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Hydrologic and geologic factors affecting land subsidence near Eloy, Arizona

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4143
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874143

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Abstract

At an extensometer site near Eloy, Arizona, 1.09 m of land subsidence caused by groundwater withdrawal were measured by leveling in 1965-83. The extensometer, which partially penetrates the compressible sediments, recorded 0.82 m of compaction during the same period. By use of a one-dimensional model, cumulative daily compaction values were simulated to within an average of 0.0038 m of the actual values. Land subsidence was simulated to within an average of 0.011 m using the same model in conjunction with geohydrologic data of the sediments below the extensometer. A highly compressible clay layer that is 24.38 m thick was partially penetrated by the extensometer. The simulation indicated that the layer was driving compaction and land subsidence linearly with respect to time, despite the presence of other compacting layers. Because of its thickness and compressibility, this layer can be expected to continue to compact after applied vertical stresses have stopped increasing and other layers have stopped compacting. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the compressibility of fine-grained sediments (expressed as specific storage) is one of the factors to which compact is most sensitive. Preconsolidation stress and hydraulic conductivity also affect land subsidence near Eloy, Arizona. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Epstein, V., 1987, Hydrologic and geologic factors affecting land subsidence near Eloy, Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4143, iv, 28 p. :ill., map ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri874143.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrologic and geologic factors affecting land subsidence near Eloy, Arizona
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 87-4143
DOI 10.3133/wri874143
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description iv, 28 p. :ill., map ;28 cm.
Additional publication details