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Water-resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey in Missouri, fiscal year 1981

Water-resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey in Missouri consist of collecting hydrologic data and making interpretative investigations. The data and the results of the investigations are published or released by either the U.S. Geological Survey or by cooperating agencies. This report describes the data-collection activities and investigations in Missouri for the 1981 fiscal year and provides an extensive list of water-resources references for the State of Missouri.

Missouri↗

Water resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey in Missouri, fiscal year 1983

Water-resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey in Missouri consist of collecting hydrologic data and making interpretive investigations. These data and the results of the investigations are published or released by either the U.S. Geological Survey or by cooperating agencies. This report describes the data-collection activities and investigations in Missouri for the 1983 fiscal year and provides an extensive list of water-resources references for the State of Missouri. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Geologic and seismic investigations for relocation of Route 128 near Route 28 in Quincy, Mass.

In order to obtain information that would aid in locating a base line for the proposed relocation of Route 128 near Route 28 in Quincy, Mass., exploratory geologic and seismic studies were made of an area along a line between a point on present Route 128 approximately 800 feet east of the Milton-Quincy town line to a point on Route 28 approximately 600 feet to the north of the intersection of Route 28 and 128. This work was performed in September 1953 as part of a cooperative program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and the United States Department of the Interior, Geological Survey. Mr. M. E. Chandler and Mr. W. L. Carney, of the Mass. Dept. of Public Works, did the survey for the project and prepared the plans and profiles. Mr. handler also operated the seismic equipment and assisted in the preparation of the seismic velocity data.

Massachusetts↗

Geologic and seismic investigations, relocation of Route 3, grade separation at Route 62, southeast ramp in Bedford, Mass.

The relocation of Route 3 in Bedford, Mass. requires extensive cuts for a grade separation at Route 62. This report contains only the results of the geologic and seismic studies that were made for the purpose of obtaining information that would aid in the construction of the inner and outer loops of the southeast ramp. The studies represent part of a cooperative program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and the United States Geological Survey. The work was performed in July 1953. The site is located in the Wilmington and Lexington 7-1/2-minute quadrangle maps of the United States Geological Survey. Mr. M. E. Chandler and Mr. W. L. Carney, Massachusetts Department of Public works' Engineers, performed all pertinent survey work required for this project, and prepared the essential plans and profiles. Mr. Chandler also operated the seismic equipment and assisted in the preparation of the seismic velocity data.

Massachusetts↗

Geologic and seismic investigations for relocation of Route 128 at Route 1A in Dedham, Mass.

The proposed relocation of Route 128 in Dedham, Mass. requires a grade separation with long approach cuts at its crossing with Route 1A. In order to obtain information on the configuration and depths of the bedrock surfaces, and on the nature of the overlying material, a geologic study was made of the site, and a program of seismic work was carried out. The work was performed in June, August and September 1953 as part of a cooperative program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and the United States Geological Survey. The area studies is located in the Norwood, Mass. 7-1/2-minute quadrangle map of the United Stated Geological Survey. Mr. M. E. Chandler and Mr. W. L. Carney, Department of Public Works' Engineers, performed all pertinent survey work required for this project, and prepared the essential plans and profiles. Mr. Chandler also operated the seismic equipment and assisted in the preparation of the seismic velocity data.

Massachusetts↗

Geophysical investigations of the geologic and hydrothermal framework of the Pilgrim Springs Geothermal Area, Alaska

