Environmental Assessment for a seismic refraction survey of Death Valley
Criley E and Geist EL. 1987. Environmental Assessment for a seismic refraction survey of Death Valley
The United States Geological Survey proposes an investigation of the complex subsurface geology at Death Valley National Monument. An Environmental Assessment is required as charges would be detonated to create sound waves that would reflect underground, providing information on rock structure. Results would help explain the geologic history and origins of Death Valley, and add to knowledge of crustal extension. Death Valley's location at a juncture of several different regional geologic domains adds to the value of surveys within the monument. Nine shot points are identified and tables list flora, fauna, and historic sites near these points. Mammals and reptiles of the creosotebush community are also noted. Figures are mainly maps showing the local topography and site plans for the nine detonations.