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Major Hydrostratigraphic Contacts of the Truxton Basin and Hualapai Plateau, Northwestern Arizona, Developed from Airborne Electromagnetic Data

Scientific Investigations Report 2020-5017-D
Prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation
By:
Edited by: Jon P. Mason
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205017D

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Abstract

The area surrounding the Grand Canyon has spectacular outcrop exposure in the modern canyon walls, leading to stratigraphic contact delineations that are well constrained near canyons yet poorly constrained where the terrain remains undissected and relatively unexplored by boreholes. An airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey of the western Hualapai Indian Reservation and surrounding areas was undertaken to support the development of a three-dimensional hydrostratigraphic framework of the Truxton basin and Hualapai Plateau. These data were used to develop models of the resistivity structure with total depths of investigation ranging from 200 meters in the most conductive parts of the Truxton basin to more than 600 meters in the higher resistivity areas underlying the Hualapai Plateau. The modeled resistivity structure was used in conjunction with geologic maps, well lithologic records, and results from gravity models of the depth to bedrock to develop high-resolution regional interpretations of the elevation of the Muav Limestone-Bright Angel Shale contact and the top of the crystalline basement. These contacts are conceptualized to serve as the base of the Paleozoic limestone aquifers primarily underlying the Hualapai Plateau and the Tertiary-Quaternary sedimentary and volcanic aquifers of the Truxton basin, respectively.

Suggested Citation

Ball, L.B., 2020, Major hydrostratigraphic contacts of the Truxton basin and Hualapai Plateau, northwestern Arizona, developed from airborne electromagnetic data, chap. D of Mason, J.P., ed., Geophysical surveys, hydrogeologic characterization, and groundwater flow model for the Truxton basin and Hualapai Plateau, northwestern Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2020–5017, 24 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205017D.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results and Discussion
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Major hydrostratigraphic contacts of the Truxton basin and Hualapai Plateau, northwestern Arizona, developed from airborne electromagnetic data
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2020-5017
Chapter D
DOI 10.3133/sir20205017D
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center
Description Report: iv, 24 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Arizona
Other Geospatial Hualapai Plateau, Truxton basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details