Geology ReportsSearch

Geology topics

J. B. Gonthier

Publications and source records attributed to J. B. Gonthier.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

A description of aquifer units in eastern Oregon

Geologic formations in Oregon, east of the crest of the Cascade Range, have been grouped according to similarities in their hydrogeologic and geologic properties into six major aquifer units. Two of the units, the Mesozoic-Paleozoic and the John Day-Clarno aquifers, are low-permeability aquifers, have hydraulic conductivities generally less than 1 ft/d (feet per day), and are generally capable of yielding only a few gallons per minute to wells. These are important aquifer units, nevertheless, because they are the only economical source of domestic water present in east-central Oregon where they outcrop. Four of the aquifer units contain beds or zones of high permeability materials with hydraulic conductivities that commonly range between 5 and 50 ft/d. In many localities where these units are present, they are capable of yielding 200 gallons/min or more to wells. These productive aquifer units are the Columbia River Basalt, the Cenozoic volcanic and sedimentary , Cenozoic sedimentary, and the Quaternary sediment aquifers, respectively. North of the Blue Mountains, the Columbia River Basalt aquifer is a major aquifer of regional extent and, in that area, heavy withdrawals, chiefly for irrigation, have resulted in regional groundwater level declines. South of the Blue Mountains, the basalt underlies rugged terrane, is not developed, and little is known about its hydraulic properties. Other major aquifer units are heavily developed in localized areas or in basins throughout eastern Oregon. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Maps showing ground-water levels, springs, and depth to water, Basin and Range Province, Oregon

This report on ground-water levels, springs and depth to ground water in the Basin and Range province of Oregon (see index map) was prepared as part of a program of the U.S. Geological Survey to identify prospective regions for further study relative to isolation of high level nuclear waste (Bedinger, Sargent, and Reed, 1984), utilizing program guidelines defined in Sargent and Bedinger (1984). Also included in this report are selected references on pertinent geologic and hydrologic studies of the region. Other map reports in this series contain detailed data on ground-water quality, surface distribution of selected rock types, tectonic conditions, areal geophysics, Pleistocene lakes and marshes, and mineral and energy resources.

Oregon

Maps showing distribution of dissolved solids and dominant chemical type in ground water, Basin and Range Province, Oregon

This map report is one of a series of geologic and hydrologic maps of States in the Basin and Range Province. These map reports contain information on ground-water hydrology, ground-water quality, surface distribution of selected rock types, data on tectonic conditions, areal geophysical data, Pleistocene lakes and marshes and natural resources. This information is the basis for a summary report that characterizes the Basin and Range Province. The geologic and hydrologic characterization will be used to evaluate the Province for prospective regions for further study relative to isolation of high-level radioactive waste. (Bedinger, Sargent and Reed, 1984).

Oregon

Oregon ground-water quality and its relation to hydrogeologic factors — A statistical approach

An appraisal of Oregon ground-water quality was made using existing data accessible through the U.S. Geological Survey computer system. The data available for about 1,000 sites were separated by aquifer units and hydrologic units. Selected statistical moments were described for 19 constituents including major ions. About 96 percent of all sites in the data base were sampled only once. The sample data were classified by aquifer unit and hydrologic unit and analysis of variance was run to determine if significant differences exist between the units within each of these two classifications for the same 19 constituents on which statistical moments were determined. Results of the analysis of variance indicated both classification variables performed about the same, but aquifer unit did provide more separation for some constituents. Samples from the Rogue River basin were classified by location within the flow system and type of flow system. The samples were then analyzed using analysis of variance on 14 constituents to determine if there were significant differences between subsets classified by flow path. Results of this analysis were not definitive, but classification as to the type of flow system did indicate potential for segregating water-quality data into distinct subsets.

Oregon

Water-table map of Waukesha County, Wisconsin

A map (scale 1:100,000) was prepared of the water table in Waukesha County in southeastern Wisconsin using water levels from more than 1,700 wells. The work was done as part of a cooperative project between the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Geological and Natural History Survey, and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. The map shows the altitude of the water table in increments of 20 feet, with supplemental 10-foot contours. The altitude ranges from less than 670 feet at a point along the east border of the county to more than 1,000 feet above sea level at three points in the central part of the county. (Woodard-USGS)

Wisconsin