Distribution of dissolved-solids concentrations and temperature in ground water of the Gulf Coast aquifer systems, south-central United States

The distribution of dissolved-solids concentrations and temperature in waters of 10 of the aquifers comprising the gulf coast aquifer systems of the Gulf Mexico Coastal Plain are mapped at a scale of 1:3,500,000. Dissolved solids concentration in the aquifers of the Tertiary System ranges from less than 500 mg/L at the outcrop and subcrop areas to as much as 150,000 mg/L at the downdip extent of these aquifers. A distinct band of sharply increasing concentration of dissolved-solids occurs at about middip of each aquifer of the Tertiary System. Dissolved-solids concentration in younger aquifers ranges from less than 500 mg/L in outcrop and subcrop areas to about 70,000 mg/L at the downdip extent of these aquifers. Temperature of waters in permeable Tertiary deposits ranges from about 18 C at the outcrop and subcrop areas to 90 C at the downdip extent of these aquifers. Temperature of waters in younger deposits ranges from about 14 C at the outcrop and subcrop areas to 30 C at their downdip extent.