New Mexico Geological Society 2019 Spring Meeting Abstracts

TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE have led to a stratigraphic nomenclature that by university and museum geologists is confirma- EFFECTS OF ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE appears to be applicable over a large area of the tion of the ready recognition and utility of these VARIATIONS ON LONG-PERIOD state, from the Sierra Oscura of Socorro County subdivisions in regional stratigraphy, mapping HORIZONTAL SEISMIC DATA: northward to the Sandia Mountains of Bernalillo and economic geology. A CASE STUDY County, a transect of about 150 km. Thus, Mid- Alexis C. B. Alejandro, Adam T. Ringler, David dle and Upper Pennsylvanian (Atokan-Virgilian) C. Wilson, Robert E. Anthony, marine and marginal-marine strata are assigned AN OVERVIEW OF THE ALBUQUERQUE and Sabrina V. Moore to the Sandia Formation (containing a relative SEISMOLOGICAL LABORATORY AND abundance of siliciclastic deposits), the overlying RECENT ADVANCES IN SEISMIC Incoherent noise generated by seismometer tilt Gray Mesa Formation (dominantly carbonate INSTRUMENTATION caused by atmospheric pressure variations often facies), and the Atrasado Formation (alternating Robert E. Anthony, Adam T. Ringler, limits seismological studies utilizing long-period siliciclastic- and carbonate-dominated intervals). and David C. Wilson (>10 s period), horizontal-component seismic A number of intraformational units (members) records. Several case studies have suggested have been identified, with eight members in the The Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory methodologies for correcting these unwanted Middle-Upper Pennsylvanian Atrasado For- (ASL) was established in 1961 in one of the signals using collocated pressure records. However, mation presently recognized. An uninterrupted seismically quietest regions in the country in it is unclear if these corrections are applicable section of the Pennsylvanian System is exposed in order to test seismometers for what is now the to a variety of different geologic settings and Tijeras Canyon east of Albuquerque, NM, along U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In the subsequent installation types (e.g., vault vs. posthole). To better a prominent, NE-SW trending ridge (“Tijeras decades, that mission has expanded to include understand how long-period, pressure-induced hogback”), which runs along the eastern side of the operation and management of the Global noise changes with time and emplacement, we the Tijeras fault zone for approximately 5 km Seismographic Network, the Advanced National examine the coherence of signals recorded on to the east of I–40 and south of Seven Springs. Seismic System, and numerous regional and collocated seismometers and barometers at five Because these rocks have provided the raw aftershock networks. Data from these networks different Global Seismographic Network (GSN) material for the production of Portland cement are utilized by the USGS to rapidly characterize stations. We also examine three Streckeisen since the 1950s, geologists at the cement plant in earthquakes both within the United States and STS-2 broadband seismometers collocated with Tijeras, NM, have long had a practical incentive across the globe. In this presentation, we will a barometer at the Albuquerque Seismological to characterize and delineate the distribution provide a brief overview of the ASL and present Laboratory (ASL). of Pennsylvanian stratigraphic units in a 10 some of our work quantifying the performance We calculate the mean magnitude-squared km2 area extending south of the village. The of recently developed seismic instrumentation. coherence between seismic and pressure signals cement quarries are developed in the Atrasado We will present results on sensors which enable from collocated sensors to determine the Formation, and the informal lithostratigraphic unique observations of ground motion such as relationship between them as a function of scheme developed by geologists at the cement rotational seismometers developed by Applied both frequency and time. In addition to these plant is similar to the formal, eight-member Technology Associates in Albuquerque, as two varying parameters, coherence levels vary division of the Atrasado Formation in current well as new low-cost instruments such as the greatly even on collocated seismic instruments. use (the industrial classification consists of nine Fairfield Nodal Z-land sensors and Raspberry This suggests that tilt-generated signals are lithostratigraphic members, rather than eight). Shake seismographs. highly sensitive to very local (<10 m) site effects, Geologic mapping by geologists at the cement making it difficult to apply pressure corrections to plant beginning in the late 1950s produced a TECTONICS OF THE CENTRAL RIO horizontal component seismic data unless detailed interpretation of the distribution of Upper GRANDE RIFT: RESULTS FROM AN the effects of the pressure changes are greater Pennsylvanian strata in the vicinity of the quarries, INTEGRATED GEOPHYSICAL AND than those from the local site. Additionally, thus providing basic structural information for GEOLOGICAL APPROACH the frequency dependence of the coherence an area to the east of the Tijeras fault zone that W. Scott Baldridge suggests that some corrections may only be has received little detailed attention in published applicable over a limited range of frequencies. map compilations. A measured section of the Structural connections (“accommodation zones”) Using this information, we hope to be able to Pennsylvanian succession across the Tijeras between basins in continental rifts are of identify locations that are highly susceptible to hogback yields a thickness estimate of 356 different types, typically with different ori- pressure-induced horizontal noise, identify meters (Sandia- 56 m, Gray Mesa- 68 m, entations even within a single rift. They play locations in a vault where tilt effects can be Atrasado- 232 m). Mississippian? redbeds and an important role in controlling distribution mitigated, and understand the optimal frequency dolomitic mudstone (~20 m thick) are present and facies of syntectonic sediments and mag- bands for applying pressure corrections. between the Sandia Formation and Proterozoic matic rocks, and therefore resources such as basement on the steep western side of the hog- groundwater, hydrocarbons, and minerals. DISTRIBUTION AND STRATIGRAPHY OF back, and the Atrasado Formation is overlain by Because these zones are commonly buried UPPER PENNSYLVANIAN ROCKS IN THE siliciclastic and carbonate facies of the transitional beneath rift-filling sediments, geophysical TIJERAS CANYON AREA, CENTRAL Pennsylvanian–Permian Bursum Formation in methods are of paramount importance in NEW MEXICO exposures along Highway 337 near the Tijeras characterizing and understanding them. In the Bruce D. Allen, Spencer G. Lucas, Karl Krainer, ranger station and in a quarry a few hundred Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience Filiberto Gomez, Mauro Torres, meters southwest of the cement plant ovens. (SAGE) program we focused on the eastern part and Chris Hurren The fact that industry geologists independently of the complex “Santo Domingo accommodation developed an internal lithostratigraphic zone,” a major structural zone of the central Rio Investigations of the Pennsylvanian System in classification of the Atrasado Formation Grande rift. This margin comprises a right-echelon central New Mexico during the past two decades essentially identical to the subdivisions recognized stepover from the southern Española basin (EB)

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 39 New Mexico Geology to the larger Albuquerque basin (AB) to the new geochronologic and provenance constraints SEISMICITY CHARACTERISTICS ABOVE south. Within this zone, recent and currently on the age range and source of detritus delivered THE SOCORRO MAGMA BODY, CENTRAL active structures are superimposed across those of to the Cordilleran foreland basin during NEW MEXICO earlier periods of deformation (e. g., Laramide). Jurassic–Cretaceous time. Presented here are Susan L. Bilek We integrated existing geological mapping and four U-Pb detrital zircon age spectra (n=978 borehole information with geophysical data analyses) from detrital zircons extracted from Seismicity within the central New Mexico, USA acquired by industry surveys and by SAGE to the Pajarito Formation and Mesa Rica Sandstone region is dominated by deformation processes understand timing and kinematic development members of the Dakota Group and underlying associated with the Socorro Magma Body of this complex zone. Lytle Sandstone in the western Dry Cimarron (SMB), a large mid-crustal continental magma The eastern margin of the broad Santo Domingo Valley east of Raton, New Mexico, as well as body at 19-km depth within the Rio Grande zone comprises at least three right-stepping relay the uppermost part of the Morrison Formation Rift. Seismicity has been monitored in this faults (La Bajada, San Francisco, and Rincon faults), exposed in the Crestone anticline near Las Vegas, region for decades by a permanent short period separated by plunging ramps trending parallel with New Mexico. All four stratigraphic units share network operated by New Mexico Tech, and the the axes of the major basins and progressively strong similarities in occurrences of Paleo-Me- resulting catalogs show long-term seismic activity downthrown toward the rift axis. These faults soproterozoic zircon ages with the majority punctuated by discrete earthquake swarms. “relay” extension between the main EB and AB. falling between 1800–1600 (Yavapai-Mazatzal Waveform characteristics, notably the observation From our data we tentatively estimate that ~3.2 provinces), 1450–1350 (A-type granitoids), of reflected phases arising from the magma km of vertical offset and an unknown amount and 1300–1000 Ma (Grenville province). body recorded on this sparse network, led to of lateral slip has occurred on the prominent La Neoproteozoic–Jurassic peak ages are also similar the discovery of the SMB and estimates of its Bajada fault zone. Significant flexural uplift has across each unit with primary peaks occurring spatial extent. Here I provide an overview of the occurred on the footwall of the fault, producing between 625–595, 430–415, and 190–150 seismic observations made with the permanent shoulder uplift adjacent to the Española basin. Ma. Neoproteozoic and early Paleozoic ages seismic network, as well as more recent tempo- On the San Francisco fault >1 km of vertical slip overlap with recycled Mesozoic eolianites of the rary deployments. This includes analysis of the has occurred where imaged within the basin, Colorado Plateau, whereas Jurassic ages overlap long-term seismicity patterns, including spatial but offset increases southward. We estimate that with magmatic sources of the Cordilleran arc. and temporal variations in earthquake swarms, extension across these two faults is at least 2.5 We note, however, that although the Mesa Rica earthquake depth distributions, as well as a review km. Uplift of the Sandia block, combined with Sandstone and Pajarito Formation both contain of the observations used to assess spatial extent of overlap of the La Bajada and San Francisco elevated occurrences of Cretaceous-age zircons the magma body at depth. faults and greater vertical offset along the with similar peak ages between 105–95 and southern San Francisco fault, created a narrow, 125–120 Ma, there are no occurrences of zircons northward-plunging synform (Hagan basin) on younger than Late Jurassic in either the Morrison SPECTACULAR SOFT SEDIMENT the hanging wall of the La Bajada fault. West Formation or Lytle Sandstone. The nine youngest DEFORMATION IN EOCENE LANDSLIDE of the San Francisco and Rincon faults lies the ages from the Morrison Formation fall between KLIPPEN: SINGLE OR MULTI-STAGE SLIP deep Santo Domingo basin, which gravity data Early–Late Cretaceous (between ~190–150 Ma), HISTORY? SAWTOOTH MOUNTAINS, suggest may be 6 km deep. We find no evidence whereas the nine youngest ages from the Lytle are WESTERN NEW MEXICO in the Santo Domingo accommodation zone between Middle–Late Jurassic (~172–150 Ma). Michael G. Chirigos and Gary Axen for any significant northeast trending faults, in The nine youngest ages from overlying strata of contrast with the prominent Embudo fault zone the Mesa Rica Sandstone and Pajarito Formation The Sawtooth Mountains are the erosional separating the San Luis and Española basins. are all Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian–earliest remnants of large-scale Eocene mass movement Because lower Tertiary sedimentary rocks in the Turonian) and occur between ~100–92 Ma. The deposits. The landslides occurred in volcaniclastic Hagan basin are deformed concordantly with youngest detrital zircon ages from the Morrison sandstones and conglomerates of Eocene lower underlying Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks, we Formation and Lytle Sandstone support a Late Spears Group, deposited on the sedimentary infer that structures in the accommodation zone Jurassic (Tithonian) age for both of these units, apron of a stratovolcano. Two subhorizontal formed together in the middle to late Tertiary, whereas the youngest ages from both members of faults bound the bases of two slide sheets. concurrently with uplift of the Sandia Mountains the Dakota Group indicate an age of earliest Late The lower, poorly exposed, fault overlies fine- ~15–10 Ma. Growth over a substantial period Cretaceous (Cenomanian). The youngest ages grained lowest Spears siltstones above Baca of time is compatible with vertical offset along from the Dakota Group and Morrison Formation Formation. The sheet above it displays spectacular the La Bajada fault of ~3200 m on Precambrian overlap with previously reported biostratigraphic soft-sediment folds and granular faults and rocks but only 200–300 m on 2.8 my old basalt. age constraints from these units. It is important is bounded above by a fault with 15-60 cm of The pattern of relay faulting expressed within to note that although our new geochronologic catclasite and ultracataclasite. Conglomerates the Santo Domingo accommodation zone is constraint from the Lytle Sandstone supports a above are mostly subhorizontal but become compatible with left-lateral shearing along the latest Late Jurassic age for these strata, there are vertically dipping and east-facing in the east. axis of the Rio Grande rift. scenarios where the Lytle could be interpreted to The purpose of this study is to constrain the be younger in age than Late Jurassic (i.e., Early rate, direction, and the number of slip events that Cretaceous). It is certainly possible that Late formed these composite landslide deposits, using U-PB DETRITAL GEOCHRONOLOGY AND Cretaceous zircons in the Dakota Group represent geologic mapping, cliff-face mapping, structural PROVENANCE COMPARISONS FROM reworked, air-fall tuffs from the Cordilleran arc and petrographic analyses. NONMARINE STRATA OF THE DAKOTA (rather than fluvial, water-laid deposits), thus Sparse clastic injections, and fault rock samples GROUP, LYTLE SANDSTONE, AND MOR- absences of these young Cretaceous grains in the that show mainly randomly oriented grains, RISON FORMATION IN NORTHEASTERN Lytle could be interpreted as a temporary hiatus minor clay, and locally foliated ultracataclasite, NEW MEXICO in air-fall material to the Lytle during the Early suggest rapid transport. Sparse striations in the Samantha R. Bartnik, Brian A. Hampton and Cretaceous. In this scenario, the similarity in eastern parts of the study area are scattered from Greg H. Mack zircon ages and provenance between the Lytle and N to ESE and compatible with northward slip Morrison could be explained by later reworking down the sedimentary apron or ESE slip from a U-Pb detrital zircon ages from nonmarine and recycling of Morrison detritus into the Lytle Laramide reverse fault (Dobbins, 2016). Many sedimentary rocks of the Early–Late Cretaceous during the Early Cretaceous. new kinematic data (striations and from Reidel (Albian–Cenomanian) Dakota Group, Late shear orientations) also cluster in N and ESE Jurassic–Early Cretaceous(?) Lytle Sandstone, directions, with much scatter. Overturned fold and Late Jurassic (Tithonian) Morrison For- hinges also exhibited scatter in both attitude and mation in northeastern New Mexico provide vergence, showing clustering only locally. Sparse

