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Three-Dimensional Hydrogeologic Framework Model of the Russian River Watershed, California

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5083
Water Availability and Use Science Program—Water Resources Mission Area
Prepared in cooperation with the California State Water Resources Control Board and Sonoma County Water Agency
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245083

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Abstract

The Russian River watershed is in northern Sonoma County and southern Mendocino County, California, in the northern part of the California Coast Ranges. The Russian River serves as a supply for agricultural irrigation and for municipal, domestic, and commercial uses. Through a cooperative agreement with the California State Water Resources Control Board and Sonoma County Water Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey has completed studies to better understand the hydrogeologic system and develop numerical hydrologic modeling tools to evaluate and aid in managing groundwater resources. This report focuses on the development of a digital three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework model of the Russian River watershed for use in groundwater resource assessment and numerical models.

The digital three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework model of the Russian River watershed portrays the altitude, thickness, and extent of five hydrogeologic units. These five hydrogeologic units include (1) a basement unit, (2) the Sonoma Volcanics, (3) a consolidated sedimentary rock unit, (4) an unconsolidated sediment unit, and (5) channel alluvium. Model input data were compiled from published geologic maps, interpreted well data, and a model of the top of basement derived from gravity data. These data were used to construct surfaces that represent the upper and lower subsurface boundaries of each hydrogeologic unit. Top surfaces were created for the five hydrogeologic units and then stacked in three dimensions to create a solid-volume digital model.

The digital three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework model described in this report and the corresponding data represent the generalized geometry of the subsurface geologic units; the model reproduces the input geologic data with reasonable accuracy and is consistent with previously published subsurface conceptualizations of the region. The model indicates the overall geometry of the basement within the watershed and the spatial extent, altitude, and thickness of the basin-filling units. The hydrogeologic framework model is at a scale and resolution appropriate for use as the foundation for a numerical hydrologic model of the study area.

Suggested Citation

Cromwell, G., Sweetkind, D.S., Langenheim, V.E., and Ely, C.P., 2024, Three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework model of the Russian River watershed, California: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5083, 25 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245083.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Hydrogeology of the Russian River Watershed
  • Hydrogeologic Framework Model
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework model of the Russian River watershed, California
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5083
DOI 10.3133/sir20245083
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) California Water Science Center
Description Report: viii, 25 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Russian River watershed
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details