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Hydrogeology of the Littlefield Springs, Arizona
Author(s) -
Trudeau Douglas A.,
Hess John W.,
Jacobson Roger L.
Publication year - 1983
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.1745-6584.1983.tb00732.x
Subject(s) - groundwater recharge , hydrology (agriculture) , spring (device) , geology , environmental science , groundwater , aquifer , geotechnical engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering
A hydrogeologic investigation was conducted to determine the source of recharge to the Littlefield Springs, a series of carbonate springs occurring along a 10 km (6 mile) reach of the Virgin River in northwestern Arizona. The most probable sources of recharge to the springs were determined to be influent Virgin River water and precipitation within the springs hydrologic basin. These recharge sources could account for the total discharge of the springs. The Littlefield Springs have essentially constant discharge 1.84 cms (65 cfs), and quality 2940 mg/L TDS. Tritium analyses of the spring and river water indicate that there are at least two different sources of recharge to the Littlefield Springs–one a minimum of 22 years old and the other younger than 22 years old. Analysis of the influent Virgin River upstream from the springs indicates a 1·42 cms (50 cfs) loss at 2130 mg/L TDS and the same ionic ratio of dissolved constituents as the springs. The travel time of this recharge source is interpreted to be a minimum of 22 years. Local recharge to the springs has been estimated to be 0·31 cms (11 cfs). The presence of local recharge is indicated by pulse train gaging of the springs, and by water quality at a well upstream of the springs and at the first upstream occurrence of the springs. The travel time of this recharge source is interpreted to be less than 22 years.