Table 1. Correlation table of upper Tertiary and Quaternary surficial units in the geologic map of the ground-water model area and other stratigraphic sequences in and adjoining the Death Valley area. Only correlations with regional-scale mapping projects which were directly incorporated into the geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area are included. [First column from left includes surficial units for Death Valley ground-water model area at regional (1:250,000) scale. The next five columns to right are Quaternary surficial units from five mapping projects both published and in progress that were incorporated into the Death Valley ground-water model area mapping program. Correlations on chart are based primarily on corresponding age ranges of units and only secondarily on genetic association (for example, alluvium vs. discharge deposits) to minimize effects of contrasting level of detail in various types of units among studies. Numbers in parentheses refer to minimum and maximum age estimates, in ka]

Geologic map of the Death Valley Geologic map of the Geologic map of the Geologic map of the Geologic map of the Geologic map of the ground-water model area— Test Site— Indian Springs Pahranagat quadrangle— 1:250,000 scale1 region— 1:100,000 scale3 quadrangle— quadrangle— 1:100,000 scale6 1:50,000 scale2 1:100,000 scale4 1:100,000 scale5

Qc, Qp Qar (0-1) Qay, Qayy, Qay, (0-2) Qay, Qey, Qayo, Qfy, Qayf Qya, Qyf, Qae, Qed, Qp, Qs, Qsc Qfo, Qpy, (Qayfe) Qve, Qyl Qps Qd, Qsy, (0-18) Qay, Qey Qayo Qsyy, Qse (5-18) (5-18)

Qau, Qt, Qau QTau, Qe Qlb QTd, QTm, Qua, Qp, Qe, Qls, Qai, Qaiy, QTsf, QTc, Qal, Qse, QTs Qam, Qem, Qsd Qp, QTol Qao, Qaoi, QTls QTu Qls Qog, (30-250) Qso, Qscd, (0->758) Qao, Qlc Qia, Qof, Qol QTos?, Qai, Qeo Qsab, Qb, (18-758) QTs? Qby, Qbw Qfw

Qao QTa (500->758) QTog, (500->758) QTa Qoa, Qof QTos, QTa, Qb, Qbo, Qfw QToa QTs,

1 Units are summarized in unit description text and in Table 2. 2 Potter and others (in press): Geologic Map of Yucca Mountain region (Surficial units mapped by E. Taylor). 3 Slate and others (2000): Digital geologic map of the (revision 4, at 1:100,000 scale). Surficial units mapped by J. Slate, M. Berry, and V. Williams, based primarily on photo- interpretation on Beatty 1:100,000-scale quadrangle and the westernmost part of the Pahranagat Range and Indian Springs 1:100,000-scale quadrangles. Surficial deposits on the Pahute Mesa 1:100,000-scale quadrangle adapted from mapping of W. Swadley. Methodology 4 P.L. Guth and J.C. Yount, unpublished mapping: Geologic map of Indian Springs 1:100,000-scale quadrangle (Quaternary and upper Tertiary surficial units mapped by J. Yount). 5 A.S. Jayko, unpublished mapping: Geologic map of Pahranagat 1:100,000-scale quadrangle (Quaternary and upper Tertiary surficial units included in mapping). 6 Page and others (in press): Geologic map of the Las Vegas 1:100,000-scale quadrangle (Quaternary and upper Tertiary surficial units mapped by S.C. Lundstrom and J.B. Workman). 5 Description of Map Units map scale. No significant weathering or modifica- tion of the original depositional surface. May locally include braided channel systems with small Surficial Deposits inclusions of Qay, Qayf, Qayo, and (or) Qao alluvium. Thickness varies from 0 to 30 m, com- The surficial units in this map include some modifications monly from 1 to 10 m from the standard types of surficial-deposit units encountered in Qp Playa and (or) salt pan deposits (Holocene)—Vari- most geologic maps. These modifications are designed to ably consolidated mixtures of silt, clay, and fine emphasize factors of potential importance to the hydrogeologic sand. May contain varying proportions of second- framework model for the Death Valley ground-water model, as ary carbonate, gypsum, and (or) salts in very arid well as infiltration-recharge and discharge elements of the basins. Generally restricted to sites of active depo- model. This includes not only differentiation of specific units, sition in the interior of closed to poorly drained such as modern channels, discharge deposits, and playas, that basins. No significant surface modification or soil directly impact these factors, but also identification of general- development, although salt crusts of variable hard- ized textural variations in deposits of potential hydrologic signif- ness and thickness may develop on surface. Deposit icance. That is, variation in grain size was approximated by thickness is poorly constrained, but may vary from differentiating where possible (a) fine-grained deposits on distal 1 to 10 m for deposits of this age; commonly under- alluvial fans and alluvial plains in basin interiors from coarse- lain by poorly constrained and potentially thicker grained alluvial deposits in proximal or medial piedmont posi- accumulations of older playa or lacustrine deposits tions, and (b) fine-grained Quaternary to Tertiary basin sedi- of middle to early Holocene and Pleistocene age ments from coarse-grained alluvium of similar age range. The Qay Young alluvium (Holocene to latest Pleistocene?)— latter fine-grained basin sediments typically include Pleistocene Mostly medium- to coarse-grained alluvium con- to upper Tertiary basin-fill deposits of mixed lacustrine, alluvial, sisting of boulder to pebble gravel and sand, but and (or) paludal origin exposed in some dissected basins (Hill- may locally include fine-grained deposits of sand house, 1987; Morrison, 1999), but locally may delineate prima- and silt. Typically unconsolidated to poorly consol- rily lacustrine deposits in a few closed basins (Klinger and idated. Commonly located in the proximal and dis- Sarna-Wojcicki, 2001). Alluvial units are further subdivided tal positions of alluvial fans flanking basins, but also according to more standard age categories that reflect other may include gravel- and sand-dominated axial potentially important hydrologic characteristics such as degree drainages and fluvial terraces. Typically has no or of soil and pavement development, cementation, and amount of weak soil development, no to moderate varnish internal dissection. Colluvial deposits are not included on this development on clasts, and no to moderately modi- map because (a) they are difficult to systematically identify on fied surfaces characterized by prominent to indis- the image maps and aerial photography, (b) these deposits are tinct relict depositional landforms (for example, bar commonly thin and discontinuous, especially at map scale, and and swale) with at most localized and incipient sur- (c) they typically occur in range blocks and upland areas where face pavement development. Typically low surface they would tend to obscure the hydrogeologically more signifi- relief related mainly to primary depositional fea- cant lithology and structure of subjacent bedrock. tures with at most minor dissection, although latter Specific characteristics of all units, including physiographic may increase adjacent to incised major drainages. position, dissection, surface and weathering characteristics, and Variable thickness commonly ranging from 0 to 20 selected soil and sedimentologic properties, are summarized in m; possibly as much as 30 m adjacent to tectoni- table 2. General ranges of unit thickness are estimated below, cally active mountain fronts but are highly variable and poorly constrained due to a lack of Qayf Young fine-grained alluvium (Holocene to latest basal exposures of most surficial deposits in the area. The typi- Pleistocene?)—Mostly sand and (or) silt, locally cal range of unit thickness given first applies to most surficial with minor pebble gravel. Unconsolidated to poorly deposits located in basins within the central and eastern parts of consolidated. Mostly associated with alluvial plains the map with low to moderate rates of tectonic activity and basin along the axial drainages of basin interiors, but may subsidence in localized areas. A larger maximum range is given include fine-grained distal fan margins where for some deposits to reflect their likely greater thicknesses adja- clearly distinguishable from coarser-grained facies cent to the fault-bounded margins of basins such as central on aerial photography or image maps. Typically Death Valley in the western part of the map with high rates of gentle surface gradients and minimal local relief. tectonic activity and basin subsidence. Has soil and surface characteristics similar to unit Qay, with some variation related to topographic Qc Channel alluvium (Holocene)—Typically unconsoli- position and finer-grained character (for example, dated gravel, sand, and (or) silt; generally associ- minimal bar and swale development and fine-tex- ated with zones of active to very recent surface flow tured soil characteristics). Variable thickness from and deposition. Identified on primary map only for 0 to 10 m; possibly as much as 30 m in the interiors selected major drainages that are differentiable at of tectonically active subsiding basins

