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USGS2011

Hydrogeology, chemical characteristics, and water sources and pathways in the zone of contribution of a public-supply well in San Antonio, Texas

In 2001, the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program of the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a series of studies on the transport of anthropogenic and natural contaminants (TANC) to public-supply wells (PSWs). The main goal of the TANC project was to better understand the source, transport, and receptor factors that control contaminant movement to PSWs in representative aquifers of the United States. Regional- and local-scale study areas were selected from within existing NAWQA study units, including the south-central Texas Edwards aquifer. The local-scale TANC study area, nested within the regional-scale NAWQA study area, is representative of the regional Edwards aquifer. The PSW selected for study is within a well field of six production wells. Although a single PSW was initially selected, because of constraints of well-field operation, samples were collected from different wells within the well field for different components of the study. Data collected from all of the well-field wells were considered comparable because of similar well construction, hydrogeology, and geochemistry. An additional 38 PSWs (mostly completed in the confined part of the aquifer) were sampled throughout the regional aquifer to characterize water quality. Two monitoring well clusters, with wells completed at different depths, were installed to the east and west of the well field (the Zarzamora and Timberhill monitoring well clusters, respectively). One of the monitoring wells was completed in the overburden to evaluate potential hydrologic connectivity with the Edwards aquifer. Geophysical and flowmeter logs were collected from one of the well-field PSWs to determine zones of contribution to the wellbore. These contributing zones, associated with different hydrogeologic units, were used to select monitoring well completion depths and groundwater sample collection depths for depth-dependent sampling. Depth-dependent samples were collected from the PSW from three different depths and under three different pumping conditions. Additionally, selected monitoring wells and one of the well-field PSWs were sampled several times in response to a rainfall and recharge event to assess short-term (event-scale) temporal variations in water quality. For comparison purposes, groundwater samples were categorized as being from regional aquifer PSWs, from the well field (wellhead samples), from the monitoring wells (excluding the overburden well), from the overburden well, from the PSW depth-dependent sampling, and from temporal sampling. Groundwater samples were analyzed for inorganic, organic, isotopic, and age-dating tracers to characterize geochemical conditions in the aquifer and provide understanding of the mechanisms of mobilization and movement of selected constituents from source areas to a PSW. Sources, tracers, and conditions used to assess water quality and processes affecting the PSW and the aquifer system included (1) carbonate host rock composition; (2) physicochemical constituents; (3) major and trace element concentrations; (4) saturation indices with respect to minerals in aquifer rocks; (5) elemental ratios, such as magnesium to calcium ratios, that are indicative of water-rock interaction processes; (6) oxidation-reduction conditions; (7) nutrient concentrations, in particular nitrate concentrations; (8) the isotopic composition of nitrate, which can point to specific nitrate sources; (9) strontium isotopes; (10) stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen; (11) organic contaminant concentrations, including pesticides and volatile organic compounds; (12) age tracers, apparent-age distribution, and dissolved gas data used in age interpretations; (13) depth-dependent water chemistry collected from the PSW under different pumping conditions to assess zones of contribution; and (14) temporal variability in groundwater composition from the PSW and selected monitoring wells in response to an aquifer recharge event. Geochemical results indicate that the well-field and monitoring well samples were largely representative of groundwater in the regional confined aquifer. Constituents of concern in the Edwards aquifer for the long-term sustainability of the groundwater resource include the nutrient nitrate and anthropogenic organic contaminants. Nitrate concentrations (as nitrogen) for regional aquifer PSWs had a median value of 1.9 milligrams per liter, which is similar to previously reported values for the regional aquifer. Nitrate-isotope compositions for groundwater samples collected from the well-field PSWs and monitoring wells had a narrow range, with values indicative of natural soil organic values. A comparison with historical nitrate-isotope values, however, suggests that a component of nitrate in groundwater from biogenic sources might have increased over the last 30 years. Several organic contaminants (the pesticide atrazine, its degradate deethylatrazine, trichloromethane (chloroform; a drinking-water disinfection byproduct), and the solvent tetrachloroethene (PCE)) were widely distributed throughout the regional aquifer and in the local-scale TANC study area at low concentrations (less than 1 microgram per liter). Higher concentrations of PCE were detected in samples from the well-field PSWs and Zarzamora monitoring wells relative to the regional aquifer PSWs. The urban environment is a likely source of contaminants to the aquifer, and these results indicate that one or more local urban sources might be supplying PCE to the Zarzamora monitoring wells and the well-field wells. Samples from the well field also had high concentrations of chloroform relative to the monitoring wells and regional aquifer PSWs. For samples from the regional aquifer PSWs, the most frequently detected organic contaminants generally decreased in concentration with increasing well depth. Deeper wells might intercept longer regional flow paths with higher fractions of older water or water recharged in rural recharge areas in the western part of the aquifer that have been less affected by anthropogenic contaminants. A scenario of hypothetical contaminant loading was evaluated by using results from groundwater-flow-model particle tracking to assess the response of the aquifer to potential contamination. Results indicate that the aquifer responds quickly (less than 1 year to several years) to contaminant loading; however, it takes a relatively long time (decades) for concentrations to reach peak values. The aquifer also responds quickly (less than 1 year to several years) to the removal of contaminant loading; however, it also takes a relatively long time (decades) to reach near background concentrations. Interpretation of geochemical age tracers in this well-mixed karst system was complicated by contamination of a majority of measured tracers and complexities of extensive mixing. Age-tracer results generally indicated that groundwater samples were composed of young, recently recharged water with piston-flow model ages ranging from less than 1 to 41 years, with a median of 17 years. Although a piston-flow model is typically not valid for karst aquifers, the model ages provide a basis for comparing relative ages of different samples and a reference point for more complex hydrogeologic models for apparent-age interpretations. Young groundwater ages are consistent with particle-tracking results from hydrogeologic modeling for the local-scale TANC study area. Age-tracer results compared poorly with other geochemical indicators of groundwater residence time and anthropogenic effects on water quality, indicating that hydrogeologic conceptual models used in groundwater age interpretations might not adequately account for mixing in this karst system. Groundwater samples collected from the well field under a variety of pumping conditions were relatively homogeneous and well mixed for numerous geochemical constituents (with the notable exception of age tracers). Groundwater contributions to the PSW were dominated by well-mixed, relatively homogeneous groundwater, typical of the regional confined aquifer. Zones of preferential flow were determined for the PSW, but groundwater samples from different stratigraphic units were not geochemically distinct. Variations in chemical constituents in response to a rainfall and aquifer recharge event occurred but were relatively minor in the PSW and monitoring wells. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that the response to individual recharge events in the confined aquifer, unless intersecting conduit flow paths, might be attenuated by mixing processes along regional flow paths. Results of this study are consistent with the existing conceptual understanding of aquifer processes in this karst system and are useful for water-resource development and management practices.