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 40 New Mexico Geology evidence for multiple movements was observed, For this initial study, polished ore samples were the relationship between global air temperature including folding of the upper detachment, clasts prepared representing andesite-hosted Cu-Ag, and receding peak runoff values. The data used of fault rock mixed into basal hanging wall, clasts copper vein, porphyry Cu-Mo systems, and are from the Rio Grande headwaters stream flux of cataclasite within cataclasite, and E-trending carbonate replacement deposits. The polished provided by NOAA. Through the research we striations cross-cutting N-trending ones. We samples were described, emphasizing copper seek to present numerically modelled recessions interpret that transport to the north, down the mineralogy, textural relationships, and mineral in peak snowmelt runoff; moreover, we find that sedimentary apron, was followed by transport paragenesis. Samples were then analyzed using peak runoff timing is getting earlier in the year to the ESE from the Laramide reverse fault. standard electron microprobe methods, with and it’s not clear that there is a direct relationship Future research will focus on understanding the quantitative analyses for Cu, Fe, S, Ag, As, and with global air temperature models. Thus, there relationship between these landslide deposits and Bi. This suite of elements was selected because is currently research in progress on the principal similar deposits in the neighboring Datil and they permit discrimination of chalcocite formed causes of the shifting peak snow runoff date. The Gallinas Mountains. from hypogene processes vs. that developed from methods of research are nonlinear algorithm the weathering of hypogene copper occurrences. writing and k-clustering machine learning using In similar studies of copper sulfides (e.g., see Python and its accompanying libraries. ADEN LAVA FLOWS, DOÑA ANA COUNTY, Cook et al. 2011 for a study of minor elements NEW MEXICO in bornites), researchers note that partitioning Rene A. De Hon and Richard A. Earl of Ag and Bi into some copper sulfides may be COOLING HISTORIES OF EXHUMED significant, suggesting that silver contents may FOOTWALL FAULT BLOCKS FROM THE Aden Crater is a small, volcanic shield in the be substantial contributors to the net value of SOUTHERN RIO GRANDE RIFT AND Potrillo volcanic field approximately 40 km a copper ore. In this study, we examine copper EASTERN BASIN AND RANGE USING southwest of Las Cruces. The Aden lavas cover ores to determine whether certain trace elements U-TH/HE THERMOCHRONOLOGY 63 km2 superposed on the La Mesa surface are diagnostic in defining the geochemical origin Michelle M. Gavel, Jeffrey M. Amato, composed of Camp Rice sediments and the older of chalcocite, with subordinate interest also in Jason W. Ricketts and Shari A. Kelley Gardner-Afton lavas. The shield and surrounding covellite. For each sample we analyzed, the flow field consist of volcanic physiographic facies assessment of whether the chalcocite represented The Basin and Range province and Rio Grande determined by the rheology of the lava. Flow hypogene or supergene environments was initially rift (RGR) form a complex region that records thicknesses vary from as little as one meter to as based on spatial location within a given ore deposit, a major transition in the tectonic history of much as five meters. Thick flows were emplaced mineral textures, and ore mineral associations. North America from Laramide shortening to as thin, fluid flows which developed a strong Our study shows that silver and iron are Cenozoic crustal extension. Driving mecha- outer crust that eventually retarded forward enriched in chalcocites of hypogene derivation but nisms for this episode are still highly debated advance. Once stopped, the flows inflated are generally very scant in supergene chalcocites. and include changes in stress field, widespread to form steep, blocky-margined, flat-topped Supergene chalcocites are uniformly low in As small-scale mantle convection, and growth of plateaus. Early attempts to thicken failed as and Bi, probably reflecting the limited mobility the San Andreas transform boundary. A suite fluid lava broke through weakened margins of of these elements in the supergene environment of apatite (AHe) and zircon (ZHe) (U-Th)/He early-formed inflation plateaus. Lava escaping in the presence of oxidized iron. Because Ag and and apatite fission-track (AFT) dates have been from failed inflation plateaus allowed the plateau Fe substitute for copper in most copper sulfides collected from across southern New Mexico and surface to subside and form blocky-rimmed at hypogene temperatures (e.g., Yund and easternmost Arizona. These data were modeled pits. The flow field is a rugged accumulation of Kullerud, 1966; see also Chávez, 1985; Craig and with the program HeFTy to constrain the cool- inflation plateaus in which opposing flow margins Vaughan, 1994), the supergene chalcocites are ing history of fault-block uplifts that form the form deep intervening ravines. The Aden shield found to be uniformly low in with respect to Ag physiographic transition zone between the Basin was formed as viscosity increased to the point and Fe contents. Our initial results suggest that and Range and Rio Grande rift. AHe ages range that the lavas began to accumulate over the vent. discrimination of supergene and hypogene from 3–22 Ma, ZHe ages range from 2–649 Ma, The shield has a basal diameter of 2.5 km and a chalcocites, and very likely, associated covellites, and AFT ages range from 10–34 Ma with average height of 50 m. The shield facies consist of basal is possible using the trace elements Ag and Fe; track length distributions of 10.8–14.1µm. thin, scabby flows; very low sloping, lobate flows; analyses of other trace elements, notably Co Time-temperature models created from and an upper slope of steeper, channeled flows and Zn, would likely improve our ability to combining AHe, AFT, and ZHe data were used that spilled out of a lava lake in the 350-m-wide distinguish between hypogene and supergene to delineate the spatial pattern of the timing crater atop the shield. The crater is bound by copper sulfides. Application of such determinations of rapid extension in each of the locations a three-meter-high spatter lava rampart. The would enhance interpretation of copper and silver sampled across southern New Mexico. The interior contains the remnants of the lava lake; geochemical exploration survey data when Chiricahua Mountains and Burro Mountains an inner collapse pit formed by lava withdrawal; engaged in ore search for, and economic evaluation have an onset of rapid (cooling rates exceeding and a late stage spatter cone. of, copper deposits modified by weathering-related 15°C/My) extension at ca. 29–17 Ma, whereas processes. in the Cooke’s Range a similar period of rapid extension is observed at ca. 19–7 Ma. In the VARIATIONS IN CHALCOCITE TRACE San Andres Mountains, Caballo Mountains, ELEMENT COMPOSITIONS: COMPARISON OBSERVING A DIMINISHING SNOWMELT and Fra Cristobal range, rapid extension is OF HYPOGENE AND SUPERGENE SULFIDE PERIOD IN THE HEADWATERS OF THE RIO observed ca. 23–9 Ma. Measured average track ENVIRONMENTS GRANDE AND THE CORRELATIONS TO lengths are longer in Rio Grande rift samples and Bright Duah and William X. Chavez Jr. RISING GLOBAL AIR TEMPERATURES ZHe ages of >40 Ma have only been observed Max Fajardo west of the Cooke’s range, suggesting different A preliminary study of chalcocites representing exhumation conditions of the zircon partial hypogene and supergene geochemical environments Climate models continue to illustrate a future retention zone and the AFT partial annealing was undertaken to determine variations in trace with lesser water flux in the Southwestern United zone. This supports onset of Basin and Range elements that characterize weathering-derived States. Along with diminishing reservoirs of extension that both precedes and overlaps with (supergene) vs. hypogene chalcocite. The objective water and anomalous fluxes in precipitation, the the main phase of opening of the Rio Grande is to determine those elements which might southwest is experiencing sooner than expected rift along its entire length beginning ca. 25 Ma. be useful in distinguishing these geochemical peak snowmelt runoff on the order of days. With Additional work is being done to evaluate the environments and therefore assist in assessing the sooner snowmelt runoff peak, the less time impact of Mogollon-Datil and other Paleogene the nature of copper sulfides in exploration for the snowpack has to accumulate over the cold volcanism on samples in the Burro, Chiricahua, copper ore deposits. winter months. Hence we seek to demonstrate and Florida Mountains.

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 41 New Mexico Geology NATURAL SALINIZATION OF THE JEMEZ GRACE time series due to freely available data HYDROGEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIVER, NEW MEXICO: AN INSIGHT FROM and global coverage. SANDIA AND MANZANO MOUNTAINS, TRACE METAL GEOCHEMISTRY Here we present an outlook on a project to NEW MEXICO Jon K. Golla, Laura J. Crossey, characterize New Mexico’s geofluid activity Brittany Lyn Griego, Laura Crossey, Livia Karl E. Karlstrom, and Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali due to municipal and irrigation pumping, Crowley, Abigail Axness, Ryan Webb, and hydrocarbon production, brine reinjection and Adrian Marziliano The Jemez River (JR), a tributary of the Rio magma transport and develop methods to better Grande, receives thermal water input from the quantify subsurface mass and volume changes Springs are an important water resource both geofluids of the Valles Caldera (VC), an active, via InSAR and GRACE integration. Capabilities for anthropogenic use and support of ecosystems high-temperature (≤300oC), liquid-dominated of the methods are presented as an example in the arid Southwest. During times of drought, geothermal system. We focus on a ~50-km of InSAR-mapped surface deformation in the the sustainability of these groundwater systems portion of the northern JR, spanning a segment Buckman well field near Santa Fe. Here, we reveal is a major concern for effective water resource from the East Fork JR headwaters to the town of decadal-scale aquifer dynamics using 25-years management. During 2017-2019, several San Ysidro. Previous decadal work during low-flow of InSAR data, which in combination with springs were visited in the Sandia and Manzano conditions (~10-20 cfs) has characterized significant recent ground water temperature observations Mountains to perform an inventory of the major-solute contributions from two outflow and conceptual modeling, reveal structural springs and the surrounding environment. This expressions of the VC, Soda Dam Springs and complexities. Furthermore, we present initial work is part of an ongoing collaboration between Jemez Hot Springs, and two major tributaries, analyses of GPS and InSAR observations for the students and faculty at UNM and the US Forest Rio San Antonio and Rio Guadalupe. Generally, Mesilla Basin around Las Cruces, NM, where we Service (Cibola National Forest). there is a net ~500 ppm increase from above the exploit irrigation pumping as a basin-wide pump We collected water samples for water quality thermal springs to the end of the study reach. This test for basin characterization in a tectonically analysis (major ions and stable isotopes), and research extends the suite of measured dissolved relatively stable environment. field water quality parameters such as pH, total elemental species by including trace metals (like dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), As, Pb, and U). We discern between conservative and discharge. We also analyzed snowpack samples behavior, marked by changes in downstream INSAR ANALYSIS OF SOUTHEASTERN from 2019. Spring samples primarily consist of concentrations exclusively attributed to mixing, NEW MEXICO: EXPLORING SURFACE calcium bicarbonate and calcium magnesium and non-conservative behavior, which may be a DEFORMATION DUE TO WASTEWATER chloride sulfate waters. Trends in solute distribution result of removal processes such as co-precipitation REINJECTION AND MUNICIPAL AND are interpreted to reflect different water-rock inter- and adsorption. To identify and understand these AGRICULTURAL GROUNDWATER USE actions on groundwater flow paths. Ourresults potential secondary reactions, we supplement Emily Jo Graves and Ronni Grapenthin show two distinct trends between spring waters solute chemistry data with spatial surveys of that are interpreted to have undergone silicate physiochemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, Geodesists began utilizing interferometric synthetic weathering and those undergoing carbonate temperature, oxidation-reduction potential, and aperture radar (InSAR) and time series analysis to dissolution. Carbonate dissolution occurs in turbidity) with regular 1-km spacing and denser observe deformation of the Earth’s surface during waters traveling through the Madera Limestone (50-m) sampling along sites with complete the 1990s. In southeast New Mexico, municipal aquifer system while silicate weathering occurs aqueous chemistry. and agricultural production of groundwater, as as waters travel through faults within the Sandia well as brine reinjection after oil and gas produc- Granite. Stable isotope analyses show that winter tion, are potential sources of surface deformation. snowpack is the primary recharge mechanism of A SPACE-BASED GEOFLUIDS We aim to discover the extent of deformation the majority of these waters. OBSERVATORY FOR NEW MEXICO and resolve the locations and depths of well sites In addition to data collection and analyses, we Ronni Grapenthin, Alex Rinehart, and the volume of fluid injected and extracted by have made major efforts in compiling all datasets Shari Kelley, Mark Person, and Emily Graves using InSAR to image this region. We use SAR into a regional database (Springs Stewardship scenes obtained by the European Space Agency’s Database) to preserve valuable information, make Sustainable use of groundwater resources and Sentinel -1A and 1B platforms, operational from the data accessible to others, and provide important a detailed understanding of aquifer structure, 2014 and 2016 respectively, retrieved from the baselines for future comparison. dynamics and long-term evolution are of Alaska Satellite Facility’s data portal. These freely importance to all aspects of human life, par- available data provide full coverage of the region ticularly in arid regions with limited recharge. every ~12 days along different flight paths. HISTORICAL TRENDS IN PHYSICAL Aquifers are generally monitored via hydraulic We utilize GMTSAR software for the PROPERTIES OF THE SURFICIAL AQUIFER head changes in monitoring wells. Similarly, interferometric analysis of individual SAR scenes IN VALENCIA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO hydrocarbon production and reinjection of brine dating as far back in time as October 2014. The Cory A. Griego, Victor E. French and byproducts are often reported and monitored resulting interferograms, all referenced to the same Kevin M. Hobbs but, just like groundwater estimates, they are master image, are then analysed with various limited to point observations, limiting insight time series techniques to reduce the noise in the The central Rio Grande Valley in Valencia into reservoir dynamics. Assessments of geofluid individual interferograms and recover smaller County, New Mexico, is marked by shallow storage capacities, heterogeneities in their struc- amplitude signals. From the deformation observed water tables (~1-5 m depth), flat topography ture and composition, and evolution necessarily at the Earth’s surface, we recover the locations and dominated by agricultural use, and a complex involve a large degree of interpolation between volume of the injected wastewater and extracted system of acequias (irrigation canals) that observation points based on often uncertain groundwater using Bayesian inverse methods for distribute Rio Grande water out of the river and geologic data; frequently requiring extrapolation. pressure point sources embedded in an elastic half onto fields on the floodplain. These three factors, Space geodetic measurements such as GPS, space. among others, can lead to rapid and complex radar interferometry (InSAR), and satellite Through the analysis of surface deformation, changes in surficial aquifer conditions in this gravimetry (GRACE) have long been used to study our preliminary work provides insight into region. The focus of this project is to illustrate motion induced by effects in the hydrosphere such dynamic processes at shallow depths such as chemical, biological, and physical properties as groundwater pumping and aquifer recovery. the evolution of groundwater resources or of the groundwater at two specific locations in The measurements quantify elastic and perma- the resultant propagation of injection plumes. Valencia County: Whitfield Wildlife Conserva- nent deformation due to pore pressure changes Characterizing these dynamic processes with short tion Area (WWCA), a former commercial dairy; and mass redistributions. The most promising lag-times is vital in making informed resource and the University of New Mexico-Valencia strategy for future basin and sub-basin scale management decisions. campus, which contains large parking lots and geofluid studies is a combination of InSAR and building footprints leading to significant runoff

