Seismic-Reflection Investigations of the Texas Springs Syncline for Ground Water Development, Death Valley National Park
Machette MN, Stephenson WJ, Williams RA, Odum JK, Worley DM, Dart RL. 2000. Seismic-Reflection Investigations of the Texas Springs Syncline for Ground Water Development, Death Valley National Park. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Open-File Report. Open-File Report 00-106. U.S. Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey has completed an integrated geologic and geophysical study of the Texas Springs syncline for the National Park Service with the intention of locating a new pro- duction water well near existing water-collection and distribution facilities. Subsurface infor- mation was required to determine which, if any, sites within the syncline would be favorable for a well. About 4.2 km (2.6 mi.) of high-resolution seismic-reflection data were collected across and along the Texas Springs syncline. Two of our three lines, designated DV-1 and DV-3, cross the syncline, whereas the third line (DV-2) runs parallel to the north-northwest-trending syncline axis. Line DV-2 shows a series of prominent reflections that thicken to the southeast into the deeper part of the Texas Springs syncline. Gravels above these reflectors are probably the source aquifer for both Texas and Travertine Springs. In the area about 245-945 m (800-3,100 ft) south- southeast of the Texas Springs monitoring well, we found a deeper southeastward-thickening sequence of reflective strata (interbedded basin-fill deposits?) that might provide a second deeper aquifer for a production well. We consider this area along the axis of the syncline to be a prime target for the National Park Service's planned production water well. In addition to this site having inferred favorable geologic and hydrologic characteristics, it has the attractive benefits of being relatively close to the existing water collection system at Texas Springs and access roads. Although several other sites along each of the three reflection lines (and between them) may also have favorable conditions, we believe that the site south-southeast of the monitoring well is the best target identified by our geologic and geophysical studies.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Machette, Michael; Stephenson, William; Williams, Robert; Odum, Jack; Worley, David; Dart, Richard
- Date of Issue
- 2000-03-01
- Publisher
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Units
- DEVA , HIST
- Keywords
- Aquifer, Death Valley, Development, ehistory, Funeral Mountains, Furnace Creek Formation, Geology, Groundwater, History, Hydrology, Investigation, Mojave Desert, National Park, Seismic, Stratigraphy, Texas, Texas Springs, Water, Water Use