6 Geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and Qayfe Evaporite surface crust of salts and (or) carbonate range-front embayments, interiors of dissected (Holocene to latest Pleistocene?)—Localized areas basins, or small narrow intramontane valleys or of thin evaporative surface crust of salts and (or) basins. In contrast to unit Qau, older QTa and carbonate overlying unit Qayf QTsf comprise a significant component of unit Qayo Intermediate-age alluvium (middle Holocene to latest QTau (commonly >10-20% of unit area). Also Pleistocene?)—Mostly medium- to coarse-grained used to indicate areas where one or more of the gravel (boulder to pebble) and sand deposits in Quaternary or Quaternary and Tertiary deposits proximal and medial basin positions. Poorly con- listed above are complexly intermingled with dis- solidated to unconsolidated. Generally has weakly sected tracts of unconsolidated to poorly consoli- developed soils, weak to moderate varnish develop- dated Tertiary sediments in patterns too complex or ment on clasts, and weak to moderate surface modi- small to discriminate individually at map scale fication characterized by no to incipient pavement QTd Deposits associated with modern or past ground- development with strong to weak relict bar and water discharge (Holocene to late Tertiary)— swale landforms. Local relief similar to that of unit Typically fine-grained deposits of fine sand, silt, and Qay. Unit mapped where sufficiently large older mud, but may locally include dense crystalline elements of unit Qay may be differentiated on deposits of or travertine. Variably indu- images or aerial photography and (or) are identified rated, from unconsolidated to cemented. Generally in field or on existing maps; otherwise unit is associated with variable amounts of organic mate- included within Qay. Variable thickness ranges rial, phreatophytic or wetland fauna, and (or) sec- from 0 to 10 m, with possibly as much as 20 m adja- ondary precipitates of carbonate or silica commonly cent to tectonically active mountain fronts derived from ground-water. Commonly consists of Qe Eolian deposits (Holocene to middle Pleistocene) deposits (latest Pleistocene or older in age) Generally loose, but locally consolidated sand and that formed in paludal to lacustrine environments silt, with local concentrations of gravel on stabilized associated with formerly expanded sites of ground- surfaces commonly associated with buried paleo- water paleodischarge that are entirely or largely sols. Typically consists of Holocene sand sheets or inactive under current climatic conditions, although dune fields sufficiently thick and continuous to be unit locally is associated with areas of active seep- mapped and (or) large individual dunes. May also age or spring discharge. May include older fine- locally include large relict late to mid-Pleistocene grained (inactive) playa or lacustrine deposits sand ramp deposits that are banked along the flanks locally. Thickness of unit variable, depending on of some ranges and may contain one or more vari- age range of exposed units. Commonly from 0 to 10 ably developed calcic to petrocalcic relict or buried m for exposed deposits, but possibly as much as 100 soils. Generally restricted to areas with sufficient m or more in subsurface or in some dissected basin sand accumulation to form discrete eolian land- interiors (for example, southwestern Pahrump Val- forms. Thickness of most sand sheets and dune ley; Page and others, in press) fields vary from 0 to 10 m, but deposits in individual QTls Landslide block (Holocene to late Tertiary)—Gener- large dunes and sand ramps may increase locally ally brecciated but coherent (commonly rece- from 30 to 200 m (for example, northern Amargosa mented) bedrock outcrop, typically emplaced above Desert and southeastern Eureka Valley) or interstratified within surficial materials or upper Qau Undifferentiated alluvium (Holocene to Pleis- basin-fill sediments in basin piedmonts or along tocene)—Mainly used to delineate areas with inter- range fronts. Thickness variable and poorly deter- mixed Qay, Qayf, and (or) Qao deposits, with at mined, as base of slide blocks generally are not most minor inclusions of QTa that cannot be exposed and thus basal depths must be estimated depicted individually at map scale. Generally con- mainly from geophysical data. Exposed thicknesses sists of various alluvial units of recent to middle commonly from 10 to 100 m, but may range to more Pleistocene age that individually comprise from than 500 m in subsurface 20% to 80% of area, with at most 5-10% inclusions QTsf Old alluvial, paludal, or lacustrine sediments (Pleis- of unit QTa. Commonly used on piedmonts with tocene to late Tertiary)—Typically fine-grained complex suites of alluvial deposits, or along drain- fluvial, paludal, or lacustrine basin-fill sediments ages with narrow suites of terraces or inset surfaces, consisting of mixtures of poorly to well stratified within that age range silt, clay and fine sand. Variable induration, from QTau Undifferentiated older alluvium (Holocene to latest unconsolidated to well consolidated. May contain Tertiary)—Mainly used to delineate areas of local gravel-dominated channels and interbeds, mixed Qay, Qayf, Qayo, Qao, QTa or QTsf units paleodischarge deposits, interbedded tuffs, and (or) that are too small or too complexly intermingled to buried soils. Deposits are typically exposed in depict individually at map scale. Commonly iden- bluffs, ridges, or badland areas in dissected basin tified where complex suites of deposits of widely interiors (for example, beds of Allo- mixed ages are located in proximal piedmonts or group of Morrison, 1999) or in uplifted fault blocks

Description of Map Units 7 11 xcept bed) None None None strong Poor to moderate local gully QTls, the Moderate to None (e Cementation , as it is a 10 el el el el ed v l v v v e v el to gra v ypical ariable, gra T , reflecting the wide range wide the reflecting , gra and sand and sand and sand and sand V fine sand Coarse to Coarse to Coarse to Coarse to Sand, silt, minor fine fine minor fine gra fine gra fine gra fine from mix from Grain Size , and age range estimated from estimated range age and , cantly 9 o columns list characteristics of units characteristics of units o columns list ed gillic and gillic ary signifi ary None xt tw horizons horizons) preserv Stage III-V General Soil ariably eroded Stage I calcic None to weak None to weak eak (cambic and v (or) Stage II-IV Characteristics calcic horizons) petrocalcic where W carbonate horizons) Strong to moderate; to Strong Strong to moderate; (cambic and Stage I (cambic and Stage I calcic to petrocalcic includes ar includes The ne 8 ed eak to arnish weakly None to None to None to W Strong to moderate moderate moderate moderate V preserv inherited) None (only None ut ut 7 ale y ground-water model, and thus v thus and model, ground-water y aint el mapping program subdivided into primarily alluvial units and other types other and units alluvial primarily into subdivided program mapping el f aint (b aint None None Sw aint, b Bar and primary None to ists of brecciated bedrock outcrop. Qayfe is not listed separately bedrock outcrop. Qayfe ists of brecciated F units listed below and thus lack a consistent set of characteristics. alle emainder of the columns list characteristics of deposits and related geomorphic geomorphic related and deposits of characteristics list columns the of emainder discernable to f to Unmodified Unmodified discernable) V in Menges and others, 2001). in Menges and The r The The first three columns list map unit, general character general unit, map list columns three first The es eld cons ace Characteristics ement eak to with v chips None weak, weak, weak, where locally locally locally None to None to None to W Surf dissected Strong to moderate moderate moderate carbonate Pa moderate; present on interfluv commonly y groundwater mod groundwater y alle 6 y and in the fi y and in the V ery g y) we ph arious proportions of other arious proportions minor minor minor minor strong; Internal (mostly thal incision None to None to None to primary) deep (bal- strong and Commonly Commonly Dissection moderate to None to v to None lena topogra- locally minor al- 5 y consist of v y consist of coarse ys ys alluvial alle alle distal distal v v alley ground-water model area. model area. alley ground-water terraces ysiographic Position drainages intrarange intrarange terraces in piedmonts, piedmonts, piedmonts; piedmonts; range-front medial, and Proximal to Proximal to Proximal to Proximal to ace of the deposit (see unit descriptions). descriptions). unit (see deposit the of ace Mostly fine- Mostly plains, some ys, piedmonts, piedmonts, ys, grained axial embayments; locally distal, drainages and Intrarange v locally medial Ph and axial basin axial drainages terraces, interior le distal piedmonts y used to interpret and compile units for map. for units compile and interpret to used y y Characteristics are summarized from full area of Death of area full from summarized are Characteristics surficial-deposit units in the Death the in units surficial-deposit N/A indicates not applicable.] N/A indicates 4 e v grays grays grays light to Light to Light to Light to medium medium medium Black & White to gion. light gray erses. White and dark grays Medium to v Photograph White Aerial White medium gray eld tra eld x- wn; au) are not included because the au) are not included wn; te xtures xtures xtures xtures wn to wn tint; wn wns; tures colors, colors, colors, bro including including smooth to smooth to smooth to wns; rough to rough wns; ariable, light Image Maps ing bro Image/Photo Characteristics Light to dark Light to dark medium salt encrusted V salt encrusted; colors, includ- reddish bro colors, possible Medium to dark to Medium light blue where blue light light blue where blue light light-bro medium te medium te medium te medium te Light to medium to Light Light to medium to Light colored to white; to colored bro including bro including gional-scale studies with independent age control in and adjacent to the map area (listed age control in and adjacent studies with independent gional-scale 3 early Age Recent Middle Pliocene Recent to Recent to Middle to Holocene, Holocene, Holocene, Pleistocene Pleistocene Pleistocene Pleistocene locally latest locally latest locally latest Pleistocene to Pleistocene ferentiated units (Qau and QT ferentiated units c local- to re 2 ype Fine- T grained grained grained grained grained Channel alluvium alluvium alluvium alluvium alluvium alluvium Medium- to coarse- to coarse- to coarse- to coarse- Medium - Medium - Medium - Summary of selected surficial deposit units mapped in Death V in Death units mapped deposit surficial of selected Summary 1 ed in the satellite image maps and black and white aerial photograph aerial white and black and maps image satellite the in ed a Qc aces that are primarily based on observations from fi from observations on based primarily are that aces Qao Qay QT Qayf Qayo Unit riant of Qayf distinguished only by a thin crust of carbonate or salt on the surf the on salt or carbonate of crust thin a by only distinguished Qayf of riant able summarizes characteristics of the most common and distincti and common most the of characteristics summarizes able able 2. able 2. T [T of deposits. Mixed undif of deposits. aerial photograph bedrock on the images and because it resembles unit, is not included, bedrock landslide va with specifi correlations observ surf of geologic, tectonic, and local climatic conditions across the re conditions across the tectonic, and local climatic of geologic,

8 Geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California Table 2—Continued. Summary of selected surficial deposit units mapped in Death Valley ground-water model area. [Table summarizes characteristics of the most common and distinctive surficial-deposit units in the Death Valley groundwater model mapping program subdivided into primarily alluvial units and other types of deposits. Mixed undifferentiated units (Qau and QTau) are not included because they consist of various proportions of other units listed below and thus lack a consistent set of characteristics. QTls, the bedrock landslide unit, is not included, because it resembles bedrock on the images and aerial photography and in the field consists of brecciated bedrock outcrop. Qayfe is not listed separately, as it is a variant of Qayf distinguished only by a thin crust of carbonate or salt on the surface of the deposit (see unit descriptions). The first three columns list map unit, general character, and age range estimated from correlations with specific local- to regional-scale studies with independent age control in and adjacent to the map area (listed in Menges and others, 2001). The next two columns list characteristics of units observed in the satellite image maps and black and white aerial photography used to interpret and compile units for map. The remainder of the columns list characteristics of deposits and related geomorphic surfaces that are primarily based on observations from field traverses. Characteristics are summarized from full area of Death Valley ground-water model, and thus vary significantly, reflecting the wide range of geologic, tectonic, and local climatic conditions across the region. N/A indicates not applicable.]