Pilgrim Hot Springs, located on the Seward Peninsula in west-central Alaska, is characterized by hot springs, surrounding thawed regions, and elevated lake temperatures. The area is of interest because of its potential for providing renewable energy for Nome and nearby rural communities. We performed ground and airborne geophysical investigations of the Pilgrim Springs geothermal area to identify areas indicative of high heat flow and saline geothermal fluids, and to map key structures controlling hydrothermal fluid flow. Studies included ground gravity and magnetic measurements, as well as an airborne magnetic and frequency-domain electromagnetic (EM) survey. The structural and conceptual framework developed from this study provides critical information for future development of this resource and is relevant more generally to our understanding of geothermal systems in active extensional basins. Potential field data reveal the Pilgrim area displays a complex geophysical fabric reflecting a network of intersecting fault and fracture sets ranging from inherited basement structures to Tertiary faults. Resistivity models derived from the airborne EM data reveal resistivity anomalies in the upper 100 m of the subsurface that suggest elevated temperatures and the presence of saline fluids. A northwest trending fabric across the northeastern portion of the survey area parallels structures to the east that may be related to accommodation between the two major mountain ranges south (Kigluaik) and east (Bendeleben) of Pilgrim Springs. The area from the springs southward to the range front, however, is characterized by east-west trending, range-front-parallel anomalies likely caused by late Cenozoic structures associated with north-south extension that formed the basin. The area around the springs (~10 km2 ) is coincident with a circular magnetic high punctuated by several east-west trending magnetic lows, the most prominent occurring directly over the springs. These features possibly result from hydrothermal alteration imposed by fluids migrating along intra-basin faults related to recent north-south extension. The Pilgrim River valley is characterized by a NE-elongate gravity low that reveals a basin extending to depths of ~300 m beneath Pilgrim Springs and deepening to ~800 m to the southwest. The margins of the gravity low are sharply defined by northeasttrending gradients that probably reflect the edges of fault-bounded structural blocks. The southeastern edge of the low, which lies very close to the springs, also corresponds with prominent NE-striking anomalies seen in magnetic and resistivity models. Together, these features define a structure we refer to as the Northeast Fault. The location of the hot springs appears to be related to the intersection of the Northeast Fault with a N-oriented structure marked by the abrupt western edge of a resistivity low surrounding the hot springs. While the hot springs represent the primary outflow of geothermal fluids, additional outflow extends from the springs northeast along the Northeast fault to another thaw zone that we interpret to be a secondary region of concentrated upflow of geothermal fluids. The Northeast Fault apparently controls shallow geothermal fluid flow, and may also provide an important pathway conveying deep fluids to the shallow subsurface. We suggest that geothermal fluids may derive from a reservoir residing beneath the sediment basin southwest of the springs. If so, the shape of the basin, which narrows and shallows towards the springs, may funnel fluids beneath the springs where they intersect the Northeast Fault allowing them to reach the surface. An alternative pathway for reservoir fluids to reach intermediate to shallow depths may be afforded by the main Kigluaik range front fault that coincides with a resistivity anomaly possibly resulting from fluid flow and associated hydrothermal mineralization occurring within the fault zone.

Conference Paper↗

Water-resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey in Missouri : fiscal year 1980

Water-resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey in Missouri consist of collecting hydrologic data and conducting interpretative investigations. The data and the results of the investigations are published or released by either the U.S. Geoloogical Survey or by cooperating agencies. The report describes the data-collection activities and investigations in Missouri for the 1980 fiscal year and provides an extensive list of water-resources references for the State. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Geological and geophysical investigations of an Apollo 9 photo anomaly near Point of Pines, Arizona

An infrared photograph of southeastern Arizona, taken during the Apollo 9 multispectral terrain photography experiment in 1969, reveals a ringlike feature, some 3-4 miles (5-6 kin) in diameter, on the Natanes Plateau, 35 miles (56 kin) north of the town of Safford. Because the feature occurs in an area of nearly flat lying Tertiary volcanic rocks, the possibilities of its being a small collapse caldera or an exposed circular intrusive body were considered. Geological and geophysical studies of the area were made to test these hypotheses. The local stratigraphic section consists of approximately 1,500 feet (457 m) of Oligocene and perhaps older volcanic rocks, resting on a moderately irregular basement surface carved from nearly flat lying trending Basin-and-Range faults define a broad horst within which two arcuate cross faults, with 300-600 feet (91-183 m) of displacement, bound a downdropped area. Deep erosion along these faults has created a polygonal network of canyons which constitutes the 'ring' seen on the photograph. A mild arching of the volcanic rocks within the ring is suggested by structure contours on the base of the youngest flows. A sharp 350-gamma positive aeromagnetic anomaly is centered within the ring. In its southwest quadrant the anomaly has an elongate extension that trends northwest along an adjoining Basin-and-Range fault. Associated with both is a subtle gravity low. The geophysical data thus suggest the presence of a small blind silicic pluton, possibly of middle Tertiary or younger age. Although it can be argued that the arcuate faults and mild arching of the volcanic pile are related to this postulated pluton, no evidence of hydrothermal alteration or thermal metamorphism of the country rocks was seen. Thus if a pluton is present and of postvolcanic age, it must have been emplaced as a relatively cool dry body; or alternatively, it is older than the surface volcanic rocks. In either instance, its magnetic expression contrasts with that of the known mineralized Laramide porphyry intrusive bodies of the region.

