Geochemistry of water in the Fort Union Formation of the northern Powder River basin, southeastern Montana
Open-File Report
80-336
By: Roger W. Lee
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Abstract
Shallow water in the coal-bearing Fort Union Formation of southeastern Montana was investigated to provide a better understanding of the geochemistry. Springs, wells less than 200 feet deep, and wells greater then 200 feet deep were observed to have different water qualities. Overall, the ground water exists as two systems: a mosaic of shallow, chemically dynamic, and localized recharge-discharge cells superimposed on a deeper, chemically static regional system. Water chemistry is highly variable in the shallow system, whereas sodium and bicarbonate waters characterize the deeper system. Within the shallow system , springs, and wells less than 200 feet deep show predominantly sodium and sulfate enrichment processes from recharge to discharge. These processes are consistent with the observed aquifer mineralogy and aqueous chemistry. However, intermittent mixing with downward moving recharge waters or upward moving deeper waters, and bacterially catalyzed sulfate reduction, may cause apparent reversals in these processes. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Lee, R.W., 1980, Geochemistry of water in the Fort Union Formation of the northern Powder River basin, southeastern Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 80-336, iv, 21 p. ill., maps ;26 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr80336.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Geochemistry of water in the Fort Union Formation of the northern Powder River basin, southeastern Montana |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 80-336 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr80336 |
| Year Published | 1980 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | iv, 21 p. ill., maps ;26 cm. |