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Geology and ground water of the Red Lake area, Navajo Indian Reservation, Arizona and New Mexico

Water Supply Paper 1576-B
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wsp1576B

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Abstract

The Red Lake area in the Navajo Indian Reservation, Arizona and New Mexico, was studied by the U.S. Geological Survey to determine if 1 mgd (mil- lion gallons per day) of water could be obtained for the requirements of a proposed sawmill. Geologic mapping and stratigraphic studies indicated three favorable areas where ground water may be developed. Test holes were drilled under contract in the areas, and pumping tests indicate that 500,000 gpd (gal- lons per day) is available from alluvium along Tohdildonih Wash near Frog Rock, 100,000 gpd is available from the Shinarump member of the Chinle forma- tion and the De Chelly sandstone near Red Lake, and 800,000 gpd is available from alluvium and cinder beds in lapiUi tuff in Buell Park, an eroded diatreme. The diatreme at Buell Park is about 2% miles in diameter. It was formed by several explosions in which lapilli tuff and cinders were erupted. These materials, together with later basaltic intrusive and extrusive rock, now fill the diatreme. The tuff and cinders are water bearing, 'and they receive re- charge from rainwater and snowmelt moving through overlying alluvium and from storage in the De Chelly sandstone which encloses the east half of the diatreme. The quality of water from all areas is suitable for domestic use. However, special treatment may be necessary to make the water suitable for pulp processing.

Suggested Citation

Akers, J.P., McClymonds, N.E., Harshbarger, J.W., 1962, Geology and ground water of the Red Lake area, Navajo Indian Reservation, Arizona and New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 1576, iii, 12 p. :map ;24 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wsp1576B.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geology and ground water of the Red Lake area, Navajo Indian Reservation, Arizona and New Mexico
Series title Water Supply Paper
Series number 1576
Chapter B
DOI 10.3133/wsp1576B
Year Published 1962
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. G.P.O.,
Description iii, 12 p. :map ;24 cm.
Additional publication details