Texas↗

USGS2014

Mineralogical, chemical and K-Ar isotopic changes in Kreyenhagen Shale whole rocks and <2 µm clay fractions during natural burial and hydrous-pyrolysis experimental maturation

Progressive maturation of the Eocene Kreyenhagen Shale from the San Joaquin Basin of California was studied by combining mineralogical and chemical analyses with K–Ar dating of whole rocks and <2 μm clay fractions from naturally buried samples and laboratory induced maturation by hydrous pyrolysis of an immature outcrop sample. The K–Ar age decreases from 89.9 ± 3.9 and 72.4 ± 4.2 Ma for the outcrop whole rock and its <2 μm fraction, respectively, to 29.7 ± 1.5 and 21.0 ± 0.7 Ma for the equivalent materials buried to 5167 m. The natural maturation does not produce K–Ar ages in the historical sense, but rather K/Ar ratios of relative K and radiogenic 40 Ar amounts resulting from a combined crystallization of authigenic and alteration of initial detrital K-bearing minerals of the rocks. The Al/K ratio of the naturally matured rocks is essentially constant for the entire depth sequence, indicating that there is no detectable variation in the crystallo-chemical organization of the K-bearing alumino-silicates with depth. No supply of K from outside of the rock volumes occurred, which indicates a closed-system behavior for it. Conversely, the content of the total organic carbon (TOC) content decreases significantly with burial, based on the progressive increasing Al/TOC ratio of the whole rocks. The initial varied mineralogy and chemistry of the rocks and their <2 μm fractions resulting from differences in detrital sources and depositional settings give scattered results that homogenize progressively during burial due to increased authigenesis, and concomitant increased alteration of the detrital material. Hydrous pyrolysis was intended to alleviate the problem of mineral and chemical variations in initially deposited rocks of naturally matured sequences. However, experiments on aliquots from thermally immature Kreyenhagen Shale outcrop sample did not mimic the results from naturally buried samples. Experiments conducted for 72 h at temperatures from 270 to 365 °C did not induce significant changes at temperatures above 310 °C in the mineralogical composition and K–Ar ages of the rock and <2 μm fraction. The K–Ar ages of the <2 μm fraction range from 72.4 ± 4.2 Ma in the outcrop sample to 62.4 ± 3.4 Ma in the sample heated the most at 365 °C for 216 h. This slight decrease in age outlines some loss of radiogenic 40 Ar, together with losses of organic matter as oil, gas, and aqueous organic species. Large amounts of smectite layers in the illite–smectite mixed layers of the pyrolyzed outcrop <2 μm fraction remain during thermal experiments, especially above 310 °C. With no illitization detected above 310 °C, smectite appears to have inhibited rather than promoted generation of expelled oil from decomposition of bitumen. This hindrance is interpreted to result from bitumen impregnating the smectite interlayer sites and rock matrix. Bitumen remains in the <2 μm fraction despite leaching with H 2 O 2 . Its presence in the smectite interlayers is apparent by the inability of the clay fraction to fully expand or collapse once bitumen generation from the thermal decomposition of the kerogen is completed, and by almost invariable K–Ar ages confirming for the lack of any K supply and/or radiogenic 40 Ar removal. This suggests that once bitumen impregnates the porosity of a progressively maturing source rock, the pore system is no longer wetted by water and smectite to illite conversion ceases. Experimental attempts to evaluate the smectite conversion to illite should preferentially use low-TOC rocks to avoid inhibition of the reaction by bitumen impregnation.

California↗

USGS2016

A salt diapir-related Mississippi Valley-type deposit: The Bou Jaber Pb-Zn-Ba-F deposit, Tunisia: Fluid inclusion and isotope study