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 42 New Mexico Geology during rain events. The water table depth and Dakota Sandstone in central New Mexico occur samples of waste rock piles were collected and soil pH in wells at WWCA have been monitored primarily between 1800–1600 (Yavapai-Mazatzal petrography and paste pH analyses were measured monthly for approximately 10 years since their provinces), 1450–1350 (A-type granitoids), for each sample. The samples were examined to installation in 2009. Baseline geochemical data 1300–1000 (Grenville province), and 240–94 determine alteration type, any notable weathering from these wells were collected in December Ma (Cordilleran arc and possibly older, recycled features, and overall mineralogy. The grain shape 2009. Our study seeks to better understand the Paleozoic–Mesozoic strata). The youngest group was noted, after which the sample was moistened effects of land use on local aquifer properties; of zircon grains from the Dakota Sandstone in with distilled water and its color was determined. to include developing a partnership with the central New Mexico range from ~110–94 Ma The samples were then tested to determine their community for future research opportunities; with a calculated latest Early Cretaceous (late paste pH. Fine grains from the sample were and to understand the timing of effects of land Albian) maximum depositional age (MDA) of placed in a beaker with distilled water and the use and management on our local groundwater. 102.7+/-1.1 Ma. Strata in central New Mexico mixture was stirred until it formed a paste, the We have analyzed groundwater from these wells have elevated occurrences of Triassic-age zircon probe from the pH meter was dipped into the for the presence of bacteria in low concentrations; that may reflect a combined recycled source from paste, and the data was recorded. our results show that bacteria are present in the underlying Chinle Formation as well as from Soil petrography revealed that the soil was several wells and we have identified them via Triassic portions of the Cordilleran arc. The composed of 75% fine sand, silt and clay, loosely DNA isolation and metagenomic analysis. We Dakota Sandstone in south-central New Mexico packed. The individual grains were mostly re-analyzed geochemical properties of the exhibits primary and secondary peak ages very angular and poorly sorted. An acid test revealed WWCA wells in early 2019 and present here similar to the Dakota Group in northern New the presence of some carbonates, probably cal- the decade-long change in surficial aquifer Mexico that occur primarily between 1800–1600, cite. The samples contained a small amount of geochemistry in this protected natural area. Our 1450–1350, 1300–1000, 625–595, 430–415, and organic material, such as grass and seeds. Miner- work has included the chemical and physical 190–92 Ma. The youngest group of zircon grains als found at the sites included malachite, chryso- monitoring of local wells, mathematical analysis of from nonmarine portions of the Dakota in southern colla, calcite, quartz, and iron oxides. Paste pH of well hydrological data, and comparison to climate, New Mexico range from ~107–99 Ma with a the samples revealed an average reading of 8.25, weather, water depth history, and irrigation data. calculated Early Cretaceous (late Albian) MDA indicating the soil is slightly alkaline with non-acid of 103.5+/-1.7 Ma. Although the sample locality forming potential. The Silver Hill mine is an open in southern New Mexico is more proximal to our shaft and therefore presents physical hazard. A COMPARISON OF U-PB DETRITAL central New Mexico locality, there is no evidence GEOCHRONOLOGIC PROVENANCE of elevated Triassic-age zircon in this region. TRENDS FROM UPPER CRETACEOUS BIOTITE AND CHLORITE NONMARINE STRATA OF THE DAKOTA GEOTHERMOMETRY OF THE LOMAS GROUP ACROSS NORTHERN, CENTRAL, ABANDONED MINE LANDS IN THE BAYAS PORPHYRY COPPER DEPOSIT IN AND SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO NORTH MAGDALENA DISTRICT, NORTHERN CHILÉ Brian A. Hampton, Samantha R. Bartnik, Greg SOCORRO COUNTY, NEW MEXICO Ryan Joseph Helms H. Mack, and Cody J. Stopka Nicholas G. Harrison and Virginia T. McLemore The Lomas Bayas porphyry copper deposit is Late Cretaceous (Albian–Cenomanian) strata located in northern Chilé approximately 110 km crop out throughout parts of northern, central, The North Magdalena district in Socorro County, northeast of the port city of Antofagasta. The and southern New Mexico and are thought NM contains a number of abandoned mines. deposit is hosted by a Paleocene granodiorite to record the final phase of sedimentation Our objective was to examine two features and which has been intruded by a feldspar porphyry associated with normal subduction of the Far- perform soil petrography and paste pH analyses (Chávez, 1998). The predominant alteration allon plate beneath western North America, and on collected samples. The two features examined present is a weak K-silicate constructive potassic resultant deformation and volcanism linked with consisted of a pit (NMSO0832) and the Silver alteration characterized by biotite + K feldspar the Sevier fold-thrust belt and Cordilleran arc, Hill mine (NMSO0809), a shaft with collapsed + quartz with biotite replacement of magmatic respectively. Presented here are U-Pb detrital zir- head frame. Abandoned mine lands (AML) are mafic minerals. This has been overprinted by con ages from N=7 samples (n=2046 total analy- lands that were excavated, left un-reclaimed, incipient – weak chloritization. The purpose of ses) collected from across northern New Mexico where no individual or company has reclamation this study is to determine the temperature of (eastern margin of the San Juan basin in the San responsibility, and there is no closure plan in formation of the hydrothermal alteration at Ysidro region and western margin of the Great effect. They include mines and mine features left Lomas Bayas by using electron microprobe Plains near the Dry Cimarron Valley and Creston unreclaimed on federal, state, private and Native analyses of hydrothermal biotite and chlorite regions), central New Mexico (Socorro-Carthage American lands because the current owner grains for use as a vectoring tool in exploration, region), and southern New Mexico (Mescal was not legally responsible for reclamation focusing on the Ti and Mg# (Mg/Mg+Fe) Canyon near the Truth or Consequences region). at the time the mine was created. Government relationships as a function of temperature described Detrital zircon spectra from sample localities in agencies reclaiming AML sites in the past have by (Henry et al., 2002; Henry et al., 2005; Wu northern New Mexico have range of Archean– just reclaimed the physical hazards without and Chen, 2015) as well as the tetrahedral Al-Si Mesozoic ages with the majority of primary and any characterization of the material they use to relationship in chlorite related to temperature secondary peaks occurring between 1800–1600 determine if they have any acid generating potential (Cathelineau, 1988; Caritat et al., 1993). (Yavapai-Mazatzal provinces), 1450–1350 material or elements of environmental concern (A-type granitoids), 1300–1000 (Grenville that could cause environmental issues, especially province) 625–595 and 430–415 (recycled to groundwater. This project is part of an effort to EXPLORING THE RINCON Mesozoic eolianites of the Colorado Plateau), test a procedure developed by the AML team at GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM as well as 190–92 Ma (Cordilleran arc). The NMIMT to inventory mine features and quickly, Melinda Horne, Mark Person, Shari Kelley, youngest group of zircon grains from nonmarine effectively, and cheaply characterize mine wastes James Witcher, and Matthew Folsom members of the Dakota Group in northern New within the North Magdalena mining district. This Mexico range from ~100–92 Ma suggesting a district was specifically chosen because it is small The Rincon geothermal system is one of the youngest age of early Late Cretaceous (Ceno- enough to perform the inventory and complete the highest temperature geothermal systems in New manian–earliest Turonian). We note that there characterization within a reasonable time frame. Mexico with a water table temperature of 81oC. are several samples collected from established Selected waste rock piles at the sites were This hydrothermal system is located within the Dakota stratigraphy where occurrences of young mapped using a handheld GPS and/or measuring discharge area of the Jornada del Muerto proxi- Cretaceous-age zircon are sparse to entirely tape. Sketches of selected mines and associated mal to the Rio Grande. It is a blind system, having absent. Primary and secondary peak ages from the waste rock piles were compiled. Composite no surface expression other than opal deposits.