Qlc Medium to Late to Light to dark Light to Mostly medial to Commonly Strong to None Strong to Strong to moderate; Medium- Poor to coarse- middle colors, medium distal piedmonts moderate to moderate, moderate includes argillic and to fine moderate grained Pleistocene including brown grays strong; but present (or) Stage II-IV gravel and lacustrine to reddish locally minor on calcic to petrocalcic sand deposits brown; smooth interfluves horizons (moderately to medium where to well textures dissected sorted)

QTsf Fine- Pleistocene to White to light White to Variable, Moderate to N/A N/A N/A Local buried paleo- Silt, clay, Poor to grained Pliocene colors; medium light grays including strong, in sols, variable weak to fine sand; moderate lacustrine, to smooth proximal to dis- dissected strong development local gravel inactive textures tal fans and basins; interbeds playa, and basin interiors locally none alluvial deposits

Qp Active Recent to late White to White to Basin interiors None None None None None; local Clay and None to playa and Holocene variegated light light grays near-surface silt; local moderate (on salt flat and pastel col- encrustations on salt fine sand salt pans) deposits ors; light blue pans where moist; smooth textures

QTd Inactive Recent to White to White to Mostly distal None to None; N/A; none None to None to moderate Clay, silt, None to and active Pliocene variegated light light grays piedmonts and moderate locally to weak (on weak (on (may include St I-II fine sand; moderate; discharge and pastel basin interiors; weak to alluvial alluvial calcic horizons) local fine locally strong deposits colors; light blue locally proximal moderate on caps) caps) gravels and where where moist; to medial alluvial organic crystalline smooth to piedmonts caps mats precipitate medium textures; local green vegetation

Qe Eolian Holocene to Light brown, Light grays Mostly basin None None N/A None None Fine to None deposits middle pinkish gray to interiors; locally medium Pleistocene pink; medium variable sand; silt textures piedmont 1 Labels used to identify surficial units for Death Valley ground-water model area geologic map. Units are subdivided into alluvial and other ( that is, lacustrine, playa/salt flat, eolian, ground-water discharge). Excluded from table are com posite or mixed age-range alluvial units (Qau and QTau) and the bedrock landslide unit (QTls) for reasons explained in table header. 2 Description of Map Units General type or classification of deposit, including general size range of coarse fraction, such that medium- to coarse-grained refers to gravel and sand and fine-grained refers to sand, silt and clay. 3 Age range of deposits, based on correlations to local or regional studies with geochronologic control listed in Menges and others (2001). 4 Typical characteristics of unit observed in satellite image maps and aerial photography used to interpret and compile maps. Satellite image refers to the specially processed Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper image projected onto 1:100,000- scale quadrangles for compilation of units and Black & White aerial photography refers to high-altitude black and white aerial photography that were used as aid to interpretive mapping and for field observations, as described in text. 5 Typical physiographic positions of unit within landscape, commonly given in reference to alluvial basins and (or) bedrock ranges. 6 Relative amount of local dissection or incision of drainages within or along margins of given mapped area of deposit. Common depth ranges include 0-2 m (minor), 2-5 m (moderate), and > 5 m (strong). 7 Degree of desert varnish observed at surface, given qualitatively in reference to darkening of tops and (or) reddening of undersides of surface clasts. 8 Degree of desert varnish observed at surface, given qualitatively in reference to darkening of tops and (or) reddening of undersides of surface clasts. 9 General strength of maximum soil development associated with upper surface of deposits, typically as observed in natural outcrops (gullies) or road cuts, or as exposed in shallow pits. Soil pits exposing the full depth range of deep profiles could not be excavated during the reconnaissance field traverses required for this project. Observations focused on relative degree of development of horizons of secondary accumulation of carbonate, after Machette (1985), and locally salt or silica, and presence or absence of cambic or argillic horizons. In some cases, generalized soil characteristics were inferred less reliably where soil was not exposed on undissected surfaces from features on surface, including carbonate chips, carbonate rinds on clasts, and materials brought up from burrowing insects or rodents. 10Typical textural size range of deposits, given for gravels in terms of coarse (cobble to boulder) or fine (pebble to cobble) grained.

9 11Degree of internal cementation or induration throughout deposits, below surface zone of soil development. Bonding agent varies from fines (silt, clay) in uncemented to poorly cemented deposits to secondary carbonate, salt, or silica cement in moderately to strongly cemented materials. (beds of Confidence Hills Formation of Beratan and shorelines; spits and bars; forset, backset, or deltaic others, 1999), although unit locally includes fine- stratification). Thickness variable, but typically grained primarily lacustrine deposits as young as from 0 to 20 m; locally as much as 50 m late to middle Pleistocene related to pluvial lakes QTa Oldest alluvium (middle Pleistocene to late Ter within enclosed basins (for example, northern Death tiary)—Generally medium- to coarse-grained Valley; Klinger and Sarna-Wojcicki, 2001). Variable gravel (boulder to pebble) and sand. Variable indu- thickness from 0 to greater than 100 m in exposed ration, from poorly consolidated beneath cemented sections. Total thickness in basin subsurface may surface soils to well cemented throughout. Mostly exceed 300 m associated with old dissected fans and (or) gravel- Qao Old alluvium (late to middle Pleistocene)—Typically sand dominated basin fill deposits, commonly medium- to coarse-grained gravel (boulder to pebble located at basin margins. Typically has strongly gravel dominated) and sand deposits in proximal and developed or eroded relict soils (usually dominated medial basin positions, but may locally include by variably degraded cemented petrocalcic to petro- regions with fine-grained sand and silt at surface in salic horizons). Generally strongly incised into bal- some closed-basin settings. Variable induration but lena (ridge-ravine) topography with little or no generally moderately consolidated to unconsoli- preservation of pavements or original surfaces on dated below potentially cemented well-developed narrow interfluves. Thickness generally from 0 to soils. Has moderately to well-developed soils, mod- 100 m, but may increase to 300 m locally. Gener- erate to strong varnish development on clasts, and ally not preserved at surface on basin side of tecton- moderate- to well-developed surface pavements with ically active range-front faults no detectable bar-and-swale landforms. Variable local relief, ranging from undissected to well incised, depending on local base-level conditions, Bedrock Units but typically with at least some local incision; unit typically contains at least some varnished pavement Within the Tertiary section, we have followed the mapping surfaces preserved on flat to broadly rounded inter- strategy of Ekren and others (1977). Sedimentary and volcanic fluves even where strongly dissected. Thickness of units are subdivided based upon age range. Within each age individually mapped units at surface typically from range, the rocks are further subdivided into lava flows, tuffs, and 0 to 30 m, but may increase to 50-100 m along tec- associated sedimentary rocks. These units represent four major tonically active range-fronts. Aggregate thickness of stages in the Tertiary tectonic evolution of the region. Unit 1 all Pleistocene-age alluvial units adjacent to tectoni- consists of sedimentary rocks that predate the oldest Tertiary cally active range fronts may exceed 500 m in sub- volcanic units associated with extension. These rocks fall into surface regionally extensive formations which have been significantly Qlc Old lacustrine deposits (late to middle Pleistocene)— deformed by more recent extension and which everywhere lack Generally fine- to meidum-grained gravel (mostly volcanic material. Unit 2 consists of the oldest Tertiary volcanic pebble to cobble, some small boulder) and sand, sequence ranging in age from 27 to 32 Ma. These rocks are related primarily to pluvial lakes formed in closed commonly difficult to differentiate in the field and in thin sec- basins such as central Death Valley (Machette, tion and consequently source associations are poorly con- Klinger, and Knott, 2001). May locally include fine- strained. No sedimentary rocks associated with unit 2 are grained sand and silt beds and (or) variably exposed within the map area. Unit 3 consists of the younger cemented tufa deposits. Generally moderately con- sequence of calc-alkaline volcanic rocks and associated sedi- solidated to unconsolidated beneath surface soils, mentary units ranging in age from 18 to 27 Ma. Unit 4 consists except where associated with cemented densely of the entire bimodal sequence of volcanic rocks and associated crystalline tufa. Has moderate- to well-developed sedimentary rocks ranging in age from 5 to 17 Ma. Within the soils, moderate to strong varnish development on Nevada Test Site and Death Valley regions, these units are sub- surface clasts, and moderate- to well-developed sur- divided into a more detailed stratigraphic sequence representing face pavements with no detectable bar and swale both the Death Valley volcanic field and southwestern Nevada landforms. Variable local relief, ranging from undis- volcanic field. Sedimentary rocks of unit 4 are not subdivided sected to deeply dissected, depending on local base- due to a lack of consistent, regional stratigraphic correlations. level conditions, but typically with at least some Felsic-composition lava flows and intrusive rocks are not subdi- local incision; unit typically contains at least some vided due to lack of age data. varnished pavement surfaces preserved on flat to broadly rounded interfluves even where strongly dis- sected. Unit similar in many respects to unit Qao, Silicic to Intermediate-composition Volcanic Rocks but is differentiable based on generally finer gravel texture, better sorting and rounding of coarse frac- Qa Young intermediate-composition lava flows, undi tion, and common association with lacustrine depo- vided (Pleistocene)—Partially reworked, interme- sitional features and landforms (for example, diate-composition lava flows, pyroclastic rocks and

