Surficial geology and distribution of post-impoundment sediment in Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead

Open-File Report 2001-70
By: , and 

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Abstract

Sidescan sonar imagery and seismic-reflection profiles were collected in the northwestern part of Las Vegas Bay to map the distribution and volume of sediment that has accumulated in this part of Lake Mead since impoundment. The mapping suggests that three ephemeral streams are the primary source of this sediment, and of these, Las Vegas Wash is the largest. Two deltas off the mouth of Las Vegas Wash formed at different lake elevations and account for 41% of the total volume of post-impoundment sediment within the study area. Deltas off the other two washes (Gypsum and Government) account for only 6% of the total volume. The sediment beyond the front of the deltas is primarily mud, and it only occurs in valley floors, where it forms a flat-lying blanket that is mostly less than 1.5 m thick. Although a thin layer, the fine-grained sediment accounts for approximately 53% of the total post-impoundment sediment volume of 5.7 x 106 m3 that has accumulated in the study area. This sediment appears to have been transported several kilometers from the river sources by density flows.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Surficial geology and distribution of post-impoundment sediment in Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2001-70
DOI 10.3133/ofr0170
Year Published 2001
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description HTML Document
Country United States
State Nevada
Other Geospatial Lake Mead, Las Vegas Bay
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