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Sulfur isotopic composition and water chemistry in water from the High Plains aquifer, Oklahoma Panhandle and southwestern Kansas

Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-12
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri8212

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Abstract

The Ogallala Formation comprises the High Plains aquifer in Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas. Regional ground-water flow is from west to east in the Ogallala Formation, and the concentration of dissolved solids in ground water increases in the direction of flow. This increase may be influenced by residence time, but underlying bedrock appears to control ground-water chemistry. The Ogallala Formation is underlain by Mesozoic rocks in the west and Permian rocks in the east. Mean concentration of dissolved solids in ground water from the Mesozoic rocks is 552 milligrams per liter and Permian rocks is 4,720 milligrams per liter. Mean concentration of dissolved solids for water in the Ogallala Formation is 396 milligrams per liter where it overlies Mesozoic rocks and 569 milligrams per liter where it overlies Permian rocks. Del sulfur-34 sulfate values range from a high of +6.9 parts per thousand to a low of -25.1 parts per thousand. Sulfate increases from about 20 milligrams per liter to more than 350 milligrams per liter from west to east. Increasing concentration of dissolved solids, lighter Del sulfur-34 values, and increasing sulfate concentration in the east implies that ground water or hydrogen sulfide from Permian rocks may be moving upward into the Ogallala Formation. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Sulfur isotopic composition and water chemistry in water from the High Plains aquifer, Oklahoma Panhandle and southwestern Kansas
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 82-12
DOI 10.3133/wri8212
Edition -
Year Published 1982
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division,
Description 32 p. :maps ;28 cm.
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