Geology topics

H.E. Thomas

Publications and source records attributed to H.E. Thomas.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2014

Pumping from wells on the floor of the Sevier Desert, Utah

Data collected at the Topaz Relocation Center provide an excellent record of the development and subsequent disappearance of a cone of depression caused by pumping . This Center occupied temporarily an area of natural ground‐water discharge on the floor of the Sevier Desert in west‐central Utah . Water for a population of 6500 was pumped from artesian wells which tapped aquifers of sand. Overlying these sand beds are lake‐bed sediments too impermeable to yield water to wells , but apparently permeable enough to permit slow upward movement of water from the artesian aquifers. The water table is near the surface, and there is natural discharge by evapotranspiration, accumulation of “alkali” in the soil, and a need for drainage of irrigated lands. The wells were abandoned when the Relocation Center was closed, apparently because these handicaps were so great that the ground water could not be used profitably for irrigation.

Utah↗

USGS2014

Effect of current drought upon water supplies in Cedar City Valley, Utah

The ground water in the pumping district in Cedar City Valley, Utah is considered by the Utah State Engineer to be fully appropriated, and he has not authorized drilling of irrigation wells there since 1942 except as replacements for wells having established rights. In spite of this regulation, the water levels in representative wells in 1954 were the lowest of record, and four to ten feet lower than the minima recorded during the drought of the 1930's. This recession is attributed in large part to the current drought in the southwestern United States. In the five years ended October 1, 1954, precipitation at Cedar City was markedly less than in any other five‐year period in the past 50 years, and stream runoff was likewise far below average. Ground‐water withdrawal has exceeded replenishment in these drought years, but it cannot yet be concluded that the ground‐water resources are overdeveloped in the sense that pumpage exceeds the long‐term average replenishment to the reservoir.

Utah↗

USGS2014

Discussion of “Some factors affecting rates of sedimentation in the Columbia River basin”

h ydrologists are generally aware of the number and complexity of the variables that are encountered in all aspects of hydrology, and the great difficulty of analyzing these factors quantitatively because of inadequacy of basic data. Because of limitations in funds, time, or scientific manpower, it is likely that the basic data will generally be less than the hydrologist's hopes. In this predicament, many students have sought methods whereby it might be possible to determine the approximate effects of various factors, on the basis of meager available information. The authors, by using statistical methods of analysis, have pointed out one way that may well be rewarding in studies of other aspects of hydrology where little basic information is available.

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union↗