Arizona↗

Geologic and seismic investigation for relocation of Route 138, Brockton-Avon town line, prospective cut, stations 193+00 in Brockton to 8+00 in Avon, Mass.

This work was done to obtain information that would aid in establishing a grade for this segment of Route 138, and would also be of value in determining the kinds and quantities of materials to be excavated from the prospective cut at this site. The work was performed in August 1952 as part of a cooperative program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and the United States Geological Survey.

Massachusetts↗

Geologic and geophysical investigations of Climax Stock intrusive, Nevada

The Climax stock is a composite granitic intrusive of Cretaceous age, composed of quartz monzonite and granodiorite, which intrudes rocks of Paleozoic and Precambrian age. Tertiary volcanic rocks, consisting of ashflow and ash-fall tuffs, and tuffaceous sedimentary rocks overlie the sedimentary rocks and the stock. Erosion has removed much of the Tertiary volcanic rocks. Hydrothermal alteration of quartz monzonite and granodiorite is found mainly along joints and faults and varies from location to location. The Paleozoic carbonate rocks have been thermally and metasomatically altered to marble and tactite as much as 457 m (1,500 ft) from the contact with the stock, although minor discontinuous metasomatic effects are noted in all rocks out to 914 m (3,000 ft). Three major faults which define the Climax area structurally are the Tippinip, Boundary and Yucca faults. North of the junction of the Boundary and Yucca faults, the faults are collectively referred to as the Butte fault. The dominant joint sets and their average attitudes are N. 32? W., 22? NE; N. 60? W., vertical and N. 35? E., vertical. Joints in outcrop are weathered and generally open, but in subsurface, the joints are commonly filled and healed with secondary mineral s. The location of the water table and the degree of saturation of the granitic rocks are presently unknown. Measurement from drill holes indicated that depth to perched water levels ranges from 30 to 244 m (100-800 ft). Recent field investigations have shown the contact between the Pogonip marble and the granodiorite is a contact rather than a fault as previously mapped. The thickness of the weathered granodiorite is estimated to be 8 to 46 m (25 to 150 ft).

Open-File Report↗

Geological and geochemical investigations of uranium occurrences in the Arrastre Lake area of the Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming

Metasedimentary rocks of Precambrian X age in and near the Snowy Range wilderness study area of southeastern Wyoming are lithologically and chronologically similar to those on the north shore of Lake Huron in Canada. The rocks in Canada contain major deposits of uranium in quartz-pebble conglomerates near the base of the metasedimentary sequence. Similar conglomerates in the Deep Lake Formation in the Medicine Bow Mountains of southeastern Wyoming are slightly radioactive and may contain deposits of uranium and other valuable heavy metals. During the summer of 1976, a geological and geochemical pilot study was conducted in the vicinity of Arrastre Lake in the Medicine Bow Mountains to determine the most effective exploration methods for evaluating the uranium potential of the Snowy Range wilderness study area. The area around Arrastre Lake was selected because of the presence of a radioactive lens within a quartz-pebble conglomerate of the Deep Lake Formation. The results of the survey indicate possible uranium mineralization in the subsurface rocks of this formation. The radon content of the dilute waters of the area is much higher than can be accounted for by the uranium content of the surface rocks. Two sources for the high content of the radon are possible. In either case, the high values of radon obtained in this study are a positive indication of uranium mineralization in the subsurface rocks. The determination of the radon content of water samples is the recommended geochemical technique for uranium exploration in the area. The determination of uranium in water and in organic-rich bog material is also recommended.

Wyoming↗

Geologic and seismic investigation for southeast expressway, stations 600-603 in Quincy, Mass.