The Bou Jaber Ba-F-Pb-Zn deposit is located at the edge of the Bou Jaber Triassic salt diapir in the Tunisia Salt Diapir Province. The ores are unconformity and fault-controlled and occur as subvertical column-shaped bodies developed in dissolution-collapse breccias and in cavities within the Late Aptian platform carbonate rocks, which are covered unconformably by impermeable shales and marls of the Fahdene Formation (Late Albian–Cenomanian age). The host rock is hydrothermally altered to ankerite proximal to and within the ore bodies. Quartz, as fine-grained bipyramidal crystals, formed during hydrothermal alteration of the host rocks. The ore mineral assemblage is composed of barite, fluorite, sphalerite, and galena in decreasing abundance. The ore zones outline distinct depositional events: sphalerite-galena, barite-ankerite, and fluorite. Fluid inclusions, commonly oil-rich, have distinct fluid salinities and homogenization temperatures for each of these events: sphalerite-galena (17 to 24 wt% NaCl eq., and Th from 112 to 136 °C); ankerite-barite (11 to 17 wt% NaCl eq., and Th from 100 to 130 °C); fluorite (19 to 21 wt% NaCl eq., Th from 140 to 165 °C). The mean temperature of the ore fluids decreased from sphalerite (125 °C) to barite (115 °C) and increased during fluorite deposition (152 °C); then decreased to &sim;110 °C during late calcite precipitation. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of fluid inclusions in fluorite are metal rich (hundreds to thousands ppm Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe) but the inclusions in barite are deficient in Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe. Inclusions in fluorite have Cl/Br and Na/Br ratios of several thousand, consistent with dissolution of halite while the inclusions analysed in barite have values lower than seawater which are indicative of a Br-enriched brine derived from evaporation plus a component of halite dissolution. The salinity of the barite-hosted fluid inclusions is less than obtained simply by the evaporation of seawater to halite saturation and requires a dilution of more than two times by meteoric water. The higher K/Na values in fluid inclusions from barite suggest that the brines interacted with K-rich rocks in the basement or siliciclastic sediments in the basin. Carbonate gangue minerals (ankerite and calcite) have δ 13 C and δ 18 O values that are close to the carbonate host rock and indicate fluid equilibrium between carbonate host rocks and hydrothermal brines. The δ 34 S values for sphalerite and galena fall within a narrow range (1 to 10 &permil;) with a bulk value of 7.5 &permil;, indicating a homogeneous source of sulfur. The δ 34 S values of barite are also relatively homogeneous (22 &permil;), with 6 &permil; higher than the δ 34 S of local and regional Triassic evaporites (15 &permil;). The latter are believed to be the source of sulfate. Temperature of deposition together with sulfur isotope data indicate that the reduced sulfur in sulfides was derived through thermochemical sulfate reduction of Triassic sulfate via hydrocarbons produced probably from Late Cretaceous source rocks. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio in the Bou Jaber barite (0.709821 to 0.711408) together with the lead isotope values of Bou Jaber galena ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.699 to 18.737; 207 Pb/ 204 Pb = 15.635 to 15.708 and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 38.321 to 38.947) show that metals were extracted from homogeneous crustal source(s). The tectonic setting of the Bou Jaber ore deposit, the carbonate nature of the host rocks, the epigenetic style of the mineralization and the mineral associations, together with sulfur and oxygen isotope data and fluid inclusion data show that the Bou Jaber lead-zinc mineralization has the major characteristics of a salt diapir-related Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposit with superimposed events of fluorite and of barite deposition. Field relations are consistent with mineral deposition during the Eocene–Miocene Alpine orogeny from multiple hydrothermal events: (1) Zn-Pb sulfides formed by mixing of two fluids: one fluid metal-rich but reduced sulfur-poor and a second fluid reduced sulfur-rich; (2) barite precipitation involved the influx of a meteoric water component that mixed with a barium-rich fluid; and (3) fluorite precipitated from a highly saline fluid with higher temperatures.

Mineralium Deposita↗

USGS2015

Applied Geochemistry Special Issue on Environmental geochemistry of modern mining

Environmental geochemistry is an integral part of the mine-life cycle, particularly for modern mining. The critical importance of environmental geochemistry begins with pre-mining baseline characterization and the assessment of environmental risks related to mining, continues through active mining especially in water and waste management practices, and culminates in mine closure. The enhanced significance of environmental geochemistry to modern mining has arisen from an increased knowledge of the impacts that historical and active mining can have on the environment, and from new regulations meant to guard against these impacts. New regulations are commonly motivated by advances in the scientific understanding of the environmental impacts of past mining. The impacts can be physical, chemical, and biological in nature. The physical challenges typically fall within the purview of engineers, whereas the chemical and biological challenges typically require a multidisciplinary array of expertise including geologists, geochemists, hydrologists, microbiologists, and biologists. The modern mine-permitting process throughout most of the world now requires that potential risks be assessed prior to the start of mining. The strategies for this risk assessment include a thorough characterization of pre-mining baseline conditions and the identification of risks specifically related to the manner in which the ore will be mined and processed, how water and waste products will be managed, and what the final configuration of the post-mining landscape will be. In the Fall 2010, the Society of Economic Geologists held a short course in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America in Denver, Colorado (USA) to examine the environmental geochemistry of modern mining. The intent was to focus on issues that are pertinent to current and future mines, as opposed to abandoned mines, which have been the focus of numerous previous short courses. The geochemical challenges of current and future mines share similarities with abandoned mines, but differences also exist. Mining and ore processing techniques have changed; the environmental footprint of waste materials has changed; environmental protection has become a more integral part of the mine planning process; and most historical mining was done with limited regard for the environment. The 17 papers in this special issue evolved from the Society of Economic Geologists’ short course. The relevant geochemical processes encompass the source, transport, and fate of contaminants related to the life cycle of a mine. Contaminants include metals and other inorganic species derived from geologic sources such as ore and solid mine waste, and substances brought to the site for ore processing, such as cyanide to leach gold. Factors, such as mine-waste mineralogy, hydrologic setting, mine-drainage chemistry, and microbial activity, that affect the hydrochemical risks from mining are reviewed by Nordstrom et al. In another paper, Nordstrom discusses baseline characterization at mine sites in a regulatory framework, and emphasizes the influence of mineral deposits in producing naturally elevated concentrations of many trace elements in surface water and groundwater. Surface water quality in mineralized watersheds is influenced by a number of processes that act on daily (diel) cycles and can produce dramatic variations in trace element concentrations as described by Gammons et al. Pre-mining baseline characterization studies should strive to capture the magnitude of these diel variations. Desbarats et al., using a case study of mine drainage from a gold mine, illustrate how elements that commonly occur as negatively charged species (anions) in solution, such as arsenic as arsenate, behave in an opposite fashion than most metals, which occur as positively charged species (cations). Significant improvement in the understanding of factors that influence the toxicity of metals to aquatic organisms in surface water has highlighted the importance of aqueous chemistry, particularly dissolved organic carbon, as described by Smith et al. Stream sediment contamination is another important pathway for affecting aquatic organisms, as reviewed by Besser et al. Understanding and predicting environmental consequences from mining begins with knowing the mineralogy and mineral reactivity of the ore, the wastes, and of secondary minerals formed later. Jamieson et al. review the importance of mineralogical studies in mine planning and remediation. A number of types of site-specific studies are needed to identify environmental risks related to individual mines. Lapakko reviews the general framework of mine waste characterization studies that are integral to the mine planning process. Hageman et al. present a comparative study of several static tests commonly used to characterize mine waste. The mining and ore processing practices employed at a specific mine site will vary on the basis of the commodities being targeted, the geology of the deposit, the geometry of the deposit, and the mining and ore processing methods used. Thus, these factors, in addition to the waste management practices used, can result in a variety of end-member mine waste features, each of which has its own set of challenges. Open pit mines and underground mines require waste rock to be removed to access ore. Waste rock presents unique problems because the rock is commonly mineralized at sub-economic grades and has not been processed to remove potentially problematic minerals, such as pyrite. Amos et al. examine the salient aspects of the geochemistry of waste rock. Mill tailings – the waste material after ore minerals have been removed – are a volumetrically important solid waste at many mine sites. Their fine grain size and the options for their management make their behavior in the environment distinct from that of waste rock. Lindsay et al. describe some of these differences through three case-study examples. Subaqueous disposal of tailings is another option described by Moncur et al. Cyanide leaching for gold extraction is a common method throughout the world. Johnson describes environmental aspects of cyanidation. Uranium mining presents unique environmental challenges, particularly since in-situ recovery has seen widespread use. Campbell et al. review the environmental geochemistry of uranium mining and current research on bioremediation. Ore concentrates from many types of metal mining undergo a pyrometallurgical technique known as smelting to extract the metal. Slag is the result of smelting, and it may be an environmental liability or a valuable byproduct, as described by Piatak et al. Finally, the open pits that result from surface mining commonly reach below the water table. At the end of mining, these pits may fill to form lakes that become part of the legacy of the mine. Castendyk et al., in two papers, review theoretical aspects of the environmental limnology of pit lakes. They also describe approaches that have been used to model pit lake water balance, wall-rock contributions to pit lake chemistry, pit lake water quality, and limnological processes, such as vertical mixing, through the use of three case studies.