10 Geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California interbedded sedimentary rocks exposed in the east- Sheephead Andesite, and Shoshone Volcanics (8- ern-most and the northern tip of the 11.5 Ma). Includes intermediate- to felsic-composi- Cottonwood Mountains (Strand, 1967; Burchfiel, tion hypabyssal intrusive rocks in Black Mountains 1969; Streitz and Stinson, 1974) and . Also includes dacitic lava Tv Volcanic rocks, undivided (Pliocene to Oligocene)— flows in the southern Black Mountains and southern Volcanic rocks whose age and stratigraphic position . Age range: 8-12 Ma are poorly constrained Ta s Intermediate- to felsic-composition lava flows of Tr Felsic-composition lava flows, undivided (Pliocene to the southern Death Valley- volca Oligocene)—Mostly resistant, mostly gray, white, nic belt—Basaltic andesite to andesite lava flows and tan, rhyolitic lava flows and volcanic domes, and associated breccias and pyroclastic deposits in and subordinate ash-flow and air-fall tuff. Includes the southern , , many rhyolite and lesser trachyte and comendite Avawatz Range, and north end of California Valley masses, many of them associated with calderas. and north and east of the Saddle Peak Hills. Age Includes the Oddie Rhyolite of Esmeralda County Range: 11-14 Ma (Albers and Stewart, 1972) Ta 4 Intermediate-composition lava flows, unit 4 (Pliocene Rocks of the Nevada Test Site and vicinity and Miocene)—Mostly resistant, intermediate- (Miocene)—Ash-flow tuffs and interbedded air-fall composition lava flows, flow breccia, and subordi- tuffs exposed in and near the Nevada Test Site that nate volcanic mudflow breccia. Includes the andes- are described in detail by Slate and others (2000). ite of Sarcobatus Flat west of the Nevada Test Site All dates taken directly from Slate and others (Slate and others, 2000), 9-12 Ma dacitic rocks in (2000). Divided into: Death Valley and the Grapevine Mountains (Wright Tst Stonewall Flat Tuff and tuffs of the Thirsty Can- and others, in press), and 5.9-Ma porphyritic latite yon Group, undivided—Peralkaline ash-flow tuffs or trachyandesite and rhyolitic to andesitic volcanic and associated rocks. The Stonewall Flat Tuff was breccia in Esmeralda County (Albers and Stewart, derived from the Stonewall Mountain caldera at 1972). Age range: 5-17 Ma about 7.5-7.6 Ma. The Thirsty Canyon Group was Tt4 Ash-flow tuffs and interbedded air-fall tuffs, unit 4 derived from the Black Mountain caldera at about (Pliocene and Miocene)—Mostly resistant, poorly 9.15-9.4 Ma to highly welded, mostly silicic ash-flow tuffs and Tmt Tuffs of the Timber Mountain Group—Metalumi- minor air-fall tuff. Includes the peralkaline Kane nous ash-flow tuffs and associated rocks derived Wash Tuff (14.4-14.7 Ma) and older (15-16 Ma) from the Timber Mountain caldera complex at 11.4- peralkaline tuffs formerly included in the Kane 11.6 Ma Wash Tuff (Scott and others, 1995a). Where not Tpt Tuffs of the Paintbrush Group—Metaluminous ash- mapped separately, includes tuffs of the Timber flow tuffs and associated rocks derived from the Mountain Group. Includes the upper nonwelded Claim Canyon caldera at 12.7-12.8 Ma. Locally ash-flow tuff (6 Ma) and the upper welded ash-flow includes the Kane Wash Tuff east of the Nevada Test tuff (5.9-6.1 Ma) of Albers and Stewart (1972) in Site Esmeralda County. Age range: 5-17 Ma Tw Wahmonie and Salyer Formations, undivided— Intermediate-composition lava flows, flow breccia, Rocks of the southern Death Valley region volcanic mudflow breccia, and source intrusions of (Miocene)—Lava flows and tuffs exposed in south- the Wahmonie and Salyer Formations ern Death Valley and areas to the south and east Tct Tuffs of the Crater Flat Group—Calc-alkaline ash- including the Black Mountains, Greenwater Valley, flow tuffs and associated rocks of 13.1-13.5 Ma Greenwater Range, southern , exposed in, and derived from an unknown caldera, southern Panamint Range, Owlshead Mountains, perhaps the Silent Canyon caldera complex Sperry Hills, and northern Kingston Range. These Tbt Tuffs of the Belted Range Group—Peralkaline ash- rocks are described in detail by Wright and others flow tuffs and associated rocks derived from the (in press). All dates taken directly from Wright and Silent Canyon caldera complex at 13.5-13.85 Ma others (in press). Divided into: Tlt Lithic Ridge Tuff, rhyolite of Picture Rock, Tunnel Tvg Greenwater Volcanics—Rhyodacite flows and air- Formation, and comendite of Quartet Dome, fall tuffs exposed in the northern Greenwater undivided—Rhyodacitic, rhyolitic, and comendite Range and Black Mountains. Age Range: 5.4- ash-flow tuff, lava flows, and associated rocks of 6.0 Ma 14.0-14.3 Ma. Sources known or inferred to be in or Ta r Intermediate- to felsic-composition lava flows of near the Nevada Test Site the central Death Valley volcanic field—Andesitic Tqv Volcanic rocks of Quartz Mountain—Rhyolite to to rhyolitic lava flows and interbedded tuffs in the quartz trachyte lava flows, ash-flow tuff, and air-fall Black Mountains, Greenwater Range, and Panamint tuff of 14.2-14.9 Ma derived probably from the Mountains where unit includes Rhodes Tuff, Mount Helen caldera

Description of Map Units 11 Tu v Older ash-flow tuffs and lava sequences, undi composition lava flows, flow breccia, and vided—Peralkaline and rhyolite ash-flow tuff, lava subordinate volcanic mudflow breccia. Age range: flows, and associated rocks of about 14.9-16 Ma. 27-32 Ma Consists of the comendite of Ocher Ridge, Tub Tt2 Ash-flow tuffs and interbedded air-fall tuffs, unit 2 Spring Tuff, comendite of Emigrant Valley, older (Oligocene)—Mostly resistant, poorly to highly tunnel beds, tuff of Yucca Flat, Redrock Valley Tuff, welded, mostly silicic ash-flow tuffs and minor air- tuff of Twin Peaks, and volcanic rocks of Gold Flat. fall tuff. Includes the Monotony Tuff (27.3 Ma; Comendite units are from local sources but the Best and others, 1989b), tuff of the Seaman Range sources of the tuffs are unknown, although some (Ekren and others, 1977), Lund Formation (27.9 could be from the Nevada Test Site Ma), Wah Wah Springs Formation (29.5 Ma), and Tkv Lava flows of the Belted Range—Rhyolite and latite Cottonwood Wash Tuff (30.6 Ma) of the Needles lava flow sequences. Consists of the rhyolite of Range Group (Best and others, 1989a), tuff of Will- Belted Peak, rhyolite of Wheelbarrow Peak, and iams Ridge and Morey Peak (31.3 Ma; Best and latite of Kawich Valley others, 1989b), Windous Butte Formation (31.4 Ma; Ta 3 Intermediate-composition lava flows, unit 3 (Miocene Best and others, 1989b), and the Stone Cabin Tuff and Oligocene)—Mostly resistant, intermediate- (35.4 Ma; Best and others, 1989b). Age range: 27- composition lava flows, flow breccia, and subordi- 32 Ma nate volcanic mudflow breccia. Includes the Mizpah Trachyte (20.4 Ma), the Milltown Andesite (21.5 Ma), and 20.8-21.6 Ma dacitic rocks and the Chispa Andesite in the northern part of the area (Albers and Basaltic Volcanic Rocks Stewart, 1972; Cornwall, 1972; Kleinhampl and Ziony, 1985). Age range: 19-26 Ma Qb Young basaltic lava flows (Holocene to Pleistocene)— Tt3 Ash-flow tuffs and interbedded air-fall tuffs, unit 3 Mostly resistant, basaltic lava flows, flow breccia, (Miocene and Oligocene)—Mostly resistant, scoria, and cinder cones poorly to highly welded, mostly silicic ash-flow tuffs QTb Basaltic lava flows, undivided (Pleistocene to and minor air-fall tuff. Includes the Hiko Tuff (18.2- Miocene)—Mapped where age is less certain. 18.6 Ma; Rowley and others, 1995), Fraction Tuff Includes Malpais Basalt and Rabbit Spring Forma- (18.7-20.5 Ma; Best and others, 1989b), tuff of tion, undivided, of Esmeralda County (Albers and Saulsbury Wash (21.6 Ma; Kleinhampl and Ziony, Stewart, 1972) and Pliocene? basaltic rocks in the 1985), Harmony Hills Tuff (22.0-22.5 Ma; Rowley Reveille Range (Cornwall, 1972; Kleinhampl and and others, 1995), Pahranagat Formation (22.39 Ma; Ziony, 1985) Best and others, 1995), Condor Canyon Formation Tb Old basaltic lava flows (Pliocene to Miocene)— (22.8-23.7 Ma; Rowley and others, 1995), Leach Mostly resistant, basaltic lava flows, flow breccia, Canyon Formation (23.8 Ma; Best and others, scoria, and cinder cones. Includes the Mira Basalt 1989b; Rowley and others, 1994), Bates Mountain (Albers and Stewart, 1972) Tuff (23-24 Ma; Best and others, 1989b), tuff of White Blotch Spring (24-25 Ma; Ekren and others, 1977), tuffs of Antelope Springs (Cornwall, 1972), Intrusive Rocks rocks of the Reveille Range (24-25 Ma; Kleinhampl and Ziony, 1985), tuff of Kiln Canyon (24-25 Ma Tgy Young granitic intrusive rocks (Miocene)—Mostly (Kleinhampl and Ziony, 1985), tuff of the Quinn resistant silicic intrusions. Includes intrusive rocks Canyon Range, Kendall Tuff (Albers and Stewart, on Timber Mountain associated with the tuffs of the 1972), Vindicator Rhyolite (Albers and Stewart, Timber Mountain Group (11.4-11.6 Ma; Slate and 1972), tuff of Murphy Gap, tuff of Bald Mountain others, 2000) and rocks in the Death Valley region (about 25 Ma; Best and others, 1989b), Shingle Pass (8.5-12.5 Ma; Wright and others, in press) Tuff (26.0-26.7 Ma; Best and others, 1989b), tuff of Ta i Younger intermediate-composition intrusive rocks Hancock Summit (about 26 Ma; Best and others, (Miocene to Oligocene)—Mostly resistant plugs 1989b), and Isom Formation (25.7-27.0 Ma; Best and dikes in the Panamint Range and Owlshead and others, 1989b; Rowley and others, 1994). Also Mountains, which are correlative with a 12.5 Ma sill includes poorly dated (but less than 25 Ma) young in the Kingston Range (Wright and others, in press). tuffs of the Pancake caldera complex, and poorly In the central and northern sections of the map area, dated tuffs of the Hannapah and Ellendale mining this unit includes exposures associated with caldera districts, including the tuff of McKinney Tanks and magmatism and shallow plutonism ranging in age the tuff of Hannapah (Kleinhampl and Ziony, 1985). from 11-32 Ma (Ekren and others, 1971; Cornwall, Age range: 18-27 Ma 1972; Ekren and others, 1977; Kleinhampl and Ta 2 Intermediate-composition lava flows, unit 2 Ziony, 1985; Slate and others, 2000). Locally (Oligocene)—Mostly resistant, intermediate- includes associated extrusive rocks