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 43 New Mexico Geology Rincon was discovered with the use of shallow of the state represent small taxa, notably rodent PREPARATION AND DESCRIPTION OF thermal wells, self-potential surveys, and radon coprolites from neotomalites (fossil packrat SEVERAL CRANIAL ELEMENTS OF THE soil-gas surveys, all of which had anomalies middens) and chiropteraguanolite (fossil bat FOSSIL ELEPHANT GOMPHOTHERIUM relating to a geothermal system. A geothermal guano). Coprolites of large vertebrates occur PRODUCTUM (PROBOSCIDEA) FROM THE exploration borehole (SLH-1) was drilled in at three localities in the Pleistocene of New MIDDLE MIOCENE (LATE BARSTOVIAN) 1993 to a depth of 371 m and a bottom hole Mexico and consist principally of specimens of OF THE ESPAÑOLA BASIN OF NORTHERN temperature of 99oC. Its temperature-depth pro- Castrocopros martini produced by the ground NEW MEXICO file did not display typical linear characteristics sloth Nothrotheriops shastensis. Aden Crater is Timothy James and Gary Morgan of steady-state geothermal systems; instead, it one of two localities of sloth coprolites in Doña had higher temperatures at shallower depths, Ana County in southern New Mexico. A narrow Excavations in the Chamita and Tesuque Forma- which suggested a short-term high-flow-rate opening on the eastern side of the crater leads to a tions from Española basin in northern New Mex- transient system. near vertical fumarole that formed a pitfall trap. ico yield exceptionally preserved fossil elephants We remeasured temperature in SLH-1 in Sept. The bottom of the shaft has extensive deposits of (Order Proboscidea; Family Gomphotheriidae). 2018 and found the temperature fully equilibrated chiroptoguanalite in which was partially buried While most mammal genera geologic lifespans from lost drilling fluid, but otherwise unchanged an incompletely mummified sub-adult skeleton are ~2 million years, the New Mexican Miocene in the intervening 25 years. We hypothesize of Nothrotheriops shastensis and an associated Gomphotherium productum occurred for 7+ that the temperature overturn in SLH-1 is due coprolite. Shelter Cave (Bishop Cap Cave) is million years (~7-14 Ma) despite shifting paleo- to three-dimensional flow effects related to the west of Aden Crater on Bishop’s Cap, a south- environmental conditions. Thus, G. productum interaction of the geothermal upflow zone and ern outlier of the Organ Mountains. The cave may possess unique ecological adaptations the regional flow field. We have built a three- yielded seven specimens of Castrocopros martini. that allowed it to persist or G. productum may dimensional groundwater flow and heat transport The coprolites from Aden Crater and Shelter represent multiple species. To test these hypoth- model of the Rincon upflow zone to test our Cave have yielded radiometric dates of late eses, G. productum fossils were prepared using hypothesis. We also completed three transects of Rancholabrean age. Carlsbad Caverns National microscribes and dental picks at the New Mexico transient electromagnetics (TEM), which provide Park in Eddy County is well known for its Museum of Natural History (NMMNH), and vertical profiles of formation resistivity up to 500 extensive deposits of chiropteraguanolite. Sloth the fossils were described and measured. These m depth. The TEM surveys reveal a zone of high coprolites also occur at the park. The taphonomy fossils represent among the oldest, best-preserved formation electrical conductivity at the water of large Plio-Pleistocene coprolites of New record of middle Miocene (late Barstovian; 13-14 table that correspond to the geothermal system. Mexico is consistent with other localities in the Ma) proboscideans. Ontogenetic stages for sev- Southwest. The majority of coprolites occur eral G. productum crania and partial mandibles in caves, and these coprofaunas are dominated from the Chamita and Tesuque Formations were A COPROLITE OF THE BONE-CRACKING by herbivores. Carnivore coprolites are most compared. We examined and measured a juvenile DOG BOROPHAGUS FROM THE PLIO- common in fluvial environments. maxilla and mandible (NMMNH P-25280); an CENE OF SOUTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO abnormally small, adult cranium and mandibles AND A REVIEW OF PLIO-PLEISTOCENE (P-19204) with fragmentary tooth rows; a young COPROLITES OF LARGE VERTEBRATES ANALYZING STORM WATER RUNOFF IN adult (P-28972) with associated mandibles and FROM THE STATE DOWNTOWN SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO complete tooth row; and a complete adult Adrian P. Hunt and Spencer G. Lucas Raven Jackson cranium (P-63875), maxillary tooth row, and right tusk. Our preliminary results include The upper part of the Pliocene Gila Group is Downtown Silver City, New Mexico has quantitative comparative measurements and exposed on Pearson Mesa, south of Virden longstanding problems with storm water runoff, qualitative visual comparisons of these specimens in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. Here, there especially during high-intensity monsoon storms to assess whether they represent multiple species are two late Blancan vertebrate faunas from that occur annually from June to September. As or possess unique ecomorphological adaptations the fluvial Pearson Mesa Formation: early late storm water flows through an urbanized area it such as mandible procumbency. Blancan Pearson Mesa LF from the lower 15 collects and transports heavy metal contaminants. m of the section and the latest Blancan Virden The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) LF 30 m higher in the section. NMMNH (New recognizes urban runoff as one of the leading REPEAT MICROGRAVITY Mexico Museum of Natural History) P-33202 is causes of water quality issues (“National Water MONITORING OF RIO GRANDE RIVER a bone-bearing segment of a coprolite of a large Quality Inventory: 1998 Report to Congress”, SEEPAGE AND GROUNDWATER carnivore from the Pearson Mesa LF (NMMNH 2013). Urban runoff is especially concerning WITHDRAWALS IN THE MESILLA VALLEY, locality 4596). The segment is off-white in color when it is discharged into a natural body of NEW MEXICO and highly apatitic in composition. It has a surface water, as is the case in the study area for Libby Kahler, Meghan Bell, sub-rounded cross section with one side more this project. The storm water runoff from the Andrew Roberston, and Jeffrey Kennedy flattened. The maximum width is 35 mm, and study area is diverted into San Vicente Arroyo, the length is 25 mm. One end is slightly concave which recharges the aquifer downstream that Increasing water demand for public supply and and reveals two large, angular bone fragments. Silver City uses for municipal water. irrigation coupled with limited surface-water The other end is a rounded, slightly-irregular Heavy metal contaminants pose varying supplies have resulted in increased groundwater cone. We identify this specimen as representing a degrees of risk to human health and the presence withdrawals in the Mesilla Basin in south-cen- posterior conical segment of a borophagid coprolite of multiple heavy metals in the same water source tral New Mexico. In 1987, the U.S. Geological based on: (1) composition; (2) morphology; (3) can be detrimental (Ma, 2016). The scope of this Survey established the Mesilla Basin Monitoring size; (4) bone content; and (5) age. Borophagid project focuses on analyzing the hydrology of Program in cooperation with several federal, state coprolites are currently only identified from downtown Silver City in order to understand to and local agencies to document the hydrologic the latest Miocene Mehrten Formation in Cali- what extent storm water runoff over the urbanized conditions within the basin and to create a fornia. Borophagus, the bone-crushing dog or study area affects soil and water quality. The long-term database to permit the quantitative hyena-like dog, is rare in New Mexico, represented pollutants that are being investigated in this evaluation of the groundwater-flow system and by only five specimens from four faunas of early study are copper, lead, and zinc. The working stream-aquifer relations. Blancan age. Skeletal remains of this taxon do hypothesis is that as the storm water runoff flows As part of the monitoring program, a pilot not occur at Pearson Mesa. down-gradient, the concentration of heavy metal microgravity study was carried out with two to This is the only vertebrate coprolite currently contaminants will increase near the lower portion three surveys per year at 20 stations from 2016 reported from the Pliocene of New Mexico. The of the drainage pattern along San Vicente Arroyo. to 2018. The network of gravity stations was most numerous coprolites from the Pleistocene designed to identify recharge occurring through

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 44 New Mexico Geology a losing reach of the Rio Grande, with additional has been reported elsewhere (i.e., Van Kranendonk thickness- and depth-weighted, summed, then monitoring near a reach where recharge was et al., 2003). normalized to between 0 and 2 at each grid not expected. Other stations were placed in cell location to produce a single score. All criteria agricultural areas, and the timing of the at each cell were then weighted, summed, and monitoring was designed to detect changes due MAPPING SUITABILITY FOR MANAGED normalized (to 0–2) to produce an overall rating. We to annual patterns of pumping for irrigation. AQUIFER RECHARGE IN compared the overall ratings to previous maps and Where feasible, gravity stations were collocated ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO known locations of MAR-suitable sites, and then with wells to enable estimates of specific yield. Daniel J. Koning, Colin T. Cikoski, used histogram analysis to translate the scores to By precisely measuring the change in the Andrew P. Jochems, and Alex J. Rinehart qualitative MAR suitability ratings. A separate acceleration due to gravity through time, it is map showing soil hydrocompaction susceptibility possible to estimate the change in groundwater We used weighted overlay analyses to map will also be produced. storage underneath the gravity meter through suitability for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) a simple linear relation (4.2 x 10-7 m/s2 equals by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water 1 m of free-standing water). This relation is Utility Authority (ABCWUA). The study area THE PENNSYLVANIAN SECTION AT independent of the depth to water or porosity extends from the Rio Grande eastward to the BISHOP CAP, DOÑA ANA COUNTY, of the aquifer. Closely-spaced stations allow the Sandia Mountains, and from Sandia Pueblo NEW MEXICO total volume of groundwater-storage change to southward to ~2 km south of Tijeras Arroyo. The Karl Krainer, Spencer G. Lucas, and be interpolated. Furthermore, if gravity stations subsurface Santa Fe Group stratigraphy consists of James E. Barrick are collocated with monitoring wells, the relation axial-fluvial sediment that interfingers westward between storage change (derived from gravity with the Rio Puerco distributive fan system and Bishop Cap is a miter-shaped peak that is a fault data) and groundwater-level change can be used eastward with piedmont sediment from the Sandia block outlier between the Organ and Franklin to estimate specific yield. Changes in storage Mountains. The Santa Fe Group is overlain by mountains in south-central Doña Ana County. measured using repeat microgravity represent a up to 51 m of weakly consolidated mid- to late Pennsylvanian strata form most of the peak, 1-dimensional thickness of free-standing water; Quaternary piedmont alluvium, Rio Grande ter- and previous workers assigned them to the La the equivalent change in groundwater level is the race deposits, and valley fills. Long-term pumping Tuna and overlying Berino formations, units storage change divided by the specific yield by the city has created a large, trough-like cone originally defined in the Franklin Mountains. We Overall, changes in gravity corresponded of depression centered in the study area, with up reassign these strata to the Horquilla Formation with the irrigation regime, with increases in to 120 m of unsaturated, relatively permeable and regard the La Tuna and Berino as possible groundwater storage of up to 0.52 m observed sediment that could be used to store excess members of the Horquilla. The Horquilla during the summer season and decreases of up to surface water allotted to ABCWUA from the San section at Bishop Cap is 256 m thick and rests 0.64 m during other parts of the year. Most sites Juan–Chama Drinking Water Project. We disconformably on shale of the Mississippian collocated with wells showed good correlation produced two suitability maps with a grid cell Helms Formation. We divide this section into between gravity-derived changes in storage resolution of 100x100 m: one showing the five informal units: A (= La Tuna Formation) and changes in groundwater levels, resulting in suitability for deep (saturated zone) injection overlain by B-E (= Berino Formation). Unit estimates for specific yield ranging from 0.17 recharge and the other for shallow (infiltration A is an ~ 80 m thick, cliff-forming interval of to 0.34. At five sites, storage changes were or vadose zone injection) recharge. Unsuitability massive to indistinctly bedded limestone units insufficiently small to estimate specific yield. buffers were a priori assigned to fault zones that alternate with thin- to medium-, even- and (due to potential barrier effects), the Rio Grande wavy-bedded limestone intervals and covered floodplain (due to potential for injected water intervals. One crossbedded, lenticular sandstone AN UPDATE ON THE to reach the river or induce swamping), and 1/2 approximately 20 m above the base contains MICROBIALLY-INDUCED SEDIMENTARY mile around known groundwater contamination terrestrial plant debris. Most limestone beds STRUCTURES (MISS) OF THE sites. Initial steps included: (1) compiling contain chert nodules and thin chert lenses. PRECAMBRIAN (STENIAN) CASTNER hydraulic data from pump and infiltration Limestone has muddy textures throughout FORMATION, NORTHERN FRANKLIN tests; (2) studying outcrop analogs of lithologic the unit, some of the limestone intervals MOUNTAINS, EL PASO, TEXAS units comprising the aquifer units; (3) drawing are bioturbated, and many limestone beds Eric J. Kappus, Anthony Alvarez, Joe Cancellare, structural contours of 10 lithologic units under and contain crinoidal debris. Thick-bedded to and Spencer G. Lucas near the study area; (4) assessing the proportions massive limestone units contain solitary corals of sand, clayey sand, and clay layers for these and brachiopods, and Chaetetes is present The Castner Formation of El Paso, Texas is the units (primarily using interpretation of wireline in a few intervals. One bed contains small oldest Precambrian rock unit (Stenian, ~1260Ma) logs); and (5) using ArcGIS tools to construct a coral colonies. Unit B is an ~84-m-thick, exposed in the Franklin Mountains of West 3-D geologic model. For the weighted overlay slope-forming unit of limestone intervals Texas. This unit is now marble, but was initially analyses, we considered several criteria that alternating with abundant covered (shale) a carbonate/clastic sedimentary succession and could impact MAR. For deep injection recharge, intervals. Limestone intervals are thin to medium has been metamorphosed to hornblende-hornfels these include transmissivity, the typical storage bedded and mostly < 2 m thick. Even-bedded facies. Originally named by Harbour (1960) as zone thickness (thickness of permeable beds limestone commonly contains abundant cri- the “Castner Limestone,” it contains exquisitely between clay layers), allowable injection rates, noidal debris and rare chert. Wavy-bedded to preserved bedding structures, including soft water table gradient, density of ABCWUA and nodular limestone is mostly cherty and rarely sediment deformation, imbricated edgewise non-ABCWUA wells, and distance to existing contains crinoid fragments and solitary corals. conglomerates, and two types of stromatolites. water pipelines. For shallow recharge, criteria A distinctive fusulinid bed (Fusulinella) is Microbial Induced Sedimentary Structures include surface soil characteristics (hydraulic intercalated in the lower part. One conglomerate (MISS) were first recognized in the Castner conductivity and drainage classes from NRCS bed in the upper part contains limestone clasts, Formation by Pittenger (1994), who reported soil maps), surface slope, depth to groundwater, abundant crinoid fragments and fragments of cryptalgal laminites. We describe several other percolation time to reach the water table, and solitary corals and brachiopods. Unit C is ~23 MISS not associated with the previously described the proportion of clay layers. Each criterion m of cliff-forming, indistinctly medium- to stromatolites. These MISS include gas domes, were subdivided into classes (binned), which thick-bedded and massive limestone containing syneresis cracks, and possible discoidal microbial were ranked from 0 to 2 based on their impact abundant crinoidal fragments with intercalated communities. In addition, we also offer an to MAR (2 being most favorable and 0 being wavy-bedded to nodular limestone and a alternative hypothesis for the formation of edgewise least). For criteria that vary with geologic unit few thin covered intervals. Solitary corals are conglomerates, namely that they may have formed (e.g., transmissivity, storage zone thickness), present in the basal nodular limestone unit, and due tomicrobial binding of individual beds, which each individual geologic unit’s score was brachiopods are present in a crinoidal limestone

