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Relationship between oriented calcite concretions and permeability correlation structure in an alluvial aquifer, Sierra Ladrones Formation, New Mexico

Journal Article · · Journal of Sedimentary Research, Section A: Sedimentary Petrology and Processes
OSTI ID:207872
 [1];  [2]
  1. New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM (United States). Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences
  2. Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham, NH (United States). Dept. of Earth Sciences

Fluvial deposits of the Sierra Ladrones Formation (Pliocene-Pleistocene) contain abundant elongate calcite concretions that are interpreted to have precipitated in the saturated zone parallel to the direction of groundwater flow. The orientation of these concretions is coincident with the orientation of the permeability correlation structure, as determined from architectural element mapping and permeameter measurements. In cases where the paleo-groundwater flow closely corresponds with the direction of fluvial deposition, measurement of concretion orientations in alluvial rocks and sediments may provide a means of rapidly estimating the major axis of the permeability correlation structure over large areas.

OSTI ID:
207872
Journal Information:
Journal of Sedimentary Research, Section A: Sedimentary Petrology and Processes, Journal Name: Journal of Sedimentary Research, Section A: Sedimentary Petrology and Processes Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 66; ISSN JSRAEA; ISSN 1073-130X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English