12 Geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California Tw s Gabbro to diorite intrusive rocks of Willow Springs bedded tuff and sedimentary rocks, and sedimentary (Miocene)—Mostly resistant and mafic intrusion of rocks and landslide deposits exposed in and near the about 11.6 Ma in the Black Mountains associated Nevada Test Site (Slate and others, 2000; Wright with the Willow Springs pluton (Wright and others, and others, in press). Includes the sedimentary in press) deposits (7-14 Ma) of the Shadow Valley basin Tgo Older granitic intrusive rocks (Miocene? to Oli (Wright and others, in press). In Esmeralda County, gocene)—Mostly resistant silicic intrusions. the upper part of the unit includes the Pozo Forma- Includes intrusive quartz monzonitic rocks in the tion, deposits that overlie tuff dated at 5.9 Ma, and northern Quinn Canyon Range (26.8 Ma; Klein- other (4-17 Ma) deposits (Albers and Stewart, hampl and Ziony, 1985) and coarse-grained rhyolite 1972). The lower part of the unit includes pre- porphyry in the Cactus Range which intrudes the basin-range deposits filling local basins that predate tuff of White Blotch Spring (Cornwall, 1972) the present topography. On and near the Nevada TKi Older intermediate-composition intrusive rocks (Oli Test Site, these rocks, previously called the rocks of gocene to )—Mostly resistant intrusions Pavits Spring, are of about 11.7-18.3(?) Ma (Slate and dikes whose age is poorly constrained. Includes and others, 2000). In Esmeralda County, the lower “dacite to gabbro dikes, many too small to show at part of the unit contains the Esmeralda Formation. map scale, along the west side of Bare Mountain Age range: 5-17 Ma (Slate and others, 2000)” Tls Landslide and mega-breccia deposits (Miocene to TKd Mafic intrusive rocks (Oligocene to Cretaceous)— Oligocene)—Large, angular blocks of older bed- Mostly resistant mafic intrusions and dikes. rock ranging in size up to hundreds of meters, com- Exposed in the Palmetto and Montezuma ranges of monly retaining original sedimentary bedding, Esmeralda County (Albers and Stewart, 1972) contained within a recemented matrix of identical Tၣg Oldest granitic intrusive rocks (Tertiary? to Trias lithology. Generally underlain by mappable, grav- sic)—Mostly resistant, mostly silicic intrusions and ity-induced faults related to Tertiary extension (Slate dikes. Ages generally decrease eastward across the and others, 2000). Includes masses in the Timpa- map area from predominantly in the west- hute Range inferred to post-date 24 Ma (Ekren and ern ranges to predominantly Cretaceous in the east- others, 1977), in the Sheep Range where deposition ern ranges. Includes exposures along the eastern was synchronous with deposition of the Horse Cottonwood Mountains of known age Springs Formation (Guth, 1981; P. Guth and J. (McAllister, 1956) Yount, unpublished mapping, 1994), in the Reveille Jၣqm quartz monzodiorite, undivided Range dated at 18.5-26 Ma (Ekren and other, 1973), (Early Jurassic to Late Triassic)—Coarse-grained in the Beatty region dated at 10-12.7 Ma (Slate and quartz monzodioritic plutonic rocks underlying others, 2000), in the Nevada Test Site region overly- most of the Avawatz Range, and exposed as fault ing volcanic rocks dated at 13.7 to 15.3 Ma and slices near the Garlock fault and in the overlain by 11.6 Ma volcanic rocks (Slate and oth- and southern Panamint Range. K/Ar and Rb/Sr ages ers, 2000), at the northern end of the Spring Moun- fall within the range of 180 to 220 Ma (Wright and tains dated at 12.7-13.7 Ma (Slate and others, 2000), others, in press) and in the Blue Diamond area where the age is unknown (Page and others, in press). Unit is every- where assumed to be older than 10 Ma Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks Tso Sedimentary rocks older than the rocks of the Nevada Test Site and vicinity (Miocene to Ts Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Pliocene to Eocene?)—Moderately consolidated, fluvial and Eocene)—Poorly to well consolidated fluvial and lacustrine sandstone, conglomerate, limestone, lacustrine sedimentary rocks whose age is poorly mudstone, and siltstone whose age is poorly con- constrained. Includes the Siebert Tuff in the strained. Includes conglomerate with interbedded Tonopah area (Albers and Stewart, 1972). Locally lacustrine limestone, siltstone, sandstone and a 30.2 divided into: Ma air-fall tuff (Barnes and others, 1982), formerly Ts4 Sedimentary rocks, unit 4 (Pliocene and called the rocks of Winapi Wash on the northern side Miocene)—Poorly to moderately consolidated, of the Spotted Range. Includes the upper tuffaceous mostly fluvial sandstone, conglomerate, mudstone, sandstone and lower conglomerate of the Titus Can- limestone, and siltstone. The upper part of the unit yon Formation along the north side of the Funeral is composed of deposits in local basins that reflect and Grapevine Mountains (Slate and others, 2000). the present topography formed during basin-range Also includes a small exposure north of Yucca Flat extension. These deposits include unnamed basin- composed of locally derived clasts of the Eleana fill sediments, the Funeral Formation, the Furnace Formation which separates the Paleozoic basement Creek Formation, caldera moat-filling sediments, rock from overlying Tertiary volcanic units beneath

Description of Map Units 13 much of the northern end of Yucca Flat as inter- beds. Gypsum locally in discontinuous beds and preted from drill-hole data (J. Cole, oral communi- irregular lenses. Base of formation is Shinarump cation, 2001) Member, composed of conglomerate with distinctive Ts3 Sedimentary rocks, unit 3 (Miocene and Oli reddish-brown and yellowish-brown chert clasts, and gocene)—Moderately to well consolidated, fluvial minor carbonate clasts. Unit conformably underlies and lacustrine sandstone, limestone, conglomerate, (Ja) and unconformably overlies and mudstone. Deposited in basins that formed (Longwell and others, 1965; before the present topography was developed. Stewart, 1980; Page and others, in press). Unit is 180 Includes the Sandstorm Formation of Esmeralda m thick County (Albers and Stewart, 1972), the Horse ၣm Moenkopi Formation (Middle? and Lower Trias Spring Formation in the southern Las Vegas Range sic)—Exposed in eastern Spring Mountains. In (Page and others, in press), and deposits younger descending order, unit includes upper red member, than the Titus Canyon Formation in Death Valley Virgin Limestone Member, lower red member, and National Park (Wright and others, in press). Age Timpoweap Member. Upper red member (Burchfiel range: 18-26 Ma and others, 1974) consists of claystone, mudstone, Ts1 Sedimentary rocks, unit 1 (Eocene and Pale dolomite, limestone, siltstone, shale, and some gyp- ocene)—Coarse, predominantly conglomeratic sed- sum. Virgin Limestone Member consists of bioclas- imentary rocks which pre-date Tertiary volcanic tic limestone, sandy limestone, dolomite, calcareous activity based on a lack of volcanic clasts and sandstone, and siltstone; include brachio- stratigraphic relationships. Includes the Sheep pods, gastropods, pelecypods, and pelmatozoan Pass Formation in Lincoln County (Tschanz and fragments; limestone locally contains ooids. Lower Pampeyan, 1970; Ekren and others, 1977) and the red member consists of siltstone, sandstone, shale, fanglomerate of Ekren and others (1971) in the and minor dolomitic limestone, silty limestone, and Mount Helen area gypsiferous siltstone beds. Timpoweap Member ၢsv Sedimentary and volcanic rocks, undivided (Meso marks base of formation and is limestone and chert- zoic)—Exposed throughout the southwestern part of clast conglomerate with minor pebbly carbonate the map area including the southern , and calcareous sandstone beds; grades upward into Slate Range, southern Panamint Range, and Avawatz lower redbed sequence. Unit is 585 m thick (Page Mountains. This unit is locally metamorphosed and and others, in press) includes interbedded sedimentary and volcanic Pzu Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Paleozoic)—Unit rocks (Wright and others, in press). Includes the mapped in Cottonwood Mountains, Hunter Moun- Butte Valley Formation in the southern Panamint tain area, Grapevine Mountains north of Scotty’s Mountains which is age-equivalent to the Moenkopi Castle, and the Reveille Range. Consists of undi- Formation in the eastern part of the map area vided marine sedimentary rocks (Jennings, 1961; (Johnson, 1957) Jennings and others, 1962; Strand, 1967; Cornwall, Klw Lavinia Wash sequence (Upper and Lower Creta 1972; Streitz and Stinson, 1974) ceous)—Heterogeneous synorogenic sequence of Pkt Kaibab and Toroweap Formations, undivided interbedded conglomerate, sandstone, and mudstone (Lower )—Exposed in eastern Spring defined by Carr (1980) in exposure in the Good- Mountains. Harrisburg and Fossil Mountain Mem- springs mining district. Underlain by an inferred bers of the Kaibab Formation are recognized (Carr, unconformity (Carr and Pinkston, 1987). Unit origi- 1992; Carr and McDonnell-Canan, 1992). Harris- nally assigned Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous(?) burg Member is micritic limestone and dolomite, age based on conventional K-Ar dates of volcanic bedded gypsum, and some red shale and claystone; rocks within unit, but new laser fusion 40Ar/39Ar pectinoid valves and pelmatozoan ossicles methods yielded a late Early Cretaceous age observed; common chert in nodules and layers. (99.0+0.4 Ma) (Fleck and Carr, 1990; Fleck and oth- Fossil Mountain Member is thick-bedded fossilifer- ers, 1994); this date constrains the maximum age of ous limestone and dolomitic limestone with brown- movement on the Keystone thrust in the eastern weathering chert layers and nodules; includes bra- Spring Mountains. Unit from 5 to 20 m thick chiopods, bryozoans, and pelmatozoan columnals. Ja Aztec Sandstone (Jurassic)—Exposed in eastern Woods Ranch, Brady Canyon, and Seligman Mem- Spring Mountains. Tan and red quartz sandstone. bers of the Toroweap are recognized (Carr, 1992; Conspicuous 5-10-meter scale cross-bedding. Unit Carr and McDonnell-Canan, 1992); Woods Ranch is truncated by the Keystone thrust fault. Thickness Member is shale, dolomite, siltstone, and some gyp- ranges from 650 to 800 meters (Longwell and oth- sum. Brady Canyon Member is limestone and dolo- ers, 1965; Page and others, in press) mitic limestone with common chert nodules and ၣc (Upper Triassic)—Exposed in east- layers. Seligman Member is siltstone, sandstone, ern Spring Mountains. Interbedded sandstone, silt- and gypsum; some dolomite and dolomitic sand- stone, shale, and minor conglomerate and limestone stone in upper part. Unit forms ledgy to massive