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 45 New Mexico Geology in the upper part. Chert is rare. Unit D is ~49 basalts will provide further constraints on duration compression, as this would help keep a turtle m of slope-forming cover/shale intercalated with of pedogenesis and timing of pedogenic events. submerged in shallower grazing areas and thus thin- to medium-bedded limestone intervals and less noticeable to terrestrial predators. Given the beds. Even-bedded limestone commonly contains large size of Basilemys, and its environment, the abundant crinoid fragments, and wavy-bedded to SINKHOLES AS TRANSPORTATION added strength of a domed carapace may not have nodular limestone is mostly cherty. Brachiopods AND INFRASTRUCTURE GEOHAZARDS been needed. Such shallow water would be an and solitary corals are rare. Unit E is the summit IN MIXED EVAPORITE-SILICICLASTIC unsuitable hunting ground for larger predators. of Bishop Cap and is ~21 m of mostly cherty BEDROCK, SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO The articulated limbs of a complete Basilemys nodular limestone and interbedded crinoidal Lewis Land, Colin Cikoski, George Veni, and variolosa has the bottoms of the manus and pes limestone locally containing corals and brachiopods. David McCraw covered in osteoderms, and the posterior opening Conodont biostratigraphy shows that the upper part of the shell filled with more osteoderms. The of unit A (~65 m above base) is early Atokan, Personnel with the National Cave and Karst lateral ridges on the unguals are larger on the based on the presence of Neognathodus nataliae. Research Institute and the New Mexico Bureau manus than the pes. This might indicate they The lowest Desmoinesian fauna, indicated by the of Geology and Mineral Resources conducted were used in forelimb digging. These unguals are appearance of N. bothrops, occurs ~60 m above an assessment of karst geohazards southeast of similar in shape to those of the burrowing syn- the base of Unit B. Early Desmoinesian (Cherokee) Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA. The US Highway apsid Varanops. This supports earlier suggestions conodonts range through Unit C and as least as 285 corridor in this area is subject to high levels of Basilemys as a burrower. If Basilemys inhabited high as the lower 10 m of Unit D. Less diagnostic of oilfield traffic, and is particularly prone to shallow, often ephemeral, bodies of water, bur- Desmoinesian conodonts occur in the upper part of sinkholes because of the presence of gypsum rowing ability may have played a role in surviving Unit D and Unit E. bedrock of the Rustler Formation at or near prolonged dry periods. The two fore limbs the surface throughout much of the study area. measured average 49% humerus length, 21% These features pose a geohazard for the trans- ulna length and 30% hand length. These mea- GEOCHRONOLOGIC AND portation and pipeline network in this part of the surements most closely match the fore limb PALEOCLIMATOLOGIC state. The geotechnical properties of the Rustler proportions of semi-aquatic, extant emydids INTERPRETATIONS OF PLIOCENE Formation are influenced by soluble gypsum strata and lead to the inference of a habitus in small or INTERTRAPPEAN PALEOSOLS, interbedded with mechanically weak mudstone stagnant bodies of water. A Basilemys femur TAOS PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO and siltstone and more rigid dolomite beds. from the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta Gage Richards Lamborn, Victor French, and sinkholes formed in the Rustler are relatively has a ratio of the intertrochanteric fossa length Kevin M. Hobbs shallow (<3 m), without deep roots, probably due to femur length of ~0.13. This most closely to the mixed lithology of soluble and insoluble approaches that seen in Chelydra serpentina, In northern New Mexico on the Taos Plateau bedrock. However, longer-array ER surveys have Kinosternonbaueri and Terrapene coahuila. there are a series of basalt lava flows that identified additional cavities at greater depths This is consistent with an aquatic habitus, as all formed at ~4 Ma. Atop some of these lava flows, that do not breach the surface. of these species are bottom walkers generally sediments were deposited and over time soils found in shallow water. Thus, we conclude that formed in these sediments. These soils were Basilemys were aquatic turtles that frequently subsequently buried by later lava flows, becom- THE PALEOECOLOGY OF THE LATE had to cross land. ing encased and incorporated into the rock CRETACEOUS TURTLE BASILEMYS record as paleosols. In this study, our goal is to Asher J. Lichtig and Spencer G. Lucas determine the climate conditions under which THE TORTOISE CAUDOCHELYS FROM these soils formed, the duration of pedogenesis, The fossil turtle Basilemys is known from the THE MIOCENE TESUQUE FORMATION OF and the overall geomorphic setting of the Taos Upper Cretaceous of the Western Interior of THE ESPAÑOLA BASIN, NEW MEXICO Plateau during the Pliocene epoch. To do this, we North America, including the San Juan Basin Asher J. Lichtig and Spencer G. Lucas analyzed the elemental composition of the of northwestern New Mexico. We analyze paleosols with XRF spectroscopy and color its paleoecology based on shell proportions, There is an extensive fossil record of Neogene indexed the paleosols using the Munsell soil forelimb proportions and femur morphology. B. tortoises in New Mexico, but they have received color chart. We then used these data to perform variolosa from Alberta has a shape unlike any little study to date. Caudochelys is a genus of a geochemical climate analysis on the samples, living turtle: it has a carapace-width-to-plastron- North American giant tortoises (family Testu- the results of which are incongruent with all width ratio of 1.36 and a length-to-height ratio dinidae) primarily known from the Miocene of other paleosol characteristics. In addition to this, of 13.48. B. gaffneyi from New Mexico is similar Texas and the Pleistocene of Florida. Here, we we obtained thin-sections of the paleosols and in age to B. variolosa but has a distinctly taller present the first report ofCaudochelys in New used a polarizing light microscope to investigate carapace with a length-to-height ratio of ~2.6 Mexico, which includes some specimens that the individual grains so that we could study the and a slightly higher carapace-width-to-plastron- had previously been called Hesperotestudo mineral composition and micromorphological width ratio of ~1.6. B. morrinensis from Alberta sp. Hesperotestudo is the only other genus of features found within the paleosols. Paleosol has a carapace-to-plastron-width ratio of 1.64 giant tortoises recognized from the Neogene of B horizons are dominated by silt-sized quartz and a length-to-height ratio of 3.4. All of these North America. and sand-sized primary minerals ranging from ratios suggest an aquatic habitus in the various Two skulls from the Tesuque Formation in 20µm – 1mm in diameter, respectively. Since Basilemys species. “First Wash,” in the Barstovian Pojoaque Member quartz is unlikely to be formed in the silicate Basilemys has a very broad plastron rela- of the Tesuque Formation, one of which has series for basalt, we interpret these grains to tive to its carapace width compared to most associated postcrania, are referable to Caudochelys have been delivered via eolian processes during aquatic turtles. The only living turtles that and provide some insight into the cranial anatomy pedogenesis. Our results suggest that these approach these ratios are Emydoideablandingii, of this genus. These skulls differ from Hesperotestudo paleosols formed in a semi-arid environment, Cuoraaurocapitata, C. pani, C. trifasciata, in the lack of a second lingual ridge and the pres- similar to what is found in present day New and Terrapene coahuila. These are all swamp ence of a large medial septum of the palatines. Mexico. The presence of stage III-V pedogenic dwellers that live in shallow bodies of water The fenestra subtemporalis is significantly larger, carbonate horizons suggest a duration of comingled with land. Thus, they need to travel particularly medio-laterally, than in H. impensa pedogenesis of up to 106 years under reaso over land more often than other aquatic turtles, and H. osbornia. This indicates increased size nably stable semi-arid paleoclimate conditions. bringing them additional exposure to predation, of the jaw closing muscles in Caudochelys. This, Within several of the paleosol layers we observed both in and out of the water. If Basilemys was combined with the tuberculate rather than striated inflationary horizons with well-preserveddesert a resident of these marginal waterways it also morphology of the labial triturating surface, leads pavement. Radiometric dating of encapsulating might explain its high degree of dorsoventral us to conclude the New Mexico Caudochelys

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 46 New Mexico Geology likely consumed a tougher, more fibrous diet asthenosphere melt generated by foundering of the region. Temporary seismic networks, includ- than the Hesperotestudo examined. This suggests the Farallon plate. To distinguish mantle source ing the 3-component broadband SIEDCAR cam- possible niche partitioning using different food regions, we conducted a geochemical study of paign, have also been used to study seismicity in sources for each genus, reducing competition. the Las Vegas mafic suite, including trace element the region. The postcranium associated with one of the and isotope makeup, to compare to known mantle The largest concentration of seismic activity skulls of Caudochelys includes ungual- shaped source regions of subcontinental lithosphere in the Permian Basin in New Mexico occurred in osteoderms similar to those seen in Hesperotestudo with upper- and lower-crustal contamination the Dagger Draw oil field, northwest of Carlsbad. osbornia. Among living turtles these are only seen and asthenosphere with insignificant crustal Seismic activity began to increase in 2001, 5 years in Manouria and have no previously suggested contamination. Ten samples were taken from after peak fluid injection in 1996, suggesting function. The presence of these osteoderms fits the regional intrusions, including 6 from the significant fluid migration occurred. Seismic with the previous idea that Hesperotestudo and Buena Vista intrusion. The samples were crushed activity at Dagger Draw has since decreased, Caudochelys are sister lineages. Furthermore, and powdered at New Mexico Highlands and activity in other parts of the Permian Basin this raises the question, given this shared unique University and taken to the Czech Academy of in New Mexico has generally been moderate. trait, is Manouria, the Asian Forest Tortoise, Sciences (Prague) for isotope separation and While seismic activity in the Permian Basin has more closely related to North American giant Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS) increased dramatically in the past few years, tortoises than previously thought? The gulars of analysis. 87Sr/86Sr values for 9 of the samples most of the increase has occurred in the Texas the New Mexican Caudochelys individual have a with SiO2 weight percent less than 48.60 range portion of the Permian Basin, while up to this more pronounced lateral constriction than some from 0.70395-0.70430 (average 0.70412). One point the earthquakes occurring in New Mexico of the other Tesuque Formation tortoise fossils, sample, taken from the plagioclase-rich core of have generally been less frequent and smaller which we interpret to indicate that it is likely a the Buena Vista intrusion (SiO2 weight percent than M2. However, it is important to continue male. Anterior lobes of Miocene New Mexico = 60.48) shows an elevated 87Sr/86Sr value of to study the entire region to better understand giant tortoises are generally less constricted at the 0.70608. The Sr isotopic data for the majority of the causes of induced seismicity and how to gular-humeral sulcus than younger individuals the Las Vegas intrusions suggest derivation from mitigate it. previously assigned to Hesperotestudo. Thus, an enriched mantle source or an asthenospheric it is important to realize that the Miocene and mantle source with crustal contamination. An Pliocene giant tortoises of New Mexico may not enriched mantle source is more likely, as the PENNSYLVANIAN STRATIGRAPHY IN THE be members of the same lineage. The westward rocks also show enrichment in the light rare earth MANZANO-MANZANITA MOUNTAINS, expansion of the range of Caudochelys further elements relative to the heavy rare earth elements CENTRAL NEW MEXICO expands the geographic overlap of Hesperote- (La/Yb)N=29-37 and selective enrichments in the Spencer G. Lucas, Karl Krainer, and studo and Caudochelys. incompatible elements Ba, Th, K, Nb, and Ta, Bruce D. Allen which are characteristic of melts originating in the subcontinental lithosphere enriched by arc Pennsylvanian strata overlie Proterozoic MANTLE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION FOR fluids or hydrous mafic magmas.Thus, mafic basement along the crest and dipslope of the MIDDLE MIOCENE MAGMATISM ON magmatism in the Las Vegas area originated from Manzano and Manzanita Mountains in Valencia, EASTERN FLANKS OF THE RIO GRANDE a fertile fluid-modified lithospheric mantle during Torrance and Bernalillo counties, New Mexico. RIFT, NORTHERN a mid-Miocene period of extension focused east However, locally, along the Tijeras Hogback NEW MEXICO of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Ridge in the northernmost Manzanita Moun- Jennifer Lindline, Richard Pratt, tains, the Pennsylvanian sits on 16–21 m of and Michael Petronis Mississippian red beds. Study of Pennsylvanian SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN THE PERMIAN successions at Priest Canyon, Sol se Mete Peak, Middle Miocene magmatic rocks in the Las BASIN IN NEW MEXICO Cedro Peak and Tijeras Hogback Ridge, as well Vegas region represent a volumetrically small but Mairi M. Litherland as other less complete successions, indicates that regionally significant collection of mafic dikes, the Pennsylvanian strata in the Manzano-Man- plugs, and stocks that represent an episode of While most earthquakes in New Mexico are due zanitas can be assigned to the (ascending order) igneous intrusive activity on the east flank of to tectonic forces associated with the Rio Grande Sandia, Gray Mesa and Atrasado formations. the Rio Grande rift to the east of the Sangre de Rift and the Socorro Magma Body, in recent years The Sandia Formation is interbedded shale, Cristo Mountain front. The intrusions consist of seismic activity has increased in areas where fluid quartz-rich sandstone, limestone and conglomer- hornblende + plagioclase + augite ± olivine with injection is ongoing, raising the possibility that ate, mostly in depositional contact with the Pro- variable amounts of hydrothermal alteration. these earthquakes are induced by human activity. terozoic basement. Sandia Formation thickness The dikes (n=14) range in size from meters to The two regions of New Mexico that have seen ranges from 14 to 70 m, largely because of the decimeters in width and meters to kilometers the largest rise in activity are the Raton Basin, paleotopography upon which it was deposited in length. One of the dikes, the 5-km-long which spans the New Mexico-Colorado border at the local onset of the ancestral Rocky Buena Vista intrusion, is a composite intrusion in northeastern New Mexico, and the Permian Mountain orogeny. The Gray Mesa Formation consisting primarily of gabbro with a differentiated Basin, which spans the New Mexico-Texas (= Los Moyos Limestone) is 67–192 m thick and plagioclase-rich central portion. The smaller border in southeastern New Mexico. I will can be divided into three members (ascending): intrusions include the 55 m-wide Reed Ranch discuss the recorded history of seismicity in Elephant Butte Member, 20–47 m of limestone plug, and the 25 m-wide Milton Ranch stocks. the Permian Basin in New Mexico, as well as and shale; (2) Whiskey Canyon Member, 30–84 We propose that the eastern shoulder of the Rio past and ongoing efforts to better understand m of cherty limestone; and (3) Garcia Member, Grande rift in the Las Vegas region is underlain its causes. 18–84 m of non-cherty limestone and shale with by fertile subcontinental lithosphere influenced by Earthquake monitoring in New Mexico began lesser amounts of cherty limestone, sandstone and subduction related processes, from the accretion in the 1960s in the area around the Socorro conglomerate. The Atrasado Formation (=Wild of Proterozoic terrains to the subduction of the Magma Body, and a network in southeastern Cow Formation) is 200–272 m thick and divided Farallon plate. The hydrous nature of the parent New Mexico began operating in 1998 to mon- into eight members (ascending): (1) Bartolo mafic melt, implied by the high proportionof itor the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a Member, 28–66 m of slope-forming shale with hornblende, as well as the presence of boron (a nuclear waste storage facility located southeast thin beds of sandstone, limestone and conglom- large-ion lithophile element), indicated by accessory of Carlsbad. The WIPP network currently con- erate; (2) Amado Member, 9–19 m of bedded, tourmaline, are hallmarks of a dehydrating slab sists of nine short-period sensors and is able to cherty, brachiopod-rich limestone; (3) Tinajas fluid-enriched system. An alternative hypothesis detect many of the potentially induced seismic Member, 45–115 m of shale with interbedded proposes that the high volatile content of the Las events in the Permian Basin, making it invaluable limestone and sandstone; (4) Council Spring Vegas region intrusions is an inherent feature of for studying the long-term history of seismicity in Member, 7-23 m of mostly algal limestone

