Geology of Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
- Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas (United States)
- Clark County Regional Flood Control District, Las Vegas, NV (United States)
- Kleinfelder, Las Vegas, NV (United States)
Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Its regional geologic setting is in the Basin and Range geomorphic province and in the Sevier orogenic belt. The city itself lies in a broad north-south valley formed by coalescing alluvial fans and lake beds which give rise to several soil and foundation problems. Although destructive earthquakes have not occurred in the Las Vegas area in modern times, the record is very short. Major earthquakes could have taken place in the past when the area was unoccupied except for a few nomadic tribes. Studies are underway to better define the seismicity. Although the climate is hot and dry, flash flooding occurs frequently from late summer thunderstorms and torrential rains. The Regional Flood Control District is actively constructing retention basins and drainage improvements for diversion and protection from such floods. Water supply is a problem for the increasing population. The groundwater supply has long been overdrawn, and the allotment to Nevada under the Colorado River Compact will be completely utilized in the near future. Las Vegas has faced the problems of solid waste disposal, water treatment, rational water use, flooding and earthquakes - all of which are related to the unique geologic and geomorphic setting.
- OSTI ID:
- 6520522
- Journal Information:
- Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists; (United States), Vol. 30:1; ISSN 0004-5691
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Geology of the Las Vegas area
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