14 Geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California cliffs and is overlain unconformably by Timpoweap and in the western part of the map area in the Cot- Member of the Moenkopi Formation; in places, unit tonwood Mountains and Panamint Range (included is completely removed along this unconformity, and in PSu in this area). Bird Spring Formation con- Timpoweap Member rests directly on Permian red- sists of limestone, silty limestone, dolomite, chert, beds. Combined thickness of the two formations is quartzite, siltstone, and shale. Common layers and 0-300 m in the eastern Spring Mountains (Page and nodules of brown-weathering chert. Contains abun- others, in press) dant macrofossils including brachiopods, ostracods, Pr Redbeds (Lower Permian)—Exposed in eastern colonial and solitary corals, bryozoans, sponges, Spring Mountains. Consists of sandstone and some pelmatozoan fragments, and fusulinids. In Las interbedded shale and siltstone; locally gypsifer- Vegas Range, Sheep Range, and part of the Spring ous. Conformably overlies the Bird Spring Forma- Mountains, unit includes a distinctive carbonate tion; contact with overlying is slope to basin marker unit with submarine debris- sharp and disconformable. Unit forms ledgy slope flow conglomerates—marker unit is about 1,000 m and is about 580 m thick (Longwell and others, above the base of the formation in the region. The 1965; Carr and Pinkston, 1987; Page and others, in underlying Indian Springs Formation of Webster press) and Lane (1967) consists of interbedded limestone, Pov Owens Valley Group (Lower Permian)—Exposures in shale, and quartzite (Page and others, in press). Unit the Dry Mountain area consist of the Lone Pine For- is from 1,300 to 2,355 m thick in the Spring Moun- mation, composed of thin-bedded calcereous mud- tains; maximum thickness of 2,500 m in the Las stone, shale, and siltstone. Exposures in the Vegas Range; top not exposed (Page and others, in Cottonwood Mountains and Panamint Range consist press) of the Darwin Canyon Formation, composed of Pၧt Tippipah Limestone (Lower Permian and Pennsylva well-bedded very fine grained sandstone, calcarenite nian)—Exposed in Nevada Test Site area. Consists sandstone, and subordinate calcarenitic, bioclastic of thin-bedded, fossiliferous limestone with chert limestone, and limestone conglomerate underlain by nodules, calcareous siltstone to sandstone, and the Osborne Canyon Formation, composed of cal- minor chert-pebble conglomerate, sandy limestone, cereous mudstone, bioclastic limestone, limestone and quartz sandstone. The clastic component conglomerate, and subordinate calcareous siltstone increases up section. Top of unit unconformably (Burchfiel, 1969; Stone, 1984; Stone and Stevens, overlain by younger Mesozoic and Cenozoic units. 1987; Stone and others, 1987). The Osborne Can- Unit unconformably overlies the Scotty Wash yon Formation and underlying Tihvipah Limestone Quartzite (mapped as Msc) which is completely have been incorrectly mapped as the Keeler Canyon removed in some locations. Correlative with part of Formation by Streitz and Stinson (1974) within the the Bird Spring Formation (PၧMb). Maximum map area (Stone and others, 1987). Hall (1971) thickness about 1,250 m (Tschanz and Pampeyan, reported 730 m of unit exposed in Panamint Range 1970; Kleinhampl and Ziony, 1985; Slate and oth- area but Stone (1984) remapped much of this unit as ers, 2000) Bird Spring Formation, and Burchfiel (1969) Pၧkc Keeler Canyon Formation (Lower Permian to Mid reported 180 m of the unit in the Dry Mountain area. dle )—Exposed in the Dry Mountain PSu Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Permian to Sil area. Composed of silty, bioclastic limestone and urian)—Exposed in southwestern part of map area. siltstone and a basal micritic limestone with abun- In Grapevine Mountains, Awawatz Mountains, and dant chert nodules; fossils include fusulinids, pel- Slate Range consists of rocks correlative with parts matozoans, bryozoans, and brachiopods. Unit is of the Owens Valley Group, Keeler Canyon Forma- differentiated from the partly age-equivalent Bird tion, Perdido Group, Tin Mountain Limestone, Lost Spring Formation by an abundance of turbidite Burro Formation, and Hidden Valley Dolomite from facies. Conformably overlain by the Lone Pine For- top to bottom. In and northern mation and conformably underlain by the Rest Panamint Range consists of rocks correlative with Spring Shale. (Ross, 1967; Streitz and Stinson, parts of the Owens Valley Group, Bird Spring For- 1974; Stone and Stevens, 1987). Unit 1,164 m thick mation, Indian Springs Formation, Santa Rosa Hills in Dry Mountain area (Burchfiel, 1969) Limestone, Stone Canyon Limestone, Tin Mountain Mu Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Upper and Lower Limestone, Lost Burro Formation, and Hidden Val- )—Mapped mostly in Cottonwood ley Dolomite from top to bottom. About 2,370 m Mountains and , Inyo County, thick California, and also in the Spotted Range, Lincoln PၧMb Bird Spring (Lower Permian and Pennsylvanian) and Clark Counties, Nevada. In Spotted Range, and Indian Springs Formations (Upper Missis includes, from top to base, Indian Springs Forma- sippian)—Exposed in eastern part of the map area tion of Webster and Lane (1967), Limestone of in the Spring Mountains, Las Vegas Range, Sheep Timpi Canyon, Mercury Limestone, and Narrow Range, Pahranagat Range, and Timpahute Range Canyon Limestone (Poole and others, 1961; Stevens

