Late-Wisconsin paleohydrology of the West-Central Amargosa Desert, Nevada, U.S.A.

H.C. Claassen

doi:10.1016/0168-9622(86)90019-9

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Late-Wisconsin paleohydrology of the West-Central Amargosa Desert, Nevada, U.S.A.

H.C. Claassen

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Abstract

Studies of isotopes in groundwater using 14 C, 2 H (deuterium) and 18 O have provided significant insight into the paleoclimate of middle and late Wisconsin age in a typical arid environment of southern Nevada, the west-central Amargosa Desert. Evidence indicates that recharge probably was through infiltration of runoff in paleostream channels and that this runoff was important only from ∼ 17,000 to ∼ 10,000 yr. B.P. Mean annual temperature at 17,000 yr. B.P. was ∼ 8°C less than present mean annual temperature; some summer moisture was effective in recharge. Winter (October–May) temperature at ∼ 10,000 yr. B.P. was ∼ 1°C less than present; summer moisture did not contribute to recharge.

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H.C. Claassen. 1986. Late-Wisconsin paleohydrology of the West-Central Amargosa Desert, Nevada, U.S.A.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-9622(86)90019-9

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