Ground-water geochemistry of the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, central New Mexico
Water-Resources Investigations Report
86-4094
By: S. K. Anderholm
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to define the areal distribution of different water types, use the distribution to help define the groundwater flow system, and identify processes resulting in differences in groundwater quality in the Albuquerque-Belen Basin in central New Mexico. The chemistry of surface water inflow from adjacent areas, which infiltrates and recharges the aquifer along the basin margin, affects the groundwater quality in the eastern and southeastern areas of the basin. Groundwater in the eastern area generally has a specific conductance less than 400 microsiemens, and calcium and bicarbonate are the dominant ions. Mixing of recharge, groundwater inflow, and surface inflow from adjacent areas, which have different chemical compositions, is the major process affecting groundwater quality in the southwestern, western, and northern areas of the basin. In these areas, there is a large range in specific conductance and distribution of dissolved ions. Groundwater quality in the Rio Grande valley is affected by the infiltration of excess irrigation water. The excess irrigation water generally has a larger specific conductance than other groundwater in the valley, so mixing of these waters results in shallow groundwater generally having larger specific conductance than the deeper groundwater. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Anderholm, S., 1988, Ground-water geochemistry of the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, central New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4094, Report: viii, 110 p.; 2 Plates: 15.64 x 31.16 inches and 15.64 x 32.53 inches, https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864094.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Ground-water geochemistry of the Albuquerque-Belen Basin, central New Mexico |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 86-4094 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri864094 |
| Year Published | 1988 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Description | Report: viii, 110 p.; 2 Plates: 15.64 x 31.16 inches and 15.64 x 32.53 inches |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| Other Geospatial | Albuquerque-Belen Basin |