Late-Wisconsin paleohydrology of the West-Central Amargosa Desert, Nevada, U.S.A.

Chemical Geology: Isotope Geoscience Section
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Abstract

Studies of isotopes in groundwater using 14C, 2H (deuterium) and 18O have provided significant insight into the paleoclimate of middle and late Wisconsin age in a typical arid environment of southern Nevada, the west-central Amargosa Desert. Evidence indicates that recharge probably was through infiltration of runoff in paleostream channels and that this runoff was important only from ∼ 17,000 to ∼ 10,000 yr. B.P. Mean annual temperature at 17,000 yr. B.P. was ∼ 8°C less than present mean annual temperature; some summer moisture was effective in recharge. Winter (October–May) temperature at ∼ 10,000 yr. B.P. was ∼ 1°C less than present; summer moisture did not contribute to recharge.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Late-Wisconsin paleohydrology of the West-Central Amargosa Desert, Nevada, U.S.A.
Series title Chemical Geology: Isotope Geoscience Section
DOI 10.1016/0168-9622(86)90019-9
Volume 58
Issue 4
Year Published 1986
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Description 13 p.
First page 311
Last page 323
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