Gravity and Magnetic Investigations of the Mojave National Preserve and Adjacent Areas, California and Nevada
July 1, 2009
Gravity and aeromagnetic data provide the underpinnings of a hydrogeologic framework for the Mojave National Preserve by estimating the thickness of Cenozoic deposits and locating inferred structural features that influence groundwater flow. An inversion of gravity data indicates that thin (<1 km) basin deposits cover much of the Preserve, except for Ivanpah Valley and the Woods Mountains volcanic center. Localized areas of Cenozoic deposits thicker than 500 m are predicted beneath parts of Lanfair Valley, Fenner Valley, near Kelso, Soda Lake, and southeast of Baker. Along the southern margin of the Mojave National Preserve, basins greater than 1 km deep are located between the Clipper and Marble Mountains, between the Marble and Bristol Mountains, and south of the Bristol Mountains near Amboy. Both density and magnetization boundaries defined by horizontal-gradient analyses coincide locally with Cenozoic faults and can be used to extend these faults beneath cover. Magnetization boundaries also highlight the structural grain within the crystalline rocks and may serve as a proxy for fracturing, an important source of permeability within the generally impermeable basement rocks, thus mapping potential groundwater pathways through and along the mountain ranges in the study area.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2009 |
---|---|
Title | Gravity and Magnetic Investigations of the Mojave National Preserve and Adjacent Areas, California and Nevada |
DOI | 10.3133/ofr20091117 |
Authors | V. E. Langenheim, S. Biehler, R. Negrini, K. Mickus, D. M. Miller, R.J. Miller |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Open-File Report |
Series Number | 2009-1117 |
Index ID | ofr20091117 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Geophysics Unit of Menlo Park, CA (GUMP) |
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Victoria Langenheim
Research Geophysicist
Research Geophysicist
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David M. Miller, Ph.D
Scientist Emeritus
Scientist Emeritus
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Victoria Langenheim
Research Geophysicist
Research Geophysicist
Email
Phone
David M. Miller, Ph.D
Scientist Emeritus
Scientist Emeritus
Email
Phone