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Española Basin Geophysics

Aquifers within the Española basin are the primary ground-water resource of the City of Santa Fe, Española, six Pueblo nations, and surrounding urbanizing areas. To better define and manage this important ground-water resource, we are collecting and analyzing geophysical data to understand the subsurface configuration of the basin and related geologic features that may influence ground-water flow, quality, and storage. We are analyzing existing gravity, high-resolution aeromagnetic, and airborne time-domain electromagnetic data, which were collected as part of Middle Rio Grande basin studies. In addition, we are collecting and modeling new magnetotelluric and audio magnetotelluric (deep-looking electrical geophysical) data. Our studies involve a high degree of collaboration within the Geologic Framework of Rio Grande Basins project and with scientists working in organizations that participate in the Española Basin Technical Advisory Group.

Key Findings:

A synthesis of geophysical interpretations of the subsurface for the southern part of the basin was completed (at least to an interim stage) and released in U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03-0124. The report presents interpretations of buried geologic features that have hydrologic significance in interpreting ground water and surface water interaction in the basin, such as intra-basin faults, buried igneous rocks, and variations in thickness of the regional aquifer. These features have been mapped over hundreds of square miles, covering most significant well fields in the greater Santa Fe area up to Española. In particular, the study reveals an extensive area south of Santa Fe where the aquifer thickness is interpreted to be much thinner than previously believed. The results of the study, which was conducted in cooperation with the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, help explain ground water conditions in this critical area and provide a guide for the focus of future ground-water investigations throughout the southern Española basin.

New Aeromagnetic Survey

With the support of the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer and Santa Fe County, the USGS will be conducting a helicopter aeromagnetic survey to fill-in coverage of the existing survey along the mountain front, east of Santa Fe. Flying should begin sometime in early December 2005. See more detail on the location.

Publications:

REPORTS

• Grauch, V. J. S. and Bankey, Viki, 2003, Aeromagnetic interpretations for understanding the hydrogeologic framework of the southern Española Basin, New Mexico: U. S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03-0124, available on-line at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr-03-124/.
• Williams, J. M. and Rodriguez, B. D., 2003, Magnetotelluric data in the southwest Española Basin, northern New Mexico: U. S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03-0199, 128 p. Available on-line at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr-03-199/).

Española Basin || Middle Rio Grande Basin || San Luis Basin

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For further information contact: Tien Grauch

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