Applied Geochemistry↗

USGS2017

Geophysics- and geochemistry-based assessment of the geochemical characteristics and groundwater-flow system of the U.S. part of the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso County, Texas, 2010–12

One of the largest rechargeable groundwater systems by total available volume in the Rio Grande/Río Bravo Basin (hereinafter referred to as the “Rio Grande”) region of the United States and Mexico, the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system, supplies water for irrigation as well as for cities of El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation assessed the groundwater resources in the Mesilla Basin and surrounding areas in Doña Ana County, N. Mex., and El Paso County, Tex., by using a combination of geophysical and geochemical methods. The study area consists of approximately 1,400 square miles in Doña Ana County, N. Mex., and 100 square miles in El Paso County, Tex. The Mesilla Basin composes most of the study area and can be divided into three parts: the Mesilla Valley, the West Mesa, and the East Bench. The Mesilla Valley is the part of the Mesilla Basin that was incised by the Rio Grande between Selden Canyon to the north and by a narrow valley (about 4 miles wide) to the southeast near El Paso, Tex., named the Paso del Norte, which is sometimes referred to in the literature as the “El Paso Narrows.” Previously published geophysical data for the study area were compiled and these data were augmented by collecting additional geophysical and geochemical data. Geophysical resistivity measurements from previously published helicopter frequency domain electromagnetic data, previously published direct-current resistivity soundings, and newly collected (2012) time-domain electromagnetic soundings were used in the study to detect spatial changes in the electrical properties of the subsurface, which reflect changes that occur within the hydrogeology. The geochemistry of the groundwater system was evaluated by analyzing groundwater samples collected in November 2010 for physicochemical properties, major ions, trace elements, nutrients, pesticides (reported but not used in the assessment), and environmental tracers. The data obtained from these samples (with the exception of the pesticide data) were used to gain insights into processes controlling the groundwater movement through the groundwater system in the study area. Results from the geophysical and geochemical assessments facilitated the interpretation of the geochemical characteristics of the groundwater sources and geochemical groups within the groundwater system. The groundwater-flow system in the study area consists primarily of the Mesilla Basin aquifer system, which can be divided into four hydrogeologic units by using an informal classification scheme based on basin-fill stratigraphy and sedimentology with an emphasis on aquifer characteristics. The four hydrogeologic units are (1) the Rio Grande alluvium, which is the shallow aquifer of the Mesilla Basin within the confines of the Mesilla Valley, and the three hydrogeologic units that compose the Santa Fe Group: (2) the lower part of the Santa Fe Group, which is the least productive zone, (3) the middle part of the Santa Fe Group, which is the primary water-bearing hydrogeologic unit in the basin and is generally saturated, and (4) the upper part of the Santa Fe Group, which is the most productive water-bearing unit within the Santa Fe Group but is only partially saturated in the north and largely unsaturated in the south and western parts of the Mesilla Basin. The helicopter frequency domain electromagnetic survey results indicated that approximately half of the resistivity values were less than 10 ohm-meters at depths of 50 and 100 feet with a transition where the resistivity values changed from relatively high values (greater than 20 ohm-meters) to relatively low resistivity values (less than 10 ohm-meters) near Vado, New Mexico. Slightly more than 25 percent of the gridded resistivity values from the three-dimensional grid of the combined inverse modeling results of the direct-current resistivity and time-domain electromagnetic soundings were equal to or less than 10 ohm-meters with large regions of low resistivity becoming apparent in the southernmost part of the study area near the Paso Del Norte where these low resistivity features are spatially the widest at or below the top of the bedrock. These low resistivity values might represent clayey deposits, sediments composed largely of sand and gravel saturated with saline water, or both. Historical dissolved-solids-concentration data within the surface geophysical subset area of the study area were compiled and compared to the inverse modeling results of the combined direct-current resistivity and time-domain soundings; this comparison was done to strengthen the interpretation made from the combined inverse modeling results that the low resistivity features were representative of sand and gravel deposits saturated with saline water and not clayey deposits. Water-level altitudes within the Rio Grande alluvium generally decreased from north to south, with a west to east decrease in water-level altitudes near Las Cruces, New Mexico, as a result of groundwater pumping. Groundwater flow within the Santa Fe Group is more complex than the groundwater flow within the Rio Grande alluvium because of the larger lateral and vertical extent of the Santa Fe Group compared to the Rio Grande alluvium. Groundwater from the Organ Mountains flows directly south towards the Paso del Norte. Groundwater from the Robledo Mountains, the Rough and Ready Hills, and the Sleeping Lady Hills generally flows to the southeast. Groundwater flowing near the north end of the midbasin uplift generally continues east towards the Rio Grande and then flows south on the east side of the midbasin uplift. Groundwater flowing near the west side of the midbasin uplift generally continues south parallel to the faults that make up the midbasin uplift and then flows east towards the Paso del Norte when it reaches the south end of the midbasin uplift. Groundwater from the Aden Hills and the East and West Potrillo Mountains flows to the south end of the midbasin uplift and then continues east towards the Paso del Norte. Throughout most of the Mesilla Valley, the vertical hydraulic gradient was downward because the water-level altitude in the Rio Grande alluvium was higher than it was in the Santa Fe Group, but in some areas (typically in the middle and southern parts of the Mesilla Valley), the vertical hydraulic gradient was substantially reduced or even reversed to an upward hydraulic gradient. The geochemistry data indicate that there was a