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 47 New Mexico Geology without chert; (5) Burrego Member, 23–63 m determine how land usage impacts its instream Bastiaanssen, et al. 1998; Hendrickx 2005, of arkosic red beds and limestone; (6) Story flow and water quality. Project methods include 2009). A limitation of this method is that it relies Member, 6–22 m of limestone; (7) Del Cuerto taking streamflow measurements and water heavily on satellite data, which has coarse spatial Member, 9–26 m of arkosic red beds and samples at five sites during the 2018–19 water and temporal resolutions and is inhibited by limestone; and (8) Moya Member, 5–11 m year. Stream flow monitoring results thus far cloud cover. of bedded limestone and shale. The Atrasado show that flow stage remained steady (0.50–2.25 We hypothesize that an accurate and detailed Formation is overlain by the transitional feet) throughout the winter months and only soil map can be produced using data collected Pennsylvanian-lower Permian (Wolfcampian) showed diurnal variations and intermittent storm by way of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Bursum Formation, which is 30–90 m of events throughout the 6-month data-collection We have collected remote imagery data using interbedded red-bed mudstone, sandstone, period. We anticipate variations in stage height UAVs before using energy balance algorithms conglomerate and limestone. The continuity of and stream flow during the spring and summer to estimate soil moisture. We then observed the Atrasado Formation stratigraphic architecture seasons when the river experiences increased changes in soil moisture estimation over several reflects tectonic events in the Pedernal highland inputs from snow melts and monsoonal rains days and compared these changes to established and adjacent basin over a distance of at least and increased outputs from evapotranspiration drying curves, which are correlated to physical 150 km, from the northern Oscura Mountains and user demands. Stream chemistry results properties. Theoretical drying curves are of Socorro County to the northern Manzanitas. are pending. This water study will constrain indicative of texture and horizontality (Cosby, The Pennsylvanian section at Priest Canyon the stress on existing supplies and assist with 1984; Miller, 1973). We trained the computer to includes the type sections of units named by evaluating possible water resource management recognize differences in soil types based on soil Myers and long applied to Pennsylvanian strata options to supplement traditional water-supply moisture changes. The result is a soil map with throughout the Manzano-Manzanita mountains. approaches. increased temporal and spatial resolution with a It is very similar to the Pennsylvanian section in reduced misclassification. the Cerros de Amado, ~60 km to the SW, and the stratigraphic nomenclature used in Socorro County SOIL MAPPING USING NEAR REMOTE can be applied to the Gray Mesa and Atrasado SENSING IN SW UNITED STATES A COLLECTION OF HISTORIC SEISMIC formations throughout the Manzano–Manzanita Theodore Miller and J. Bruce Harrison INSTRUMENTATION PHOTOGRAPHS AT mountains. We thus abandon all of Myers’ THE ALBUQUERQUE SEISMOLOGICAL Pennsylvanian lithostratigraphic terms because Current soil mapping methods are time consum- LABORATORY they are either synonyms of earlier named units ing and expensive, especially at small scales and Sabrina V. Moore, Charles R. Hutt, or do not identify useful lithostratigraphic units. in remote areas. Traditional methods require Robert E. Anthony, Adam T. Ringler, In the Manzano–Manzanita Mountains, fusulinid both aerial photographs and field measurements Alexis C. B. Alejandro, and David C. Wilson and conodont biostratigraphies indicate that such as textural and color classifications to the Sandia Formation is late Atokan–earliest be collected and studied by a professional soil The Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory Desmoinesian, the Gray Mesa Formation is scientist (Soil Survey Staff, 2017). After data is (ASL) has preserved a photograph collection early-middle Desmoinesian and the Atrasado collected the scientist will then create a concep- featuring historic seismographic equipment, sta- Formation is late Desmoinesian-middle Virgilian. tual model of soil formation to predict the soil tions, and drawings used by the U.S. Coast and taxonomy of the surrounding area. Traditional soil Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) in the early-to-mid mapping methods have high propensity for error twentieth century. The photographs were trans- 2018-19 WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY (Wilding, 1965; Drohan, 2003). Modern soil ferred to ASL from the U.S. Department of Com- STUDY OF THE LOWER SANTA FE RIVER, surveys produce maps at 1:24,000 or 1:12,000; merce in Washington, D.C., after ASL became SANTA FE COUNTY, NM: at these scales one inch on th map is equal to established as a federal facility for seismological PROGRESS REPORT 2,000 feet and 1,000 feet, respectively (Soil research and instrument testing in 1961. The Ryan Mann and Jennifer Lindline Survey Staff, 2017), meaning acres of soils can be photographs were used in publications dating misidentified. To create a soil map that is more as far back to the 1920s to document USC&GS The City of Santa Fe relies heavily on the Santa detailed with current methods is logistically cost activities or used internally to document instru- Fe River for its potable supply. The Santa Fe River prohibitive to undertake, especially in range-land ment installation, operation, and components. originates in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains areas. The historic collection is made up of hundreds of before being impounded within McClure and With the advancement of technology several photographs that were originally printed in the Nichols reservoirs until it is called for by the new approaches have been proposed to create a 1930s and 1940s. Our hope is that the archival of City’s municipal and agricultural customers. soil map using differentiation of soil properties these records, as well as brief descriptions about Stream flows are variable and dependent on (Dobos, 1998; Engle, 2009; Lagacherie, 2006; their significance, will help preserve some of the winter snowpack and summer monsoonal Lunt, 2003; Mcbratney, 2003; Moran and Bui, knowledge about seismological advances in the rains, which provide approximately 40% of the 2003; Scull, 2003; Ulaby, 1996). Generally these United States. City’s water. The remainder comes from the Rio approaches fall into two categories: digital soil Grande Buckman Direct Diversion and the San mapping and remote sensing. Physical soil Juan–Chama Project. Santa Fe’s water refuse is properties such as grain size, organic matter MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION treated at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) content, and slope influence the residence time AND AN INSIGHT ON THE SILVER and discharged back into the lower Santa Fe of water in the soil (Anderson et al. 2013). Soil DISTRIBUTION ON SULFIDES AT LAS River, which then flows through the historic moisture can be obtained using electromagnetic LUCES VOLCANIC HOSTED CU-AG communities of La Cienega and La Bajada before induction or moisture probes (Birchak, 1974; DEPOSIT, CHILE entering Cochiti Pueblo. Outputs from the lower Sudduth, 2003), however, these methods are Dante Padilla and William X. Chavez Jr. Santa Fe River have amplified, with increased limited to 50 acres and are immobile. Estimates of development, groundwater pumping, irrigation soil moisture can be made from satellite imagery Las Luces deposit is a stratabound Jurassic diversions, and evapotranspiration. Rarely through radar or energy balance algorithms. volcanic-hosted Cu-Ag deposit. Geographically does the river reach its confluence with the Rio This is done either through radar (Ulaby, 1996; located in the western area of the coastal cor- Grande, its termination occurring somewhere Dobos, 1998) or through multispectral bands dillera at 50 km of the Taltal town, Antofagasta within Cochiti Pueblo. There is little information using energy balance algorithms (Bastiaanssen et region, Chile and metallogenetically, in the south about the quantity and quality of the water in al. 1998). Radar is only accurate 0-5cm in depth corner of the Tocopilla-Taltal belt (S. Kojima, the Lower Santa Fe River after its discharge from (Reich, 2014; Dobos, 1998; Suarez, 2010; Scull 2007). Mineralization is mainly hosted in basaltic the WWTP. This project is focusing on the lower et al. 2003), while energy balance algorithms andesite to andesite Jurassic volcanic-sedimen- Santa Fe River’s water budget and chemistry to predict moisture to root depth (Allen et al. 2009; tary piles (Camaraca, Ofícina Viz and La Negra

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 48 New Mexico Geology formations). The characteristic mineralization MAPPING SOIL WATER HOLDING industry standard lixiviant leaching did. In addi- styles are vesicle infill that predominates over CAPACITY IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO: tion, contrary to expectations, a less oxidizing other styles, and networks of veinlets (up to A MODEL-BASED APPROACH. lixiviant (i.e., containing an order-of-magnitude ~20 um thickness) that interconnect the major Gabriel Edwin Lee Parrish, less hydrogen peroxide) liberated as much or open spaces and inside some breccias as late Jan M. H. Hendrickx, Fred M. Phillips, and more uranium relative to the industry-standard cement component, sealing remaining open Daniel Cadol solution, not less. This implies that under- space. Creation and enhancement of open space standing the mineralogy of the system may be could be explained by a mixture of the following Soil Water Holding Capacity (SWHC) within the more important on predicting yield than the processes: at lithospheric scale, tectonic inversion rooting zone of the soil (RZSWHC) is the most lixiviant concentration. in a back-arc basin; at a regional scale, hydraulic important parameter for calibrating soil-wa- Ores from primary-type deposits associated fracturing driven by circulating fluids either ter-balance models. SWHC is also the most with more organic carbon appeared to liberate related or not with the mineralizing fluids; and, difficult parameter to measure, the reason being a smaller fraction of their bulk uranium than finally, molar volume reduction driven by the that SWHC depends on ill-defined concepts such redistributed-type ores (7 % uranium in samples effects of hydrothermal alteration. The main as “soil water capacity at field capacity” and with 3.5 % organic carbon content, versus 49 hydrothermal alterations can be listed as follows: “wilting point” as well as often unknown root % released in those containing 0.03 % organic sodic alteration (albite-hematite-~chlorite), chlo- water uptake distribution with depth. As such, carbon). Lixiviant leaching also released non-tar- rite-calcite alteration (accompanied by specular an indirect method for parameterizing SWHC get metals arsenic and selenium, which may hematite) and a late destructive alteration (white is necessary, given the paucity of in-situ mea- have implications for groundwater quality and phyllosilicate-clays). The petrographic study surements that are available. We are exploring pregnant leach solution processing. identified as the main mineralogy, specular-he- alternative approaches to estimating SWHC: Much of the depositional porosity in the host matite, pyrite, chalcocite, bornite, digenite and 1) SWHC is determined as a model fitting sandstones of primary-type ores was subse- chalcopyrite, covellite as distal-minor phases and parameter, i.e. the SWHC of a soil-water-balance quently reduced by deposition of organic matter based on their textural relationships a paragene- model is varied until agreement is found between and/or calcite, which may render them physically sis of the order of the events have been developed ‘observations’ of evapotranspiration (ET) from unsuitable for ISR depending on the lixiviant (see attached Image). The sequence of events an independent energy-balance model and used. Preliminary results from electron micro- starts with the Sodic Alteration characterized by modeled ET from the soil-water-balance model; probe analyses show the uranium mineralogy of albite, hematite, staining host rocks, and chlorite 2) Using two independent data sets of modeled primary-type ores to be overwhelmingly carbo- from the ferromagnesian phases of the host rocks, precipitation and ET, soil-moisture deficits are naceous, with carnotite-group and pitchblende interpreted to represent an early low temperature tracked on a daily basis for 11 years. The largest minerals present in much lower volume. Redis- fluid passing through the permeable areas. soil-moisture deficit recorded is taken to be a tributed-type ores are dominated by pitchblende The second event, Chlorite-Calcite Alteration minimum for the SWHC within the root zone, and carnotite group minerals. Carbonaceous characterized by quartz, chlorite, calcite, infilling assuming that there is no change in land cover uranium ores may be more resistant to alkaline vesicles along with the saturation of specular or Hortonian runoff. We present the resulting ISR, but the higher amounts of uranium in them hematite and a first generation of chalcocite maps of RZSWHC within our area of interest imply a longer mine life. (chalcocite I); it is interpreted to portray fluids and compare their attributes. Additionally, we of at least higher temperature than the previous evaluate the ET estimates produced by the Jet event, >~190 ºC to be specular hematite stable Propulsion Laboratory’s energy-balance model SELACHIAN-DOMINATED VERTEBRATE (W. Chavez Jr. verbal communication). The third that generated the independent ET estimates used FOSSIL ASSEMBLAGE FROM THE UPPER event, Mineralization Stage I is characterized to determine RZSWHC. CRETACEOUS TOCITO SANDSTONE, by porous specular hematite, a highly porous SOUTHEASTERN SAN JUAN BASIN, bornite (bornite I), digenite and an interpreted NEW MEXICO undifferentiated chalcocite event. Finally, the EFFECTS OF MINERALOGY AND Randy J. Pence and Spencer G. Lucas fourth event, Mineralization Stage II is character- LIXIVIANT COMPOSITION ON ized by chalcocite (chalcocite II), bornite (bornite URANIUM LEACHING An extensive fossil vertebrate assemblage II), digenite, fringing hematite and minor chalco- Alexandra Rose Pearce, Kierran C. Maher, and collected from a series of anthills on the Tocito pyrite and covellite. Everything considered, there Karissa G. Rosenberger Sandstone (Upper Cretaceous, Coniacian), were at least three different mineralization cycles south of the Cabezon Peak volcanic plug in overprinting previously formed mineralization Northwestern New Mexico holds one of the the southeastern San Juan Basin, consists of based on the available mineralogical and textural world’s largest reserves of uranium in an approx- over 18,000 teeth from a variety of marine relationships. It can be interpreted that the fluids imately 100-mile-long belt of sandstone-hosted animals, the vast majority belonging to the responsible for each cycle of mineralization were deposits in the Jurassic Morrison Formation. class Chondrichthyes. About 200 pounds of chemically similar, yielding a history of alike Some of these have been identified as amenable anthill were collected, screen washed, and then mineral assemblages overprinting previously for alkaline in-situ recovery (ISR) in terms of geo- picked under a microscope. Preliminary identifi- formed phases that ended showing a simple logic setting. Alkaline ISR is a widely-used form cation of these sharks, sawfish, and rays identifies set of mineral associations, even though, with of ‘solution mining’, where an array of injection the families Anacoracidae, Cretoxyrhinidae, complex paragenetical relationships. Finally, and extraction wells circulate chemical lixiviants Gingymostomatidae, Hybondontidae, Leptostyraxidae, electron probe microanalysis data has shown to mobilize (via oxidation) and complex (via Mitsukurinidae, Orectolobidae, Polyacrodontidae, that the main mineral phases holding silver on carbonate ions) uranium from a water-saturated Ptychodontidae, Rhombodontidae, Rhynobatidae, their structure are chalcocite (average 0.10 wt% ore body. and Sclerorhynchidae.The vast majority of the Ag) and bornite (average 0.37 wt% Ag), being We investigated the behavior of primary- and teeth belong to the two genera Scapanorhynchus the bornite the most important phase for silver, redistributed-type ores (1% and 0.17% uranium, and Cretolamna, each represented by more contrary of what it is expected for this set of respectively) from this region when leached with than 8,000 teeth. Other faunal elements include co-precipitating minerals (Nigel J. Cook, 2011), a typical lixiviant (hydrogen peroxide + sodium baculites and other ammonites, varieties of supported by myrmekitic textures with bismuth bicarbonate) of industry-standard specifications teleost fish (including gar), at least two types of concentrations b.l.d. and ambient groundwater. Preliminary results pycnodontids, crocodilians, gastropods, inoceramid from 48-hour batch leaching tests of samples clams, yet to be identified marine reptiles, and show that samples leached with groundwater one mammal incisor. Reworked fusulinids were (sourced from the Westwater Canyon Fm. found, a result of erosional redeposition, possibly aquifer, host formation of many of the deposits) from Pennsylvanian deposits in the nearby liberated approximately half the uranium that Jemez Mountains. Several coprolites were also

