thumbnail

Conceptual framework and trend analysis of water-level responses to hydrologic stresses, Pahute Mesa–Oasis Valley groundwater basin, Nevada, 1966-2016

Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5064
Prepared in cooperation with the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office, Office of Environmental Management under Interagency Agreement, DE-NA0001654
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185064

Links

Abstract

This report identifies water-level trends in wells and provides a conceptual framework that explains the hydrologic stresses and factors causing the trends in the Pahute Mesa–Oasis Valley (PMOV) groundwater basin, southern Nevada. Water levels in 79 wells were analyzed for trends between 1966 and 2016. The magnitude and duration of water-level responses to hydrologic stresses were analyzed graphically, statistically, and with water-level models.

The conceptual framework consists of multiple stress-specific conceptual models to explain water-level responses to the following hydrologic stresses: recharge, evapotranspiration, pumping, nuclear testing, and wellbore equilibration. Dominant hydrologic stresses affecting water-level trends in each well were used to categorize trends as nonstatic, transient, or steady state.

The conceptual framework of water-level responses to hydrologic stresses and trend analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of the PMOV basin and vicinity. The trend analysis links water-level fluctuations in wells to hydrologic stresses and potential factors causing the trends. Transient and steady-state trend categorizations can be used to determine the appropriate water-level data for groundwater studies.

Suggested Citation

Jackson, T.R., and Fenelon, J.M., 2018, Conceptual framework and trend analysis of water-level responses to hydrologic stresses, Pahute Mesa–Oasis Valley groundwater basin, Nevada, 1966-2016: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5064, 89 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185064.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Study Methods
  • Conceptual Framework of Water-Level Responses to Hydrologic Stresses
  • Trend Analysis of Groundwater Levels
  • Steady-State Trends
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Supplemental Notes for Selected Wells
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Conceptual framework and trend analysis of water-level responses to hydrologic stresses, Pahute Mesa–Oasis Valley groundwater basin, Nevada, 1966-2016
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2018-5064
DOI 10.3133/sir20185064
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Nevada Water Science Center
Description ix, 89 p.
Country United States
State Nevada
Other Geospatial Pahute Mesa–Oasis Valley Groundwater Basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details