complex system of multiple geochemical endmembers and mixing between these endmembers with recharge to the Rio Grande alluvium and Santa Fe Group composed mostly of seepage from the Rio Grande, inflows from deeper or neighboring water systems, and mountain-front recharge. Five distinct geochemical groups were identified in the Mesilla Basin study area: (1) ancestral Rio Grande (pre-Pleistocene) geochemical group, (2) modern Rio Grande (Pleistocene to present) geochemical group, (3) mountain-front geochemical group, (4) deep groundwater upwelling geochemical group, and (5) unknown freshwater geochemical group. The ancestral Rio Grande groundwater was water that recharged into the system as seepage losses from the ancestral Rio Grande; this groundwater generally flows from north to south-southeast towards the Paso del Norte. Groundwater on the west side of the midbasin uplift generally flows south until it reaches the southern part of the study area; from the southern part of the study area, the groundwater flows east towards the Paso del Norte. Groundwater on the east side of the midbasin uplift flows south-southeast towards the Paso del Norte where it mixes with groundwater from the modern Rio Grande, uplifted areas in the west, and the deep saline source. The water type of the modern Rio Grande geochemical group ranged from calcium-sulfate water type in the northern part of the study area to sodium-chloride-sulfate water type in the southern part of the study area; from north to south there was a substantial increase in specific conductance, strontium-87/strontium-86 ratio, potassium, and the trace metals of iron and lithium, changing the water chemistry such that it became similar to the water chemistry of the deep groundwater upwelling geochemical group. From age-dating results, water in the modern Rio Grande geochemical group was recharged to the Rio Grande alluvium within the past 10 years. The mountain-front geochemical group was generally old water (apparent age was greater than 10,000 carbon-14 years before present) that was somewhat mineralized and has relatively high concentrations of fluoride and silica, which might indicate longer exposure to volcanic and siliciclastic rocks or aluminosilicate minerals. There were five different locations of recharge determined from the groundwater geochemistry within the mountain-front geochemical group, all having a slightly different geochemical signature: (1) the Rough and Ready Hills, Robledo Mountains, and the Sleeping Lady Hills, (2) the Doña Ana Mountains, (3) the Aden Hills and West Potrillo Mountains, (4) the East Potrillo Mountains, and (5) the Sierra Juárez in Mexico. The groundwater from the Rough and Ready Hills, Robledo Mountains, the Sleeping Lady Hills, and the Doña Ana Mountains generally flows toward the Rio Grande and eventually mixes together and with the modern Rio Grande groundwater. The groundwater originating from the Aden Hills and East and West Potrillo Mountains generally flows east to southeast at a slow rate and eventually mixes and continues east, where it mixes with groundwater from the ancestral Rio Grande geochemical group and with the groundwater from the Sierra Juárez. The groundwater from the Sierra Juárez flows north and then east towards the Paso del Norte where it mixes with groundwater from the uplifted areas in the west, ancestral and modern Rio Grande groundwater, and the upwelling groundwater from a deep saline source. The deep groundwater upwelling geochemical group had the highest concentrations of bicarbonate, potassium, silica, aluminum, iron, and lithium within the study area, indicating that it had been in contact with carbonate and siliciclastic rocks for a much longer period of time and at higher temperatures compared to the other geochemical groups, and was most likely ancient marine groundwater originating from the Paleozoic and Cretaceous carbonate rocks which was upwelling into the Mesilla Basin aquifer system in the southeastern part of the study area through the extensive fault systems. Direct-current resistivity and time-domain electromagnetic soundings support the interpretation of ancient marine groundwater upwelling into the Mesilla Basin aquifer system, as do the analytical results from wells, and the helicopter frequency domain electromagnetic data collected along the Rio Grande. The hydrogen-2/hydrogen-1 ratio and oxygen-18/oxygen-16 ratio isotopic results for samples in the unknown freshwater geochemical group did not plot on the Rio Grande evaporation line, indicating this group did not have a Rio Grande signature (that is, there was no isotopic evidence of a component of Rio Grande water) and it also had the lowest mineralized content of any geochemical group in the study area.

New Mexico, Texas↗

USGS2005

Questa baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality investigation. 10. Geologic influences on ground and surface waters in the lower Red River watershed, New Mexico

This report is one in a series that presents results of an interdisciplinary U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study of ground-water quality in the lower Red River watershed prior to open-pit and underground molybdenite mining at Molycorp’s Questa mine. The stretch of the Red River watershed that extends from just upstream of the town of Red River, N. Mex., to just above the town of Questa includes several mineralized areas in addition to the one mined by Molycorp. Natural erosion and weathering of pyrite-rich rocks in the mineralized areas has created a series of erosional scars along this stretch of the Red River that contribute acidic waters, as well as mineralized alluvial material and sediments, to the river. The overall goal of the USGS study is to infer the premining ground-water quality at the Molycorp mine site. An integrated geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical model for ground water in the mineralized—but unmined—Straight Creek drainage (a tributary of the Red River) is being used as an analog for the geologic, geochemical, and hydrologic conditions that influenced ground-water quality and quantity in the Red River drainage prior to mining. This report provides an overall geologic framework for the Red River watershed between Red River and Questa, in northern New Mexico, and summarizes key geologic, mineralogic, structural and other characteristics of various mineralized areas (and their associated erosional scars and debris fans) that likely influence ground- and surface-water quality and hydrology. The premining nature of the Sulphur Gulch and Goat Hill Gulch scars on the Molycorp mine site can be inferred through geologic comparisons with other unmined scars in the Red River drainage.

