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Simulation of regional ground-water flow in carbonate-rock aquifers of the Great Basin in Nevada, Utah, and adjacent states

Conference · · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:6653316
An extensive carbonate-rock aquifer system exists beneath approximately 90,000 square miles of the Great Basin in eastern Nevada western Utah, and parts of adjacent states. A three-dimensional numerical model of the area between Death Valley and the Great Salt Lake was developed to help conceptualize the hydrogeology of this aquifer system and to determine the effects of geologic structures on ground-water flow within the system. The aquifer system was simulated with two layers in which the upper layer represents flow of intermediate depth--several thousand feet--through carbonate- and volcanic-rock mountain ranges and adjacent alluvial basins. The lower layers represents deeper regional flow primarily through carbonate rocks. Known heads and estimates of discharges from springs and evapotranspiration were used to calibrate the transmissivities and leakance values for the model. Abrupt changes in transmissivity and head simulated in the model correspond to the locations of broad structural features including faults, major lineaments, and magnetic anomalies. Model results clearly portray the concept of local, intermediate, and regional flow within the aquifer system. About 80 hydrographic areas within the province may represent local flow; 17 individual regions were simulated in the upper model layer representing intermediate flow; and only 5 regions were simulated in the lower model layer representing regional flow. Flow budgets suggest several areas favorable for future exploration for ground-water supplies.
Research Organization:
Geological Survey, Carson City, NV (USA)
OSTI ID:
6653316
Report Number(s):
CONF-8510489-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 17
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English