Geophysical framework investigations influencing ground-water resources in east-central Nevada and west-central Utah, with a section on geologic and geophysical basin by basin descriptions

Open-File Report 2007-1163
Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
By: , and 

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Abstract

A geophysical investigation was undertaken as part of an effort to characterize the geologic framework influencing ground-water resources in east-central Nevada and west-central Utah. New gravity data were combined with existing aeromagnetic, drill-hole, and geologic data to help determine basin geometry, infer structural features, estimate depth to pre-Cenozoic basement rocks, and further constrain the horizontal extents of exposed and buried plutons. In addition, a three-dimensional (3D) geologic model was constructed to help illustrate the often complex geometries of individual basins and aid in assessing the connectivity of adjacent basins. In general, the thirteen major valleys within the study area have axes oriented north-south and frequently contain one or more sub-basins. These basins are often asymmetric and typically reach depths of 2 km. Analysis of gravity data helped delineate geophysical lineaments and accommodation zones. Structural complexities may further compartmentalize ground-water flow within basins and the influence of tectonics on basin sedimentation further complicates their hydrologic properties. The horizontal extent of exposed and, in particular, buried plutons was estimated over the entire study area. The location and subsurface extents of these plutons will be very important for regional water resource assessments, as these features may act as either barriers or pathways for groundwater flow. A previously identified basement gravity low strikes NW within the study area and occurs within a highly extended terrane between the Butte and Confusion synclinoria. Evidence from geophysical, geologic, and seismic reflection data suggests relatively lower density plutonic rocks may extend to moderate crustal depths and rocks of similar composition may be the source of the entire basement gravity anomaly.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geophysical framework investigations influencing ground-water resources in east-central Nevada and west-central Utah, with a section on geologic and geophysical basin by basin descriptions
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2007-1163
DOI 10.3133/ofr20071163
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Geophysics Unit of Menlo Park, CA (GUMP)
Description Report: iv, 43 p.; 2 Plates: 18.00 × 23.15 inches and 18.00 × 23.90 inches
Country United States
State Nevada, Utah
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
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