New Mexico↗

USGS1983

Time-domain electromagnetic tests in the Wadi Bidah District, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

A time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) method was tested in two areas of mineralization in Precambrian rocks in the Wadi Bidah district, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Transient-decay voltages in profile mode were measured across the Sha'ab at Tare and Rabathan prospects by use of three transmitterreceiver loop configurations. At the Sha'ab at Tare prospect all of the loop configurations indicated the mineralized zone. Analysis of the coincident loop data at Sha'ab at Tare reveals that gossanous and altered rock of i0 ohm-m resistivity extends to a depth of 35 m, where there is an unweathered, dry mineralized zone of about 1 ohm-m resistivity. The model further suggests that the rocks at a depth of 55 m and below the water table are even less resistive (0. 1 ohm-m). The TDEM method successfully discriminated conductors within from those below the weathered zone at the Rabathan prospect. Conductors below the weathered zone are identified by a lack of transient response in the early part of the transient decay curve, followed by an increasing response in the middle to late parts of the transient decay curve. Results of these limited tests suggest the potential value of integrating TDEM with other geophysical tools in the Kingdom. Recommendations are made to expand these tests into a more comprehensive program that will evaluate the TDEM potential in various geologic environments that are host to mineral deposits of diverse origin.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1903

Chemical composition of igneous rocks expressed by means of diagrams, with reference to rock classification on a quantitative chemico-mineralogical basis

The value of graphical methods for expressing relative quantities has been well established in all kinds of statistical exposition and discussion. Their use in conveying definite conceptions of relative quantities of chemical and mineral components of rocks is becoming more and more frequent, and the value of the results in some cases can not be overestimated. This is especially true when a series or group of rocks is being considered. The intricate variations in the amounts of numerous mineral components, or of chemical components, baffle most attempts to comprehend their interrelationships by simple contemplation or by study of the numbers in which they may be expressed. Many facts and relations are overlooked which arc readily observed when diagrams are used to represent numerical figures. Moreover, visual memory is sufficiently developed in most persons to enable them to carry in mind simple geometrical forms, where it does not permit them to recollect manifold assemblages of oft-repeated numbers. Mental impressions of simple diagrams are, therefore, more definite and lasting and enable the student to store up a much greater amount of quantitative data than he could otherwise acquire.

Professional Paper↗

USGS1970

Uraninite-bearing contact metamorphic deposits, Heaths Peak, Carbon County, Wyoming

Deposits that contain uraninite and sulfide minerals at Heaths Peak, Carbon County, Wyo., display a zoned distribution of metals from the edge of granite into adjacent metamorphic rocks. The metallic minerals -- uraninite, molybdenite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, pyrrhotite, and marcasite -- are concentrated on the undersides of metamorphosed roof pendants. At the Little Man mine, deposition was related to a small cupola projecting into the central part of an elongate pendant. The host rocks and the deposits are of Precambrian age.

Wyoming↗

USGS1994

Maps showing interpretation, using R-mode factor analysis, of trace-element abundances in heavy-mineral concentrate samples, Delta 1° x 2° quadrangle, Utah

A set of heavy-mineral concentrate data for the Delta 1° x 2° quadrangle, Utah Conterminous U.S. Mineral Assessment Program (CUSMAP) project was compiled from results of analyses of samples collected during the National Uranium Resource Evaluation Program (SURE), as well as results obtained from samples collected more recently by the USGS. Data results, sampling methods, and analytical methods are provided in Abrogast and others, 1993; 1990; 1988a; 1988b). A similar report, discussing results obtained from stream-sediment samples, is presented in Zimbelman (1993a). The Delta 1° x 2° quadrangle, Utah (figure 1) contains a variety of hydrothermal mineral deposit types, including porphyry-, vein-, replacement-, and Carlin-type deposits. These deposit types have been worked for commodities including gold, silver, beryllium, uranium, lead, zinc, copper, manganese, and cadmium (Lindsey, 1977; Morris and Mogensen, 1978; Zimbelman and others, 1990; Zimbelman and others, 1988). Heavy-mineral concentrate and stream-sediment samples derived from these hydrothermally altered rocks typically contain many geochemical anomalies (for example, see Zimbelman 1993b, c, d). Element associations characterizing lithology and hydrothermal mineral deposits can be distinguished using R-mode factor analysis. This tool often is useful in reconnaissance-scale surveys where sample anomalies are often weak. and single-element distributions may not help to delineate targets. R-mode factors analysis can help identify geologic trends and areas most likely to contain the mineral deposits. R-mode factor analysis was performed on a data set of results of analyses for 19 elements in 643 samples and produced a six-factor model. These six factors represent the geochemical contributions to the data set provided by lithologic and mineralization processes, The distribution of samples that contain high scores for mineralization-related factors is widespread in the Delta quadrangle. These sample sites are though to relate to both known prospect and mineralization areas, as well as define new areas that are geochemically favorable to contain altered or mineralized rocks.

