Seismic-reflection investigations of the Texas Springs Syncline for ground water development, Death Valley National Park

Abstract

SUMMARY The U.S. Geological Survey has completed an integrated geologic and geophysical study of theTexas Springs syncline for the National Park Service with the intention of locating a new pro-duction water well near existing water-collection and distribution facilities. Subsurface infor-mation was required to determine which, if any, sites within the syncline would be favorablefor a well. About 4.2 km (2.6 mi.) of high-resolution seismic-reflection data were collectedacross and along the Texas Springs syncline. Two of our three lines, designated DV-1 and DV-3,cross the syncline, whereas the third line (DV-2) runs parallel to the north-northwest-trendingsyncline axis. Line DV-2 shows a series of prominent reflections that thicken to the southeast into the deeperpart of the Texas Springs syncline. Gravels above these reflectors are probably the sourceaquifer for both Texas and Travertine Springs. In the area about 245-945 m (800-3,100 ft) south-southeast of the Texas Springs monitoring well, we found a deeper southeastward-thickeningsequence of reflective strata (interbedded basin-fill deposits?) that might provide a seconddeeper aquifer for a production well. We consider this area along the axis of the syncline to bea prime target for the National Park Service’s planned production water well. In addition tothis site having inferred favorable geologic and hydrologic characteristics, it has the attractivebenefits of being relatively close to the existing water collection system at Texas Springs andaccess roads. Although several other sites along each of the three reflection lines (and between them) mayalso have favorable conditions, we believe that the site south-southeast of the monitoring wellis the best target identified by our geologic and geophysical studies.