Description of Map Units 15 and others, 1996). Lower Mississippian rocks are bioclastic limestone with pelmatozoan fragments, correlative with parts of the Monte Cristo Group and solitary and colonial corals, and brachiopods, and Joana Limestone. Indian Springs Formation is minor dolomite and chert beds. Yellowpine con- mostly of variegated shale, but also has bioclastic tains unusually large solitary rugose corals; also limestone and quartzite beds; fossils include the contains Lithostrotionella colonial corals, and pel- biostratigraphically diagnostic Chesterian brachio- matozoan ossicles. Encrinitic limestone (grainstone pod Rhipidomella nevadensis. Limestone of Timpi to wackestone) typifies the Bullion Limestone. Canyon, and the Mercury and Narrow Canyon Anchor Limestone consists of alternating thin-bed- , consist of limestone and dolomite, silty ded limestone and chert beds. Dawn Limestone is limestone, sandstone and quartzite, and shale; fossils abundantly fossiliferous and has common dark- include gastropods, pelmatozoan fragments, and brown-weathering chert beds. Unit is from 300 to brachiopods. Unit about 230 m thick (Longwell and 480 m thick (Burchfiel and others, 1983a, b; Page others, 1965; Stevens and others, 1996). and others, in press) Exposures in the Cottonwood Mountains are MDe Eleana Formation (Mississippian and Upper Devo equivalent to the Monte Cristo Group as described nian)—Exposed in Nevada Test Site area. below (Stone, 1984). In the Last Chance Range, Described by Poole and others (1961); reinterpreted unit includes Rest Spring Shale, Kearsarge Forma- by Trexler and others (1996). Sandstone, pebble tion, Perdido Group, and Tin Mountain Limestone. conglomerate, siliceous siltstone, and minor bio- Rest Spring Shale is thin-bedded, micritic limestone clastic limestone and bedded chert. Unit varies lat- and black fissile shale; limestone is bioclastic and erally and vertically and was deposited in deep- phosphatic (Stevens and others, 1996). Mexican water turbiditic trough and submarine fan deposi- Spring Formation of Perdido Group is mostly silt- tional environments. Upper 150 m consists of inter- stone and conglomerate; siltstone is bioturbated and bedded bioclastic limestone and chert-litharenite contains turbidite beds with graded bioclasts (bra- sandstone. Middle 1,700 m consists of chert-lith- chiopods, gastropods, foraminifera); the underlying arenite sandstone, conglomerate, and siltstone. Leaning Rock Formation is thin-bedded, micritic, Lower 170 m consists of debris-flow conglomerate argillaceous limestone, and minor mudstone and deposits, silty and sandy limestone, and quartzite. conglomerate. Tin Mountain Limestone is lime- Top of unit is everywhere truncated by the Belted stone with distinctive pale-reddish-purple partings. Range thrust (Cole and Cashman, 1999). Unit max- Entire assemblage is 400 m thick in the Dry Moun- imum thickness is 2,040 m tain area of the Cottonwood Mountains (Burchfiel, Mj Joana Limestone (Lower Mississippian)—Exposed in 1969), about 140 m thick in the Panamint Range northeastern part of map area in the Pahranagat and (Hall, 1971), and as great as 420 m thick in the Timpahute Ranges. Limestone with interbedded Quartz Spring area, Inyo County (Stevens and silty limestone, shale, and chert; upper part weath- others, 1996) ers to lighter shades of gray and contains more chert Msc Scotty Wash Quartzite (Upper Mississippian) and and shale beds; lower part generally forms massive Chainman Shale (Upper and Lower Mississip limestone cliffs; abundant pelmatozoan fragments pian), undivided—Exposed in the Timpahute and corals (Tschanz and Pampeyan, 1970). Correl- Range, Pahranagat Range, and eastern Nevada Test ative with lower part of Monte Cristo Group (Mm), Site area (Syncline Ridge, CP Hills, and Calico and lower part of Mississippian undivided unit Hills). Scotty Wash Quartzite consists of tabular to (Mu). About 200 to 300 m thick lensoidal quartzite beds and fossiliferous lime- MDu Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Lower Mississippian stone. Chainman Shale is black pyritic shale with and Upper and Middle )—Exposed in sparse siltstone partings interbedded with thicker eastern part of the map area in Lincoln and Clark siltstone, sandstone, and bioclastic limestone beds. Counties and parts of eastern Nye County. In Key- Forms strike valleys. East of the Nevada Test Site stone thrust plate (eastern Spring Mountains) area, unit is poorly exposed, and thickness is esti- includes the Sultan Limestone. In western thrust mated at more than 1,200 m (Trexler and others, plates of Spring Mountains and majority of Lincoln 1996); unit is about 300 m thick in the Spotted and and Clark Counties, includes Guilmette Formation Pahranagat Ranges (Tschanz and Pampeyan, 1970) and either the Crystal Pass Member of the Sulton Mm Monte Cristo Group (Upper and Lower Mississip Limestone or the Pilot Shale to the south or north of pian)—Exposed in the , Montgomery the Las Vegas Valley shear zone, respectively. Unit Mountains, Spring Mountains, southern Las Vegas is partly correlative with the Devils Gate Limestone Range, southern Sheep Range, and in the Indian as mapped by Burchfiel (1965) and Burchfiel and Springs area, south of U.S. Highway 95. Includes others (1974; 1983a, b) in the Specter Range, following formations, from top to base: Yellowpine Spring Mountains, Montgomery Mountains, and Limestone, Bullion Limestone, Anchor Limestone, Nopah and Resting Spring Ranges. Guilmette For- and Dawn Limestone. Formations consist of mation is dolomite, limestone, and dolomitic

16 Geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California quartzite. Limestone and dolomite in upper part of limestone, dolomite, and chert. Maximum thickness the formation are generally micritic, and beds are is 300 m (Slate and others, 2000) cyclic, laminated, and burrow mottled. Dolomitic Ds Simonson Dolomite (Middle Devonian)—Exposed in quartzite beds are in upper part of formation. eastern part of the map area in Lincoln, Clark, and Middle part of formation is mostly cliff-forming parts of Nye Counties. Includes mostly finely dolomite with abundant stromatoporoid biostromes crystalline dolomite; contains abundant stromato- and patch reefs; also contains Amphipora sp., gas- poroids and Amphipora sp.; in some locations tropods, and brachiopods. Lower part of formation (northwestern Spring Mountains, Pahranagat forms ledgy slope beneath cliff-forming dolomite Range), upper beds of the Simonson contain the and contains thin-bedded limestone with stromato- Givetian brachiopod Strigocephalus sp. In much poroids alternating with yellowish-gray weathering of Lincoln and Clark Counties, base of formation dolomicrite. Lower part is “yellow bed” of Guil- is marked by distinctive quartzite unit which mette (Tschanz and Pampeyan, 1970) which marks unconformably overlies the Sevy Dolomite. Unit the base of the formation in much of eastern is partly correlative with the Nevada Formation as Nevada. Map unit is 380-520 m thick in the Spring mapped by Burchfiel and others (1974) in the Mountains, 630 m thick in the southern Sheep Spring Mountains, and Burchfiel and others Range, 730-990 m thick in the Pahranagat Range, (1983a, b) in the Montgomery Mountains and 670-750 m thick in the Spotted and Desert Ranges, Nopah Range. Unit is 120 m thick in northwest and 350 m thick in the Nevada Test Site area (Slate Spring Mountains, 190 m thick in the southern and others, 2000). Sultan Limestone (Hewett, 1931) Sheep Range, 365 m thick in the Pahranagat consists, from top to base, of the Crystal Pass, Val- Range, and 300 m thick in the Nevada Test Site entine, and Ironside Members. Crystal Pass Mem- area (Slate and others, 2000) ber is partly Mississippian and is light-gray- DSu Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Devonian and Sil weathering micritic limestone (Page and others, in urian)—Mapped in Lee Canyon and Deer Creek press). Valentine and Ironside Members are thin- to thrust plates, central Spring Mountains (Page and thick-bedded limestone and dolomite with silicified others, in press). Unit includes strata below basal stromatoporoids. Sultan Limestone is 175-200 m yellow-bed sequence of Guilmette Formation thick (Page and others, in press) (Devonian) and above Ely Springs Dolomite (Upper Dlb Lost Burro Formation (Upper and Middle Devo ). These rocks are equivalent with parts nian)—Exposed in Cottonwood Mountains and of the Simonson Dolomite, Sevy Dolomite, and Panamint Range. Uppermost 10 m of unit includes Laketown Dolomite. Unit is 60-80 m thick calcareous, laminated to thin-bedded sandstone and Dၤm Mountain Springs Formation (Middle Devonian, sandy dolomite (Quartz Spring Sandstone Mem- Lower Ordovician, and Upper )— ber). Remainder of unit consists of dolomite and Mapped only in eastern Spring Mountains. Defined limestone, sandy dolomite, quartzite and sandstone by Gans (1974) and subsequently modified by beds; dolomite and limestone beds contain Miller and Zilinsky (1981) and Page and others (in Amphipora sp. and silicified stromatoporoids. press). Subdivided into three informal members Includes quartzitic basal Lippincott Member. from top to base (Page and others, in press): upper Included within map unit PSu in Panamint Range member restricted to Middle Devonian strata equiv- and southeastern Funeral Mountains. Correlative alent to part of the Simonson Dolomite, and consists with parts of the Guilmette Formation and Sultan of cycles of finely to coarsely saccharoidal dolomite Limestone. Unit about 500 m thick in the Dry and dolomudstone with scattered rip-up clasts. Mountain area (Burchfiel, 1969) and 457 m thick in Contains pentamerid brachiopods, stromatoporoids, the Panamint Range (Hall, 1971) and more rarely, bryozoan, coral, and pelmatozoan Dၤd Dolomite and limestone, undifferentiated (Devonian fragments. Middle member is early Late Ordovi- to Upper Cambrian)—Exposed only in northern cian age, is equivalent to part of the Ely Springs Nye County, in the Reveille and Quinn Canyon Dolomite, and is burrow-mottled, bioclastic dolo- Ranges. Includes, from top to base, rocks correla- packstone. Lower member is Early Ordovician in tive with parts of the Guilmette Formation, Simon- age and equivalent to part of the Pogonip Group. son Dolomite, Sevy Dolomite, Laketown Dolomite, Member is burrowed, dolomitized wackestone, Ely Springs Dolomite, Eureka Quartzite, and packstone, and mudstone, and contains gastropods Pogonip Group; thickness unknown (Palliseria sp. and Maclurities sp.) and sponges Dsf Slope-facies carbonate rocks (Upper to Lower Devo (Recptaculites sp.). Unit is 295 m thick nian)—Exposed at Bare Mountain, Calico Hills, Dၤu Mountain Springs (Middle Devonian, Lower Ordovi Ranier Mesa, and Carbonate Wash areas of Nevada cian, and Upper Cambrian) and Nopah Forma Test Site. Unit consists of limestone, dolomite, and tions (Upper Cambrian), undivided—Mapped silty carbonate rocks. Contains submarine debris- only in eastern Spring Mountains in southeastern flow conglomerate; clasts composed of quartzite, part of area. Unit is about 600 m thick