Utah↗

USGS1977

Lithium in the brines of Fish Lake Valley and Columbus Salt Marsh, Nevada

Analyses of waters-from springs in Nevada have led to the identification of an area containing anomalous amounts of lithium northwest of the Clayton Valley-area. Fish Lake Valley and Columbus Salt Marsh contain waters having, relatively high lithium and potassium concentrations. At least a part of these waters is probably derived from the leaching of Tertiary rocks containing saline minerals. The high-lithium waters at Columbus Salt Marsh could be derived not only by the leaching of rocks with a high soluble lithium ands, potassium content but also by subsurface outflow from Fish Lake Valley.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1985

Mineralization of breccia pipes in northern Arizona

The Paleozoic sedimentary rocks on the Colorado Plateau of northern Arizona are host to hundreds ofbreccia pipes. The uranium and copper deposits in these breccia pipes transgress formation boundaries from the Mississippian Redwall Limestone to the Triassic Chinle Formation. They are not classic breccia pipes in that there is no volcanic rock associated with them in time or space. They are the result of solution-collapse within the Redwall Limestone and stoping of the overlying strata. The karst development in the Redwall Limestone began in the Mississippian and apparently either continued to the Triassic or was at least once again active during that time. The mineralization apparently occurred shortly thereafter, sometime during the Mesozoic. Mining activity in breccia pipes of the Grand Canyon region began during the nineteenth century and continues today with the operation of the Hack I, II, and III mines, although the exploited commodity has changed from Cu to U. Although small in size, these pipes contain samples with up to 55 percent U 3 O 8 and can yield ore averaging between 0.30 and 0.60 percent U 3 O 8 .Mineralization at the surface commonly occurs within nodules and concretions associated with pyrite and goethite and along fractures, while the primary ore of the unoxidized zones is commonly within a comminuted sandstone matrix surrounding breccia fragments of overlying formations. The ore mineral is uraninite, although associated with it are sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, tennantite, millerite, siegenite, and/molybdenite. Some of the surface nodules are encrusted with malachite and are exceptionally enriched in Ag. Pyrite is abundant, and the organic carbon content of some rocks is high enough to suggest that it, along with the pyrite, may be a reductant for uranium. In contrast, it is possible, if uranium were transported as a bicarbonate or carbonate complex, that only a conduit of brecciated rock was necessary to release CO 2 , thus disrupting the equilibrium and allowing uraninite to precipitate. An extensive suite of elements is significantly enriched in the mineralized rock: Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V, Zn, and the rare earth elements. Of these, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, and particularly As appear to be the best geochemical indicators of mineralized pipes. At present the origin of the mineralizing fluids is not known. The lack of extensive silification within the breccia, along with the 80 degrees to 173 degrees C fluid inclusion-filling temperatures on sphalerite, dolomite, quartz, and calcite, suggests relatively low-temperature mineralizing fluids, although heated in excess of what would be expected from the normal geothermal gradient on the Colorado Plateau. With the exception of the U-mineralized rock, the mineral assemblage and geochemistry is similar to Mississippi Valley-type deposits.

Economic Geology↗

USGS1975

Geology of the Midnite uranium mine, Stevens County, Washington; a preliminary report

The Midnite mine is one of only two mines in the United States currently producing uranium from discordant deposits in crystalline host rocks. Ore bodies are in metamorphosed steeply dipping Precambrian pelitic and calcareous rocks of a roof pendant adjacent to a Cretaceous(?) porphyritic quartz monzonite pluton. Production during 14 years, of operation has been about 8 million pounds of U3O8 from oxidized and reduced ores averaging 0.23 percent U3O8. Uranium deposits are generally tabular in form and dimensions range up to 380 m long, 210 m wide, and 50 m thick. Deposits are bounded on at least one side by unmineralized intrusive ribs of granitic rock, and thickest mineralized zones invariably occur at depressions in the intrusive contact. Upper limits of some deposits are nearly horizontal, and upper elevations of adjacent mineralized zones separated by ribs of granite are similar. Near surface ore is predominantly autunite, but ore at depth consists of pitchblende and coffinite with abundant pyrite and marcasite. Uranium minerals occur as .disseminations along foliation, replacements, and stockwork fracture-fillings. No stratigraphic controls on ore deposition are recognized. Rather, mineralized zones cut across lithologic boundaries if permeability is adequate. Most ore is in muscovite schist and mica phyllite, but important deposits occur in calc-silicate hornfels. Amphibolite sills and mid-Tertiary dacite dikes locally, carry ore where intensely fractured. High content of iron and sulfur, contained chiefly in FeS2, appear to be an important feature of favorable host rocks. Geometry of deposits, structural, and geochemical features suggest that uranium minerals were deposited over a span of time from late Cretaceous to late Tertiary. Ore occurs in but is not offset by a shear zone that displaces mid-Tertiary rocks.. Economic zones of uranium are interpreted to have been secondarily enriched in late Tertiary time by downward and lateral migration of uranium into permeable zones where deposition was influenced by ground water controls and minerals that could reduce or neutralize uranium-bearing solutions.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1986

Relationship of grade, tonnage, and basement lithology in volcanic-hosted epithermal precious-and base-metal quartz-adularia-type districts

Examination of grades, tonnages, and basement rocks for 88 epithermal precious- and base-metal quartz-adularia-type districts in North, Central, and South America, and Japan reveals that the type of basement rock below the mineralized veins is useful for predicting grade and size of deposits. Epithermal districts overlying basement with salt and evaporites, or rocks with trapped sea water, have a median tonnage (production and reserves) of 1.4 million metric tons and median grades of 1.5g/t Au, 130g/t Ag, 2.5%Pb, 1.7%Zn, and 0.16%Cu. Districts overlying sedimentary basements have a median tonnage of 0.77 million metric tons and median grades of 7.5g/t Au, 110g/t Ag, <0.025%Zn, <0.005%Cu, and <0.001%Pb. Districts overlying igneous basements have a median tonnage of 0.3 million metric tons and median grades of 5.9g/t Au, 38g/t Ag, <0.25%Zn, <0.002%Cu, and <0.003%Pb. This investigation suggests that basement rocks affect vein components in epithermal precious- and base-metal quartz-adularia-type deposits.

Mining Geology↗

USGS1993

Epigenetic sulfide mineralization associated with Pennsylvanian paleokarst in eastern Iowa, U.S.A.

