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Title: Geologic map of the Oasis Valley basin and vicinity, Nye County, Nevada

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/761035· OSTI ID:761035

This map and accompanying cross sections present an updated synthesis of the geologic framework of the Oasis Valley area, a major groundwater discharge site located about 15 km west of the Nevada Test Site. Most of the data presented in this compilation is new geologic map data, as discussed below. In addition, the cross sections incorporate new geophysical data that have become available in the last three years (Grauch and others, 1997; written comm., 1999; Hildenbrand and others, 1999; Mankinen and others, 1999). Geophysical data are used to estimate the thickness of the Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary rocks on the cross sections, and to identify major concealed structures. Large contiguous parts of the map area are covered either by alluvium or by volcanic units deposited after development of the major structures present at the depth of the water table and below. Hence, geophysical data provide critical constraints on our geologic interpretations. A companion paper by Fridrich and others (1999) and the above-cited reports by Hildenbrand and others (1999) and Mankinen and others (1999) provide explanations of the interpretations that are presented graphically on this map. This map covers nine 7.5-minute quadrangles in Nye County, Nevada, centered on the Thirsty Canyon SW quadrangle, and is a compilation of one published quadrangle map (O'Connor and others, 1966) and eight new quadrangle maps, two of which have been previously released (Minor and others, 1997; 1998). The cross sections that accompany this map were drawn to a depth of about 5 km below land surface at the request of hydrologists who are modeling the Death Valley groundwater system.

Research Organization:
United States Geological Survey - Nevada, Las Vegas, NV (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Nevada Operations Office (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AI08-96NV11967
OSTI ID:
761035
Report Number(s):
USGS OFR 99-533-B; TRN: AH200037%%493
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Companion product of this report is USGS OFR 99-533-A, Geologic evaluation of the Oasis Valley basin; PBD: 13 Jan 2000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English