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Regional underpressuring in Deep Brine Aquifers, Palo Duro Basin, Texas: 1. Effects of hydrostratigraphy and topography
Author(s) -
Senger Rainer K.,
Fogg Graham E.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr023i008p01481
Subject(s) - aquifer , geology , groundwater recharge , structural basin , evaporite , groundwater , groundwater flow , surficial aquifer , hydrogeology , geochemistry , hydrology (agriculture) , aquifer properties , geomorphology , geotechnical engineering
Deep brine aquifers of the Palo Duro Basin, Texas Panhandle, ranging in depth from about 1000 to 3000 m below land surface, are underpressured compared with the shallow Ogallala aquifer. Two‐dimensional simulations of flow in an east‐west regional cross‐sectional model through the basin reveal the causes of underpressuring as well as mechanisms of groundwater circulation in the basin. The regional groundwater flow regime consists of a shallow flow system governed primarily by topography and a deeper flow system recharging in the New Mexico area and passing deep beneath the Pecos River into the deep brine aquifers of the Palo Duro Basin. The low‐permeability Evaporite aquitard limits flow between the shallow and deep systems, although leakage through the aquitard is important on a regional scale and could contribute a significant portion of water to the deep aquifers: Repeated simulations with the model demonstrate that chief causes of underpressuring are regional topography and geology. The elevated position of the Ogallala aquifer on the High Plains together with its segregation from the deep brine aquifers by the low‐permeability Evaporite aquitard creates an apparent underpressuring that is further accentuated by efficient drainage through the permeable granite wash deposits in the Deep‐Basin Brine aquifer. The Pecos River serves as a discharge area of some of the ground water from the west that would otherwise move downdip into the deep aquifers; thus capture of recharge water enhances underpressuring in the deep section beneath the western half of the High Plains.