Paleokarst-associated, sulfide-bearing mineral deposits are wide-spread in the Paleozoic carbonate rocks of eastern Iowa. Minerals occur in nodules enclosed in karst-filling mudstones, as sandstone cements, and as surface coatings on, and fracture fillings in, foundered carbonate rock clasts. Mineralogy and paragenetic sequence vary among the occurrences. Sulfur isotopic compositions exhibit wide variations within and among deposits (??34S = -33.8 to + 35.1???). Oxygen isotopic compositions of fracture-filling calcite spars (??18O = -8.41 to + 3.60???) are similar to the isotopic compositions of their carbonate rock hosts. Calcite spars are somewhat depleted in ??13C relative to host rock [??13C (spars) = - 5.66 to + 0.24??? vs. -1.54 to + 1.21??? (host rock)]. Results of mineralogic, paragenetic and isotopic investigations suggest that: (1) minerals are products of multiple events operating on a local, rather than a regional scale; (2) spatially-disjunct fracture-filling mineral deposits exposed in the same quarries are probably not cogenetic with paleokarst-associated deposits; (3) paleokarst-filling calcite spars formed at near-surface temperatures; and (4) paleokarst-associated deposits are probably not cogenetic with Upper Mississippi Valley ZnPb pitch-flat deposits. ?? 1993.

Chemical Geology↗

USGS1977

Rare earths, thorium, and other minor elements in sphene from some plutonic rocks in west-central Alaska

Sphene is an abundant accessory mineral in some abnormally radioactive plutonic rocks in west-central Alaska. Seven samples of sphene from four different areas in west-central Alaska contained from 20350 to 39180 parts per million total rare earths and 390 to 2000 ppm thorium. The lanthanide content in six of the seven sphenes is chiefly the light rare earths and is similar to that of crustal abundance; a seventh sphene from the Darby Mountains, however, contains above average amounts of the heavy rare earths. A comparison of the lanthanide distribution in sphene from several areas indicates that the structure of sphene will accommodate whatever lanthanides are available when the mineral crystallizes. The amount of thorium and rare earths in sphene is also affected by the presence of other accessory minerals. Sphene in rocks containing either allanite or zircon has a lower thorium content than in rocks that do not contain allanite or zircon. Sphene, because of its abundance, may contain the greater part of the rare earths and thorium in some of the plutonic rocks of west-central Alaska.

Alaska↗

USGS1988

Garnet compositions and their use as indicators of peraluminous granitoid petrogenesis - southeastern Arabian Shield

Garnet, an uncommon accessory mineral in igneous rocks, occurs in seven small peraluminous granitoid plutons in the southeastern Arabian Shield; textural equilibrium between garnet and other host granitoid minerals indicates that the garnets crystallized from their host magmas. Compositions of the garnets form three groups that reflect host-granitoid compositions, which in turn reflect source compositions and tectonic regimes in which the host magmas were generated. Garnets from the seven plutons have almandine-rich cores and spessartine-rich rims. This reverse zoning depicts host magma compositional evolution; i.e. rimward spessartine enrichment resulted from progressive, host-magma manganese enrichment. The garnets are heavy rare-earth element enriched; (Lu/La)N ranges from 13 to 355 and one of the garnets contains spectacularly elevated abundances of Y, Ta, Th, U, Zn, Zr, Hf, Sn, and Nb. Involvement of garnets with these trace element characteristics in magma genesis or evolution can have dramatic effects on trace element signatures of the resulting magmas. Other researchers suggest that Mn-enriched magmas are most conducive to garnet nucleation. Although the garnetiferous granitoids discussed here are slightly Mn enriched, other genetically similar peraluminous Arabian granitoids lack garnet; Mn enrichment alone does not guarantee garnet nucleation. The presence of excess alumina in the magma may be a prerequisite for garnet nucleation. ?? 1988 Springer-Verlag.

Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology↗

USGS1970

Economic geology of the Zipaquira quadrangle and adjoining area, Department of Cundinamarca, Colombia

At least four evaporite sequences are interbedded with Cretaceous strata in the Bogotga area of the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia. The easternmost and oldest evaporite interval is of probable Berriasian-Valanglnian age; the next oldest is of probable late Barremian-early Aptian age, and is followed by a possible late Aptian sequence. The westernmost and best known sequence is Turonian-early Coniacian in age, in the Sabana de Bogota. This youngest sequence contains the thickest known salt deposits and is probably the most widespread geographically. Three gypsum deposits of probable Barremian-Valanginian age are in the eastern part of the area under investigation. These deposits may have been leached from former salt accumulations. No other evaporites are exposed, but numerous brine springs are known, That the sources of these brines are neither deep not distant is suggested by the generally high concentrations, of the brines, the local presence of rute (leached salt residue), and the commonly significant amounts of H2S gas emitted at these springs. The rock salt exposed in three accessible mines commonly has a characteristic lamination caused by alternating layers of relatively pure halite and very argillaceous halite. Ubiquitously scattered throughout all salt deposits are small clasts of black, commonly pyritic, marly claystone. This lithology is also present as large claystone bodies conformably interbedded in the salt strata. Anhydrite is rare and is apparently more abundant at the Zipaquira mine that at the Nemocon and Upin mine. Paleontologic evidence in the Sabana de Bogota demonstrates that the salt-claystone series, hematite impregnated strata, and carbonaceous to locally coaly claystone are coeval. The salt-claystone facies may have been deposited in shallow evaporite pans that were separated within the overall evaporite interval by barriers on which the locally hematitic strata were deposited. The carbonaceous facies may also have formed in barrier areas or on the edges of the evaporite basins. Whether or not this facies relationship prevails in the older evaporite intervals is not known; meager evidence suggests that it does. Nonmetallic mineral resources other than the evaporite minerals are phosphate rock, limestone, kaolinite, and emeralds. Metallic mineral deposits present in the Zone include hematite at Pericos, La Caldera, Tibirita, Nueva Vizcaya, and Cerro de Montecristo; chalcopyrite at Cerro do Cobre and at Farallones de Medina; galena in several places along the Rio Farallones and Rio Gacheta; and spahlerite in the Junin district.

Open-File Report↗