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Hydrogeologic Factors in Problems of Contamination in Arid Lands a
Author(s) -
Maxey G. B.,
Farvolden R. N.
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1965.tb01226.x
Subject(s) - hydrogeology , groundwater recharge , arid , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , groundwater , population , water supply , groundwater flow , waste disposal , las vegas , contamination , water resource management , geology , environmental engineering , aquifer , geography , waste management , archaeology , engineering , geotechnical engineering , ecology , paleontology , demography , sociology , metropolitan area , biology
The ideal hydrologic system in arid lands includes a recharge area in mountains and a discharge area in lowlands, a system modified in nature by geologic and physiographic factors. Population and agricultural activity concentrates in valleys, usually in zones of ground‐water discharge. Most water‐supply, contamination and disposal problems arise from this combination of features. The suitability of hydrogeologic units for any function of operations involving water supply or waste disposal depends primarily on their position within the hydrologic system and secondarily on physical properties. For example, at the Nevada Test Site the ground‐water flow system is used to good advantage, whereas at Las Vegas, 70 miles away, the methods of disposal practiced are in direct conflict with the system.