Characterization of subsurface geologic structure for potential water resources near the Villages of Moenkopi, Arizona, 2009--2010
Scientific Investigations Report
2012-5180
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Hopi Tribe
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Abstract
The Hopi Tribe depends on groundwater as their primary drinking-water source in the area of the Villages of Moenkopi, in northeastern Arizona. Growing concerns of the potential for uranium contamination at the Moenkopi water supply wells from the Tuba City Landfill prompted the need for an improved understanding of subsurface geology and groundwater near Moenkopi. Information in this report provides the Hopi Tribe with new hydrogeologic information that provides a better understanding of groundwater resources near the Villages of Moenkopi. The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Hopi Tribe used the controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) geophysical technique to characterize the subsurface near Moenkopi from December 2009 to September 2010. A total of six CSAMT profiles were surveyed to identify possible fracturing and faulting in the subsurface that provides information about the occurrence and movement of groundwater. Inversion results from the six CSAMT lines indicated that north to south trending fractures are more prevalent than east to west. CSAMT Lines A and C showed multiple areas in the Navajo Sandstone where fractures are present. Lines B, D, E, and F did not show the same fracturing as Lines A and C.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Characterization of subsurface geologic structure for potential water resources near the Villages of Moenkopi, Arizona, 2009--2010 |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2012-5180 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20125180 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Arizona Water Science Center |
| Description | 24 p.; col. ill.; maps (col.) |
| First page | 1 |
| Last page | 24 |
| Time Range Start | 2009-12-01 |
| Time Range End | 2010-09-30 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| City | Moenkopi |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |