2. Acquisition of new data, seismic network installation and operation; and 3. Final synthesis of new and old data, interpretation, map and report preparation. This is an interim topical report that presents some results of work completed in Phase I. RECOWiENDATIONS It is reconnended that the information in NUREG/CR-0294 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 reconmends that studies be continued in this area to attain the objectives previously stated. It is also recommended that researchers make annual oral presentations to all NRC geologists and seismologists so that work progress can be discussed and the program redirected and/or modified as deemed necessary. Technical questions concerning NUREG/CR-0294 may be directed to Neil B. Steuer at 427-4370. original Signed By GRSR:SSRB* l N.Steuer/ddh/J. Harbour 9'20/79 Saul Levine, Director Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research

Enclosures:

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