Description of Map Units 17 DSsl Sevy (Middle and Lower Devonian) and Laketown Sr Roberts Mountains Formation ()—Exposed (Upper and Middle Silurian) Dolomites, undi only at Bare Mountain. Dolomite and limestone, vided—In most parts of Lincoln and Clark Counties and minor interbedded silty and sandy dolomite, (Desert, Pintwater, Sheep, Spotted, Pahranagat and dolomite pebble-conglomerate, and dark-brown- Timpahute ranges, and Worthington Mountains), weathering chert nodules and layers. Contains bra- Sevy Dolomite is cliff-forming, light-gray, aphanitic chiopods, corals, graptolites, and conodonts of Late dolomite containing thin beds of cross-bedded sandy to Early Silurian age (Slate and others, 2000). Con- dolomite and dolomitic quartzite; lacks macrofos- tact with underlying Ely Springs Dolomite is dis- sils; top of Sevy marked by cherty argillaceous unit conformity. Unit is 200 m thick (Monsen and composed of siltstone and cherty aphanitic dolo- others, 1992) mite; this unit was originally defined as an informal Opa Palmetto Formation (Upper, Middle, and Lower member of the Sevy Dolomite (Osmond, 1962), but Ordovician)—Exposed in western part of map was later redefined as a separate map unit (Johnson area in Palmetto Mountains, Magruder Mountain, and others, 1989); overlain unconformably by Simo- and Silver Peak Range. Mostly shale and silt- nson Dolomite. Combined Sevy Dolomite and stone, but also includes thin-bedded chert, lime- cherty argillaceous unit is 275 m thick in the Nevada stone, and quartzite; quartzite beds are more Test Site area (Slate and others, 2000), and its maxi- common in lower part. Rocks are commonly mum thickness is nearly 500 m in the Pahranagat metamorphosed to hornfels. Shale contains Mid- Range (Reso, 1963). dle Ordovician graptolites (Albers and Stewart, Laketown Dolomite underlies Sevy Dolomite 1972; McKee, 1985). Collections by Albers and in Lincoln and Clark Counties where it displays typ- Stewart (1972) from the southern Silver Peak ical tri-part character widely recognized in the east- Range yielded Late Ordovician fossils and from ern Great Basin—upper dark, middle light, and the Goldfield area yielded Early Ordovician fos- lower dark dolomite parts. Upper dark part is sils. Unit is deep-water facies (eugeosynclinal) mostly finely saccharoidal dolomite containing bra- and interpreted as allochthonous with respect to the chiopods, halysitid corals, and pelmatozoan ossicles. Roberts Mountain thrust (Albers and Stewart, Middle part is massive dolomite that contains silici- 1972; McKee, 1985); upper and lower unit con- fied pentamerid brachiopods. Lower part is saccha- tacts are nearly everywhere represented by faults; roidal dolomite with brachiopods, corals, maximum thickness estimated at about 600 m pelmatozoan ossicles, and stromatoporoids; also Oၤu Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Ordovician and contains beds and nodules of dark-brown-weather- Upper Cambrian)—Mapped in southern part of ing chert. Laketown Dolomite unconformably over- area in Nopah Range, Montgomery Mountains, lies Ely Springs Dolomite. The Laketown Dolomite Panamint Range, Grapevine and Funeral Moun- is 250 m thick in the Nevada Test Site area, and tains, Cottonwood Mountains, and Last Chance reaches a maximum thickness of 285 m in the Range. Includes parts of the Ely Springs Dolomite, Pahranagat Range Eureka Quartzite, and Pogonip Group. Unit is DSlm Lone Mountain Dolomite (Lower Devonian and Sil about 720 m thick in the Dry Mountain area (Burch- urian)—Exposed only at Bare Mountain. Fine- to fiel, 1969) and in the Panamint Range area (Hall, medium-crystalline dolomite; pelmatozoan frag- 1971), and about 610 m thick in the Nopah Range ments are common. Contact with underlying Rob- (Burchfiel and others, 1983a, b) erts Mountain Formation gradational. Unit is about Oee Ely Springs Dolomite (Upper Ordovician) and 490 m thick (Cornwall and Kleinhampl, 1961) Eureka Quartzite (Upper and Middle DShv Hidden Valley Dolomite (Lower Devonian and Sil Ordovician), undivided urian)—Mapped in the Cottonwood and Funeral Oes Ely Springs Dolomite (Upper Ordovician)—Widely Mountains; included with unit PSu in the Nopah exposed in map area. Upper 20-25 m consists of and Panamint Ranges and Montgomery Mountains. slope-forming, finely crystalline dolomite with Consists mostly of massive dolomite, but includes sparse pelmatozoan fragments. Most of the Ely minor quartzite beds and brown-weathering chert at Springs (lower two thirds to three quarters) is cliff- base in the Panamint Range area (Hall, 1971). Gen- forming, burrow-mottled, irregularly thin- to thick- erally lacks macrofossils but age equivalent with bedded dolomite with common planar laminations; parts of the Sevy and Laketown Dolomites based on includes nodules and lenses of dark-gray to dark- fossils collected by McAllister (1952). Contact with brown chert. Fossils include brachiopods, colonial underlying Ely Springs Dolomite is gradational. (Halysites sp. and favositids) and solitary corals, Unit is 440-460 m thick in southeastern Funeral gastropods, pelmatozoan ossicles, and stromatopor- Mountains (McAllister, 1974) and in the Dry Moun- oids. Lower contact with Eureka Quartzite is dis- tain area (Burchfiel, 1969), about 120 m thick in conformity; upper contact with Laketown Dolomite Panamint Range, and about 100 m thick in the (Silurian) in eastern part of map area is disconform- Nopah Range (Burchfiel and others, 1983a, b) able; in western part of map area, upper contact

18 Geologic map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California with Hidden Valley Dolomite is gradational and interbedded limestone and laminated chert, and conformable (Hall, 1971). Unit is 50-200 m thick some intraclastic conglomerate; trilobites common Oe Eureka Quartzite (Upper and Middle Ordovician)— in Magruder Mountain area (McKee, 1985). Unit is Widely exposed in map area. Consists of fine- to 1,524-1,828 m thick (Albers and Stewart, 1972) medium-grained orthoquartzite and sandstone. ၤu Sedimentary rocks, undivided (Upper to Lower Beds contain tabular-planar and trough crossbed Cambrian)—Mapped in the Last Chance Range sets and Skolithos burrows. At some locations, as in and Cottonwood Mountains. In Last Chance Range, the Spring Mountains, has sandy carbonate beds and northwest of the Cucomongo fault, includes rocks collophane nodules (Ross, 1964), and in Panamint equivalent with parts of the Emigrant, Mule Spring, Range area, lower part contains silty and sandy Harkless, Poleta, and Campito Formations. dolomite, argillaceous quartzite, and minor shale. Southeast of the Cucomongo fault in the Last Unit is 6-150 m thick Chance Range and Cottonwood Mountains, Oၤpn Pogonip Group (Middle and Lower Ordovician and includes rocks equivalent with parts of the Nopah, Upper Cambrian) and (Upper Bonanza King, Carrara, Zabriskie, and Wood Can- Cambrian), undivided—Mapped in parts of the yon Formations (McKee, 1985) Nopah Range, Spring Mountains, Quinn Canyon ၤnb Nopah (Upper Cambrian) and Bonanza King For Range, and southernmost Monitor Range mations (Upper and Middle Cambrian), undi Oၤp Pogonip Group (Middle and Lower Ordovician and vided—Mapped in the west-central Pintwater Upper Cambrian)—Widely exposed across map Range; thickness unknown area. Consists of (from top to base) the Antelope ၤn Nopah Formation (Upper Cambrian)—Widely Valley Limestone, Ninemile Formation, and the exposed in map area. In central part of the map area Goodwin Limestone (Byers and Barnes, 1967; unit includes, from top to base, Smoky, Halfpint, Ross, 1964). Antelope Valley Limestone is finely to and Members. Smoky and Half- coarsely crystalline limestone and silty limestone; pint Members consist of alternating light- to dark- beds are commonly burrowed and have yellowish- gray cliff-forming dolomite that gives these rocks a orange to pale-red tracks and trails on bedding banded appearance; members contain common stro- planes; contains orthocone cephalopods, gastropods matolites, oncoids, and brachiopod fragments, and (Maclurites sp. and Palliseria sp.), pelmatozoans, less common pelmatozoan fragments. Dunderberg Receptaculites sp., and trilobites; also contains Shale Member consists of thin-bedded silty lime- ooids and oncoids. Ninemile Formation is shaly stone, shale, and some siltstone; Dunderbergia sp. siltstone, silty limestone, and dolomite. Goodwin trilobite fragments are common. Formation is about Limestone is limestone and dolomite with dark- 345-380 m thick in the Spring Mountains and south- brown-weathering chert layers and distinctive intra- ern Sheep Range (Page and others, in press), 365 m clastic conglomerate; contains trilobite and brachio- thick in the northern Last Chance Range (McKee, pod fragments and sparse ooids. Base of Goodwin 1985), 457 m thick in the Panamint Range area contains Late Cambrian conodonts in the Spring (Hall, 1971), about 530 m thick in the Nopah Range Mountains and southern Sheep Range (Page and and in the Cottonwood Mountains (Burchfiel and others, in press). Ninemile Formation is absent in others, 1983a, b; Burchfiel, 1969), 766 m thick in most locations in the eastern part of the map area the Pahranagat Range (Reso, 1963), and 720 m thick (Lincoln and Clark Counties). Group is about 410 in the Nevada Test Site area (Slate and others, 2000) m thick in the Dry Mountain area (Burchfiel, 1969), ၤnbc Nopah (Upper Cambrian), Bonanza King (Upper 384 m thick in the Panamint Range (Hall, 1971), and Middle Cambrian), and Carrara Formations 320 m thick in Nopah Range (Burchfiel and others, (Middle and Lower Cambrian), undivided— 1983a, b), 360-700 m thick in the Spring Mountains Mapped in the Quinn Canyon, Nopah, Kingston, and southern Sheep Range, (Page and others, in Resting Springs, Montgomery, Greenwater, Pana- press), 957 m thick in the Pahranagat Range mint, Funeral, and Grapevine ranges (Tschanz and Pampeyan, 1970), and 1,050 m thick ၤb (Upper and Middle Cam in Nevada Test Site area (Slate and others, 2000) brian)—Banded Mountain and Papoose Lake ၤe Emigrant Formation (Upper and Middle Cam Members recognizable in most parts of the map brian)—Exposed in Esmeralda County, Goldfield area. Partly correlative with the Highland Peak For- Hills, Palmetto Mountains, Clayton Valley, and mation in Lincoln County (Tschanz and Pampeyan, Montezuma Range areas. Consists of an upper 1970). Banded Mountain Member is fine- to limestone and siltstone member, a middle shale medium crystalline dolomite and limestone; alter- member, and lower limestone and chert member. nating light- to dark-gray colors of beds give the Upper member is interbedded limestone and silt- member a distinctive banded appearance. Orange stone; contains sponge spicules and phosphatic bra- burrow mottling is prevalent, and several layers have chiopod shells. Middle shale member is olive-gray dark-brown-weathering chert beds and nodules. to greenish-gray shale. Lower member is Base of the member is marked by the regionally

Description of Map Units 19