At this site the southbound lane of the proposed highway will be located approximately 75 feet to the left (south) of the base line. This will place it close to the base of a mound of granite quarry waste with very steep slopes. As a cut of considerable depth will be required for the road, the mound of waste with its unstable slope constitutes a very hazardous condition, especially with respect to the possibility of rock-falls and slides. Seismic work was performed at the site with the two aims in view; firstly, to obtain information on depths to bedrock that would aid in estimating the quantities of materials to be removed from the proposed cut, secondly, to obtain data that might aid in estimating the quantity of material in the mound of quarry waste with the object of obtaining estimates for its removal. Transverses A-13 and C-D were made for this latter purpose. Additional transverses would have been of value, but they were not made because of the possibility of starting rock-falls or slides, a situation that would have exposed personnel to unwarranted danger, and equipment to avoidable risk. Mr. M. E. Chandler and Me. W. L. Carney, Massachusetts Department of Public Works' Engineers, performed pertinent survey work required for this project, and prepared the essential plans and profiles. Mr. Chandler also operated the seismic equipment and assisted in the preparation of the seismic velocity data. The work was performed in June 1953 as part of a cooperative program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and the United States Geological Survey.

Massachusetts↗

Deep scientific drilling in the San Andreas Fault Zone

A deep scientific drilling experiment in San Andreas fault zone would provide data essential to understanding the structure, composition, mechanical behavior, and physical state of an active, major plate-boundary fault. Toward this end, we are working with an international team of scientists and engineers to propose a long-term, integrated program of surface-based geological and geophysical investigations and deep drilling along the San Andreas fault system. Prior to drilling, a suite of comparative geodynamic models will be developed incorporating detailed investigations of geology, crustal structure, geophysical environment, hydrology, seismotectonics, and fault-movement history at each of the candidate sites. These studies will have a major impact on our understanding of the structure and physical properties of the San Andreas fault system and will form a critical framework for applying the knowledge gained in a deep San Andreas borehole to other segments of the fault and other tectonic environments.

California, Nevada↗

Geologic and hydrologic investigations of a potential nuclear waste disposal site at Yucca Mountain, southern Nevada

Crustal velocity sections based on two seismic-refraction profiles are presented for the area west of Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada. The Crater Flat profile is interpreted in terms of six velocity layers ranging from 1.5 to 6.1 km/s. Interpretation of the Beatty profile reveals an escarpment near the northeast edge of Bare Mountain, where Paleozoic rocks are probably down-faulted 2600 m into a volcano-tectonic depression in Crater Flat. The seismic profiles and inferred density-velocity relations have been incorporated into an east-west gravity model from Death Valley to Crater Flat, corresponding to the Beatty seismic profile. An important feature of this model is the inferred continuity of a layer interpreted as the lower plate of a regional decollement or detachment fault.

Nevada↗

Results of geological and geochemical investigations in an area northwest of the Chulitna River, central Alaska Range

Sedimentary and volcanic rock units of Paleozoic and Mesozoic age, faults, and elongate bodies of intrusive rock, particularly serpentinites, have a dominant northeasterly trend in an area northwest of the Chulitna River between Eldridge Glacier and Bull River. The serpentinites locally contain abnormal (as much as 0.5 percent) concentrations of nickel, have one newly identified occurrence of chromite, and are hosts to small epigenetic lodes containing copper, gold, and silver. Other epigenetic concentrations of copper or other metals occur in interlayered basalt and limestone at Partin and Canyon Creeks in the southwestern part of the area and in porphyry near Costello Creek in the northern part of the area. Tin occurs in greisen on upper Ohio Creek, and abnormal concentrations of tin also characterize mineralized rocks along Canyon Creek and at a prospect near Long Creek. Mineralized rocks characterized by silver, lead, and zinc crop out near Lookout Mountain. Anomalous concentrations of gold and other metals occur in stream sediments at isolated sites in upper Long Creek and at Coal Creek, as well as in several areas near known lode mineral occurrences. Shotgun and McCallie Creeks both contain stream sediments with anomalous concentrations of metals and both head into the basalt-limestone unit which is the host rock at Partin and Canyon Creeks; these facts suggest that other concentrations may be found.

Circular↗