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Sacramento Mountains
Hydrogeology Study

Monument Spring travertine
Travertine mound at Monument Spring

The purpose of the Sacramento Mountains Hydrogeology Study is to identify the geologic controls on groundwater recharge, occurrence, and movement, and to identify hydrostratigraphic units (“aquifers”) contributing groundwater to springs, streams, and wells in the Southern Sacramento Mountains. Specific goals of the study are to delineate areas of ground-water recharge, determine rates of groundwater movement, and elucidate the interconnectedness, if any, between various aquifers and between groundwater and surface water. The end result will be an improved understanding of the regional hydrogeology of the southern Sacramento Mountains and a database of geologic and hydrologic information. This work will be the foundation of more detailed and/or localized studies in the future.

The components of the study include the following:

  1. Geologic mapping at 1:24000 quadrangle scale (wherein 1 inch on a map equals 2000 feet on the ground)
  2. Regional and outcrop-scale studies of fractures and other geologic structures that may affect groundwater flow and recharge
  3. Bimonthly measurements of water levels in wells in a monitoring network
  4. Continuous water level monitoring in select wells
  5. Chemical and isotopic analysis of spring and well waters.

The project is funded by the Otero County Soil & Water Conservation District and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. A progress report (2.03 MB PDF) on this project is available for free download..

Yeso Fm outcrop
An outcrop of the Yeso Formation in 16 Springs Canyon.

The NMBGMR thanks the many residents of the Sacramento Mountains who have granted access to their property and wells. This project would not be possible without their kind cooperation. For more information or to volunteer to have your well included in the well monitoring network, please contact:

Geoffrey C. Rawling
Field Geologist
New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources
2808 Central Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-2245

Phone: (505) 366-2535
FAX: (505) 366-2559
email:

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Revised: 12 May, 2008

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