Download Free The Virgin River Basin Study Book in PDF and EPUB Free Download. You can read online The Virgin River Basin Study and write the review.

This report describes the geology of the central Virgin River basin in southwestern Utah, and characterizes the structure and lithology of the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone and the thickness and stratigraphy of Quaternary-late Tertiary unconsolidated deposits, the two main aquifers in the region. Southwestern Utah has experienced rapid population growth and increased demand on water supplies during the past 15 years, and the purpose of this report is to better define the ground-water resources of the area. Ground water provides approximately half of the public water supply in southwestern Utah, so future decisions regarding water use must be based on careful geologic characterization of the aquifers and their relation to the regional hydrologic system. The results of this study will be applied to ground-water modeling, evaluating regional and local hydrogeologic conditions, and assessing sites for development of ground water. 53 pages + 7 plates
In this 46-page report, we characterized the deep aquifer system and its connections to the overlying aquifers in the area of the Hurricane fault in Washington County by examining well logs, creating regional potentiometric-surface maps, compiling groundwater quality data, conducting gravity surveys, examining remote sensing data for surface lineaments, and determining areas for potential monitoring wells. Results of the study were: (1) R and C aquifer groundwater depths are > 500 feet in the I-15 corridor area, (2) a groundwater divide likely exists south of the Utah-Arizona state line, (3) groundwater flow follows open fracture systems, (4) fracture conductivity is highest near the fault, (5) dissolution of evaporites increase groundwater TDS, and (6) a well should be drilled into the Hurricane fault near Pintura.
Recent studies of past climate and streamflow conditions have broadened understanding of long-term water availability in the Colorado River, revealing many periods when streamflow was lower than at any time in the past 100 years of recorded flows. That information, along with two important trends-a rapid increase in urban populations in the West and significant climate warming in the region-will require that water managers prepare for possible reductions in water supplies that cannot be fully averted through traditional means. Colorado River Basin Water Management assesses existing scientific information, including temperature and streamflow records, tree-ring based reconstructions, and climate model projections, and how it relates to Colorado River water supplies and demands, water management, and drought preparedness. The book concludes that successful adjustments to new conditions will entail strong and sustained cooperation among the seven Colorado River basin states and recommends conducting a comprehensive basinwide study of urban water practices that can be used to help improve planning for future droughts and water shortages.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that states develop Pesticide Management Plans for four agricultural chemicals - alachlor, atrazine, metolachlor, and simazine - used in Utah as herbicides in the production of corn and sorghum, and to control weeds and undesired vegetation (such as along right-of-ways or utility substations). This report and accompanying maps are intended to be used as part of these Pesticide Management Plans to provide local, state, and federal government agencies and agricultural pesticide users with a base of information concerning sensitivity and vulnerability of ground water in the basin-fill aquifer (bedrock is not evaluated) to agricultural pesticides in the central Virgin River basin, Washington and Iron Counties, Utah. We used existing data to produce pesticide sensitivity and vulnerability maps by applying an attribute ranking system specifically tailored to the western United States using Geographic Information System analysis methods. 24 pages + 2 plates
The invasive species Tamarix first attracted the public eye in the 1990's when it was suspected of contributing to widespread drought and wildfires in the Western United States. Once purported to consume as much water as entire cities, very few plant species have received as much scientific, public, and political discussion and debate as Tamarix. Written by 44 of the field's most prominent scholars and scientists, this volume compiles 25 essays on this fascinating species--its biology, ecology, politics, management, and the ethical issues involved with designating a particular species as "good" or "bad". The book analyzes the controversy surrounding the Tamarisk's role in our ecosystems and what should be done about it.