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Characterization of the Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone in Kane County, Utah, Using Controlled-Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) Surveys

Scientific Investigations Report 2022-5071
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20225071

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Abstract

The Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone is a major north-south-striking fault located in northern Arizona and southwestern Utah. In partnership with the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted two geophysical controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) surveys that transected the Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone at Clay Flat, Utah, a potential pull-apart basin, west of a site of proposed groundwater pumping to evaluate the subsurface hydrogeology. The goal of the surveys was to enhance understanding of the interconnectedness of the Navajo aquifer, the region’s primary groundwater source, across two groundwater basins to the east and west of the fault zone, Water Rights Area (WRA) 81 and WRA 85.

In the Kane County, Utah, area, the Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone consists of the Sevier section (to the north) and the northern Toroweap section (to the south). Two survey lines totaling 7 kilometers of CSAMT survey data were collected. The CSAMT survey line SV1 transected both the Sevier section and the northern Toroweap section of the fault zone; survey line SV2 transected only the Sevier section. Although offset of the Navajo Sandstone, the main component of the Navajo aquifer, by the Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone is generally accepted as the geologic reason that the Navajo aquifer is disconnected in the study area, results of the CSAMT surveys suggest that vertical offset of the Navajo Sandstone of the Glen Canyon Group across the Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone is insufficient to completely disconnect the aquifer in the study area. The effects of faulting on groundwater north and south of the study area, where offset of water-bearing layers may be greater, requires further study. A clearer understanding of groundwater movement across the Sevier /Toroweap Fault Zone will aid water-resource managers in making informed decisions concerning groundwater rights.

Suggested Citation

Jones, C.J.R., Robinson, M.J., and Macy, J.P., 2022, Characterization of the Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone in Kane County, Utah, using controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) surveys: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2022–5071, 14 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20225071.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract 
  • Introduction 
  • Study Area 
  • Methods 
  • Results 
  • Summary 
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Characterization of the Sevier/Toroweap Fault Zone in Kane County, Utah, using controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) surveys
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2022-5071
DOI 10.3133/sir20225071
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Arizona Water Science Center
Description Report: iv, 14 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Utah
County Kane County
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details