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 49 New Mexico Geology collected. Due to the fact that very few of the to compartmentalize the groundwater system precipitation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains selachians have complete roots, and that the but may serve as conduits for upwelling fluids. to the east of the valley; little recharge occurs small number of larger teeth are fragmented, we There is also a conductive (50 ohm-m) feature at across the valley floor. More than half of the inferred that these teeth were transported and 6 to 10 km depth below the T or C hot-springs recharge moves laterally into the aquifer from then deposited on offshore sandbars or barrier district that may represent upwelling brackish the adjacent mountain block, resulting in locally islands. Of the 16,000 plus teeth assigned to geothermal fluids. This feature is reproduced elevated groundwater discharge temperatures the Mitsurkurinidaeand the Creroxyrhinidae, well by hydrothermal groundwater models that and perturbed thermal profiles in wells near less than one percent exceed a main cusp height we use to infer electrical resistivity patterns. young range-front faults. The remaining recharge of 8 mm (from the tip of the crown to the base Aquifer testing carried out within the T or C occurs as infiltration of streamflow and irriga- of the root). Why are the majority of the teeth hot-springs district estimate local crystalline tion water derived from streamflow. The very so minuscule? Is this simply due to hydraulic basement permeability to be on the order of 4 steep range front and extreme relief from the sorting, or could this be evidence of a nearby x 10-10 m2. Preliminary analysis of fractures in valley floor to the adjacent peaks, recently-active pupping area for these two families of sharks? surface exposures of Proterozoic basement rocks range-front faults, and abundant faults, fractures, It has been established that modern sharks have in the Mud Springs Mountains and on the south and hydrothermal alteration in the mountain dedicated nursery areas for their young, and this side T or C reveals local variability in both rock block associated with the Questa Caldera all may be one of the few published examples of a type and fracture density. Rock types include likely play a role in the large amount of lateral Cretaceous selachian nursery. Another question folded metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks ground water movement into the aquifer. to be studied is why some scapanorhynchid teeth intruded by nonfoliated granite that, in places, Water budget calculations for the region have labial plications and others do not. Is this contain large xenolithic blocks of the older are constrained by fundamental data limita- due to ontogenetic reasons, as some have posited, metamorphic rocks. The T or C outcrops north tions, yet they imply that the valley aquifer is or is there another reason? Included in this fauna and west of the Rio Grande have the highest approximately in equilibrium, with estimated is a proposed new species of a ptychotrygonid fracture densities (20 to 50 fractures/m). Out- discharges falling between the estimated upper based upon the mesial ornamentation of the crops in the Mud Springs Mountains commonly and lower bounds of recharge. Storage changes teeth. As research continues on this assemblage, have low densities (2 to 10 fractures/m) with calculated from sequential water-level elevation further selachian families may be recorded, local zones of higher density. Interestingly, very surfaces indicate average storage losses of listed families may be revised, and new species few of the fractures observed in the Proterozoic 1000–2000 acre-feet per year since the 1980s, described. It is also possible that more than one rocks in the Mud Springs Mountains continue corresponding to average water-level declines of species may be discovered within a particular above the “Great Unconformity.” Fractures in few feet per year. established genus. the Mud Springs Mountains predominantly strike Cessation of groundwater pumping due to northwest. The orientations of fractures in T or C the water-rights transfer will ultimately result are more variable. Overall, these results indicate in additional discharge to the Rio Grande and EXPLORING THE PLUMBING OF THE the likely presence of permeable crystalline rocks Red River on a time scale of a few to several TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, on a regional scale that permit geothermal tens of years. Regional trends in precipitation, NEW MEXICO GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM groundwater circulation to depths of up to 10 temperature, and surface water-use are the most BY USING MAGNETOTELLURIC SURVEYS, km within this geothermal system. This work likely factors involved in the declining amount of FRACTURE ANALYSIS, AND provides evidence that seismically active rift water in storage in the Sunshine Valley aquifer. AQUIFER TESTING settings with prolonged tectonic histories may Continued declines in annual precipitation Jeffrey Pepin, Jared Peacock, Mark Person, Brad contain extensive regions of highly-fractured and streamflow and increases in mean annual Sion, Shari Kelley, and J.J. Butler crystalline rocks that facilitate groundwater temperature will decrease the amount of recharge circulation to great depth. to and discharge from Sunshine Valley. We combined forward hydrothermal modeling with magnetotelluric (MT) and transient electromagnetic (TEM) geophysics to image a HYDROGEOLOGY AND WATER RAINFALL-RUNOFF RELATIONSHIPS deep (4 to 10 km) crystalline-basement-hosted BUDGET OF THE SUNSHINE VALLEY COMPLEMENTING PREVIOUS SEDIMENT groundwater flow system that is associated with REGION, TAOS COUNTY, NEW MEXICO TRANSPORT STUDIES AT THE ARROYO DE the Truth or Consequences (T or C) geothermal Geoffrey Rawling and Shari Kelley LOS PIÑOS, SOCORRO, NEW MEXICO resource along the central Rio Grande rift of New Madeline A. Richards, Daniel Cadol, Kyle Stark, Mexico, USA. Previously published hydrothermal It has been known since the 1920s that there Jonathan Laronne, and David Varyu models indicate that the effective hydraulic is significant influx of groundwater to the Rio permeability of the crystalline basement in the Grande in the reach that bounds the western In semi-arid climates, sediment influx to large T or C watershed must be unusually high (10-12 edge of Sunshine Valley in northern Taos County, rivers such as the Rio Grande from ephemeral m2) to explain measured hot-spring temperatures New Mexico. This occurs as spring discharge streams is challenging to quantify. These streams (41°C), geothermometer reservoir temperature and seepage. The recent Aamodt Settlement are not studied as often as perennial streams estimates (170°C), vertical specific discharge Agreement includes a clause stating that 1,752 because of their erratic nature and the fact that rates (3 to 6 m/yr), and mean uncorrected acre-feet per year of groundwater rights used for they are usually located in hard to access, remote carbon-14 groundwater residence times (7,000 irrigation in Sunshine Valley are to be transferred deserts. The Arroyo de los Piños is currently one yr). We further evaluate this conceptual model to the Nambe–Pojoaque–Tesuque basin as of very few study sites collecting data on water using electrical resistivity, fracture analysis, and surface water to be diverted from the Rio Grande. velocity and discharge, bedload and suspended aquifer testing. Regional subsurface resistivity The reasoning is that groundwater not pumped sediment, as well as other measurements that patterns imply the presence of a single-pass and for consumptive use will be available as surface may be relevant during a flood event. This deeply circulating regional groundwater flow water downstream. Thus this remote, sparsely study site is located close to the confluence of system between the upland recharge area to the populated region is of great regional hydrologic the arroyo and the Rio Grande, yet data on the west and the T or C hot-springs district near significance. contributing watershed are lacking. Gaining the Rio Grande to the southeast. The resistivity The Sunshine Valley aquifer consists of sand a clearer picture of stream connectivity and of the crystalline basement is observed to be and gravel layers overlying and interbedded rainfall-runoff relationships in this channel will between 100 and 200 ohm-m to depths of 10 with fractured and highly transmissive basalt be useful for quantifying flow generation as km, which is typical of altered, fractured and flows that pinch out to the east. Low-perme- well as aquifer recharge and transmission loss saturated igneous and metamorphic rocks and ability, clay-rich lake deposits in the central through the stream bed. is much more conductive than typical intact valley cause local semi-perched and semi-artesian Over the past monsoon season seventeen crystalline rocks. Regional faults do not appear conditions. Recharge originates largely as winter pressure transducers were installed in the Piños

