HYDROLOGIC, CLIMATIC, AND GROUND MOTION STUDIES AT HOMESTAKE DUSEL

Earth science-related research at Homestake DUSEL has been occurring along several avenues since 2008 by SDSMT faculty, students, and research partners. This group has focused on hydrology, meteorology, and slow ground motion. Part of the motivation for these experiments has been to establish an early baseline dataset of physical parameters to benefit planned future research. Hydrologic work has been directed toward measurement of water reduction at the facility and fracture flow testing that has been performed on the 4850-ft level. Meteorology stations have been established on the 1250, 2000, 2600, and 4850-ft levels with one surface station. Ground motion has been recorded on the 2000-ft level where two types of tiltmeters have been installed. Early results have indicated water information critical to future facility construction and utilization, the climatic sensitivity of the underground spaces to human disturbances, and the detection of earth tides and secondary motions associated with blasting on the 4850-ft level. Each of these systems will expanded as the facility grows to provide viable data for the foreseeable future. These data are open to public access through established websites at SDSMT with links from the Sanford Underground Laboratory.