Scientific Investigations Report 2008–5179
AbstractThe spatial and temporal distribution of recharge to
carbonate and clastic aquifers along the eastern slopes of the
Sandia Mountains was investigated by using precipitation,
water-level, dissolved chloride, and specific-conductance data.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with
the Bernalillo County Public Works Division, conducted a
study to assess ground-water conditions and provide technical
data that could be used as a basis for management and future
planning of eastern Bernalillo County water resources.
The intent of the investigation was to improve the current
understanding of subsurface mechanisms controlling recharge
dynamics in a geologically complex aquifer system. In the
Sandia Mountains, precipitation events are generally limited
to snowfalls in winter months and monsoon rainfall in late
summer. Monthly meteorological data from weather stations
in the study area indicate that monsoon rainfall during July and
August constitutes close to one-third of annual precipitation
totals. Following precipitation and snowmelt events, daily
ground-water level data show low-amplitude, long-duration
peaks in hydrographs of wells north and west of the Tijeras
Fault. Hydrographs of monthly and biannual water-level
data from across the study area show seasonal variation and
water-level fluctuations in excess of 30 ft during a period of
below-average precipitation. Water level observations in 67
percent of wells showing drought-induced water-level declines
rebounded to at or near predrought conditions within 6 months
of return to normal climate conditions. Cross-correlation of
annual hydrologic data shows aquifer response to periods of
monsoon recharge to persist from 1 to 6 months following
events. The lag time between precipitation input and response
of water levels or solute concentrations was largest near the
Tijeras and Gutierrez Faults. These results indicate regional
faults hydrologically isolate the Tijeras Graben from groundwater
recharge originating at high elevations along the eastern
slopes of the Sandia Mountains. Recharge rates calculated
by using the chloride-mass-balance method for five springs
located at the base of the Sandia Mountains ranged from 1 to
23 percent of annual precipitation. |
Version 1.0 Posted November 2008 Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge. |
McCoy, Kurt J., and Blanchard, Paul J., 2008, Precipitation, ground-water hydrology, and recharge along the eastern slopes of the Sandia Mountains, Bernalillo County, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008–5179, 34 p.
Abstract
Introduction
Precipitation
Ground-water Hydrology
Recharge Estimates and Chloride Trends
Summary and Conclusions
References Cited
Appendix 1. Monthly precipitation totals for U.S. Geolgical Survey-operated weather stations in eastern Bernalillo County, N. Mex.
Appendix 2. Specific conductance and dissolved chloride concentration from springs sampled in eastern Bernalillo County, N. Mex.