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 50 New Mexico Geology watershed (Figure 1). One recording rain gauge to the gravity survey. Changes in gravity were NEW RECORDS FROM NEW MEXICO OF was added to the two existing gauges. The found relative to the base station and between THE CRETACEOUS AMMONITE placement of the loggers and rain gauges aims occupations. For both flow events, there was a PLACENTICERAS EXTEND ITS to capture geologic heterogeneities within the positive change in gravity indicating an increase BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC RANGE IN THE watershed. Being able to determine the geology in mass in the subsurface from recharged WESTERN INTERIOR that experiences overland flow during an event water. The gravity changes were larger for the Paul L. Sealey and Spencer G. Lucas has implications for the composition of the narrower, single-trace, sinuous portions of the The chronostratigraphically highest Placenticeras sediment transported to the monitoring site. stream. Downstream, the channel transitions previously reported from the Western Interior is Several floods have been recorded in the into a braided, mulitiple-thalweg channel, Placenticeras costatum Hyatt, 1903, from the arroyo tributaries since the loggers have been though constrained within a single low channel. late Campanian Baculites reesidei Zone (Larson installed. Through pressure transducer and rain Overall, there was a lower gravity change in et al., 1997; Cobban, 2016). We report here gauge data we can infer the pathway the storm this portion of the system. These observations Placenticeras as high as the B. baculus Zone in took, and to some degree the intensity of the argue that the conceptual model of using stream the Pierre Shale of northeastern New Mexico. storm. We can also document which lithologic morphology with greater recharge occurring in The B. baculus Zone is three ammonite zones units produced flow most readily. We have braided systems than for sinuous systems may higher than the B. reesidei Zone. P. costatum was limited rainfall and runoff data from 2018, but not be appropriate in streams like Arroyo de recovered by us from the B. reesidei, B. jenseni, now that pressure transducers and rain gauges los Piños. and B. baculus zones, and P. meeki Böhm, 1898 are installed, our instrument coverage for the from the B. baculus Zone in the Cimarron area. 2019 monsoon season will allow us to better The B. jenseni Zone is one ammonite zone higher describe rainfall-runoff in the Piños. EXTREMELY RARE COLOR PATTERN IN than the B. reesidei Zone. In a postscript, W. J. AN EXCEPTIONALLY WELL PRESERVED Kennedy (Cobban, 2016) reported that, in the INOCERAMID BIVALVE FROM THE UPPER Western Interior, the youngest species of Placen- SIGNALS OF FOCUSED RECHARGE ALONG CRETACEOUS PIERRE SHALE OF NEW ticeras, P. costatum, extends into the lower half AN EPHEMERAL WASH BY REPEAT MEXICO of the B. reesidei Zone, and P. meeki disappears MICROGRAVITY SURVEYS, ARROYO DE Paul L. Sealey and Spencer G. Lucas a little lower in that zone. Two well preserved, LOS PIÑOS, NM compressed half whorls of Placenticeras costatum Alex J. Rinehart, Jeffrey Kennedy, Daniel Cadol, We report here preservation of an extremely with nacreous layer from NMMNH (New Mex- Shari Kelley, Madeline Richards, and Kyle Stark rare inoceramid bivalve color pattern in Catac- ico Museum of Natural History) localities 12260 eramus? glendivensis Walaszczyk, Cobban and and 12261 are from the Baculites baculus Zone. We present preliminary results showing small Harries, 2001. This inoceramid was recovered There are five moderately strong, but small, (10-50-µGal) changes in gravitational acceleration from the upper part of the Baculites baculus umbilical bullae in the half whorl. The small, along Arroyo de los Piños, NM east of Socorro Zone in the Pierre Shale of northeastern New weaker, outer lateral nodes are about one-third following two flow events. These changes in gravity Mexico. The locality (NMMNH L-12263) is the distance from the ventrolateral shoulder to caused by subsurface mass change indicate that in the upper Pierre, 80 km southwest of Raton the umbilical shoulder. Low, weak flexuous ribs repeat microgravity is a viable technique to near Cimarron, about 40 m below the base of the connect the umbilical bullae to the outer lateral understand focused recharge along ephemeral Trinidad Sandstone. nodes and finally to ventrolateral clavi as delicate streams. In semi-arid regions, ephemeral streams The very well preserved shell, which has both riblets. The weakly concave venter bears two are common and form a significant source of valves articulated, is large, prosocline, ventro- rows of small, alternating, ventrolateral clavi. both flow and recharge. However, floods in these posteriorly elongated, oblique to the long axis, Five ventrolateral clavi occur between every streams are commonly violent and sediment-rich, and is equivalved and equilateral. The anterior two outer lateral nodes (Kennedy et al., 1996, p. making gaging and recharge estimates difficult. margin is short, slightly convex, and passes into 6), and the shells have distinct, sinuous growth Repeat microgravity measurements do not a long ventral margin. Most of the hinge line striae, both of which are characteristic of P. require boreholes or access to the subsurface, so and posterior margin are missing. The valves are costatum (Cobban, 2016, p. 597). Suture is not they are a good candidate for estimating recharge. weakly inflated. The beak is curved anteriorly visible. One specimen from locality 12259 is In Summer 2016, we installed sixteen 0.6 m and projects slightly above the hinge line. Irreg- a well preserved whorl that is part of a larger length Feno survey spike monuments along a ularly spaced, rounded rugae weaken ventrally. Placenticeras meeki with iridescent nacreous 5-km reach of Arroyo de los Piños. Stations were A fairly deep groove near the posterior end of layer. It has a highly compressed shell with a very located within a meter of the stream or as near the shell may be a sublethal, healed injury that narrow, tabulate, concave venter. Fragments of as appeared stable. Stations were located along caused a growth anomaly. The color pattern con- the larger, outer whorl are less compressed with a straight, relatively narrow reaches of the stream sists of alternating dark and light radial bands of tabulate venter that becomes less concave on the to avoid bank cutting and erosion/sedimentation varied widths. These bands follow the course of largest fragment, which is still septate. The shell in the stream bed below the station. A reference the long axis of the shell. The color banding is is completely smooth and unornamented. Suture station, where gravity was assumed to be stable, best preserved in the umbonal region; starting at is not preserved. The occurrence of Placenticeras was installed on a bedrock ridge outside of the the growth axis, the bands are narrow, and bands costatum in the upper Campanian Baculites catchment. In Summer 2018, we conducted of the same color are of relatively equal width. jenseni Zone and the lowermost Maastrichtian three surveys on June 25–26, July 19–20, and In a dorsal direction, the bands begin to widen, B. baculus Zone, and P. meeki, in or a little July 28–29. Surveys had multiple occupations and the dorsal-most band is very wide. Also, the above the B. baculus Zone in the Raton Basin, of each station with repeat measurements once bands appear to expand in width ventrally. significantly extends the known presence of an hour to correct for drift, and ties of at least This is the first report of a color pattern in Placenticeras in the Western Interior. three survey stations to the reference station. The Cataceramus? glendivensis. Inoceramid color June 25–26 survey was after several months of patterns are extremely rare, and reports of them no rain or streamflow. The July 19–20 survey are scant. FIELD-SCALE FAULT-ZONE CEMENTATION was after a 0.5 m maximum-stage flow on July FROM GEOLOGICALLY GROUND- 16; observations showed that it was bank-full TRUTHED ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY but did not overtop the banks. The July 28–29 Glenn A. Spinelli, Heather Barnes, survey followed a 1.5-m depth flow on July 26; Peter S. Mozley, and Johnny Hinojosa this flow did overtop the banks and removed two stations. Several other stations were buried by 2 Fault-zones are an important control on fluid cm to 5 cm of sediment, which was cleared away flow, affecting groundwater supply, hydrocarbon/ to a distance 3 m from each monument prior contaminant migration, and waste/carbon

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 51 New Mexico Geology storage. However, most current models of fault WELL TESTING INVESTIGATION OF region. These rivers are often modeled to predict seal do not consider fault-zone cementation FAULTS AS COMPLEX SUBSURFACE changes and allow for effective management and despite the recognition that it is common and can FLOW BARRIERS the largest source of uncertainty in modeling dramatically reduce permeability. As part of a Tyler Sproule, Glenn Spinelli, John Wilson, these rivers is associated with the sediment influx study of field-scale fault-zone permeability and Michael Fort, Peter Mozley, Johnny Hinojosa, from ephemeral tributaries. Studies of ephemeral cementation, we examine the variably cemented and Jared Ciarico channels in arid environments are limited; few Loma Blanca fault, a normal fault in the Rio point measurements, let alone continuous data- Grande Rift. We collected electrical resistivity We are conducting an interdisciplinary geoscientific sets, exist for these flash flood-driven channels. data from 15 parallel two-dimensional tran- investigation at the Loma Blanca Fault in Evaluating sediment transport by conventional sects orthogonally crossing the fault, centered central New Mexico. One of our group’s key means is not possible in flood-driven channels on exposures of the fault at the land surface. research objectives is to better understand how that are typical of large tracts of land in deserts Inversions of the resistivity data indicate a low non-idealized barrier faults impact subsurface worldwide. Automatic means are required to resistivity anomaly in the cemented portions flow regimes. Fault zones can act as flow monitor these channels. To that end, three Reid- of the fault and within the adjacent footwall; barriers, conduits, or complex barrier-conduit type slot samplers have been deployed at the these anomalies are present in the unsaturated features. Conventional flow theory and modeling Arroyo de los Piños sediment monitoring station. zone. This low resistivity signature may be an packages often represent subsurface flow barriers as These samplers collect bedload in a chamber set indication of a higher degree of fluid saturation perfectly vertically impermeable linear boundaries. below the surface of the channel. Sediment falls resulting from greater capillary forces, both However, faults observed in the natural world through a slot of a specified width and a system of in the cemented fault (due to reduced pore commonly reveal properties including thickness, pressure transducers measures the accumulated sizes within the cemented material) and in the dip angle, and anisotropic permeability that mass in real time. They represent a 9.5 m wide footwall (possibly due to smaller grain size). These violate numerous assumptions implicit in linear constricted reach of 1.3% slope draining a 32 mechanisms for generating low resistivity boundary representations. km2 basin with presumed high yields of sand and anomalies in both the cemented fault zone and The Loma Blanca Fault was chosen as gravel. These are transported directly to the Rio in the footwall, suggest that the low resistivity the candidate for this field study because it Grande in a few monsoon-season flash floods. anomalies likely correspond to regions with low deviates dramatically from idealized linear The channel bed is unarmored, with coarser peb- permeability. The ability to characterize spatial barrier models. The fault strikes north, dips at ble–cobble-rich bars and finer-grained thalwegs variations in the degree of fault zone cementation approximately 45°E, is cemented with abundant comprised of sand-rich granules. The channel with resistivity has exciting implications for calcium carbonate, and has variable thickness bed contains about equal proportions of sand, improving predictive models of the hydrogeologic ranging from 2 to 5 meters visible in outcrop. granules (2–8 mm) and coarser particles. impacts of cementation within faults. The calcium carbonate cement is inferred to While bedload is measured directly using act as a local groundwater flow barrier based Reid-type slot samplers, a number of novel sur- IDEALIZED MODELING OF SUBSURFACE on its low permeability relative to surrounding rogate methods are deployed to measure bedload FLOW BARRIER SENSITIVITIES host sediments. However, multiple lines of indirectly. Here we present our initial analysis Tyler Sproule, John Wilson, Glenn Spinelli, interdisciplinary evidence suggest that the fault of two pipe microphone impact sensors. Pulses Michael Fort, Peter Mozley, and cement is discontinuous in the northern portion are generated from bedload striking the pipe Johnny Hinojosa of the study area. Preliminary findings of a site that causes acoustic noise that is recorded by a geologic and depositional reconstruction suggest microphone sealed within the pipe. If the acous- We present a series of simple three-dimensional that a nearby ephemeral stream (Rio Salado) tic power exceeds some predetermined threshold, numerical flow models to examine how different previously scoured the fault cement and a pulse is counted. barrier types impact the local subsurface flow surrounding sediments in the northern area. This Five flood events, ranging widely in discharge, regime and head distribution. Pumping is simu- interpretation creates an even more complex have been recorded along the Piños station to lated near barriers including a linear boundary study-area subsurface, as it implies the presence date. Initial analyses establish that bedload fluxes (similar to image well superposition), conductive of a cemented flow barrier that terminates are very high by global standards (6.5 – 16.5 fault structure, and laterally opposing facies (i.e. perpendicular to a lateral erosional contact. kg/m2; as expected in unarmored, ephemeral sharp permeability change). For each of these A series of 21 wells were installed in the channels). Bedload transport is initiated even scenarios, vertical barriers (90°) were compared study area’s shallow unconfined aquifer in order by shallow flow events (5 – 10 cm water depth). to dipping barrier orientations (45°). Each sim- to perform constant rate pumping tests. Time The pipe microphone time series show significant ulation was run for a duration of 1000 h with a drawdown analysis and pressure derivative differences both laterally and temporally. At fully penetrating well pumping at 6.3E-03 m3/s diagnostics of pumping and observation well times, the pipe microphone positioned near the (100 USGPM) under confined aquifer conditions. data were processed with nSIGHTS open source left bank received nearly twice as many pulses A finite element method based multiphysics software. Preliminary aquifer test analyses reveal as the right pipe microphone for a given water software (COMSOL) was utilized for model extreme differences in hydraulic properties depth. These instruments have been successfully mesh generation and flow simulation. Transient between the north/south study area, attributed used in other channels worldwide; once properly average well drawdowns were evaluated for to the erosional and depositional history. In calibrated, pipe microphones can be an effective each run. The linear barrier models produced addition to the presence of the cemented fault alternative to painstaking manual measurements the most substantial average well drawdown, barrier, we propose that contrasting aquifer of bedload transport required by systems like the which is attributed to the barrier’s impermeability. permeabilities on opposing sides of the inferred Reid slot sampler. Opposing facies simulations produced more aver- erosional contact represent an additional age drawdown at the well than their conductive hydrologic boundary at this site. fault model counterparts. The impacts of barrier TIMING OF LARAMIDE DEFORMATION dip angle in late test time were only discernible ONSET IN NORTHERN ARIZONA.NEW in the conductive fault model runs. Furthermore, SEDIMENT FLUX AND THE ACOUSTIC MEXICO AND ITS TECTONIC we include preliminary examples of a simple CHARACTERISTICS OF BEDLOAD IN THE IMPLICATIONS field study analogue where both opposing facies ARROYO DE LOS PIÑOS, NM Jacob Oliver Thacker, Shari A. Kelley, Karl E. and a conductive fault are present. Additional Kyle Anderson Stark, Daniel Cadol, Karlstrom, Jerry J. Kendall, and perturbation analyses that vary both barrier dip Jonathan B. Laronne, and Madeline Richards Ryan S. Crow and well proximity are likely to provide further insights to the flow regime sensitivity. The Rio Grande is a crucial part of life in the Observations from the southern Laramide region Southwest U.S.; it and other mainstem perennial (Arizona-New Mexico) have figured prominently rivers allow for development in this semi-arid in deducing the tectonic processes that culminated

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 52 New Mexico Geology in the formation of classic Colorado Plateau and AN ASSEMBLAGE OF FRESHWATER the following other fossils were present in the Rocky Mountain basement-involved structures INVERTEBRATES AND OTHER FOSSILS matrix: one gastropod, identified as Campeloma ~90-45 million years ago. Previous work has FROM THE UPPER CRETACEOUS FOSSIL amarillensis (Stanton); one coprolite, light brown delineated eastwardly migrating magmatism that FOREST MEMBER OF THE FRUITLAND in color and not well mineralized, ~3 cm long, progressed from the late Cretaceous plate margin FORMATION, FOSSIL FOREST RESEARCH 2 cm wide, with evident plant fiber inclusions; in southern Arizona/California to as far inboard NATURAL AREA, SAN JUAN COUNTY, several fragments of trionychid turtle carapace; as southern New Mexico. This sweeping pattern, NEW MEXICO one crocodile tooth, 4 cm long; and one conifer and observations by subsequent researchers, has Charles A. Turner, Asher Jacob Lichtig, branchlet, 5 cm long. been attributed to flat slab subduction of the Far- Spencer G. Lucas, and Adrian P. Hunt allon plate that transferred magmatism and oro- genic compressional stresses >1000 km from the Numerous fossil bivalves in shale/conglomerate FARALLON FLAT-SLAB SUBDUCTION AND trench. An inferred eastward sweeping pattern of were prepared out of several blocks (~227 kg) NEW MEXICO GEOLOGY Laramide deformation has been more difficult of sediment that were excavated from the Upper Jolante van Wijk, Gary Axen, and to discern, and models suggest both sweeping Cretaceous (upper Campanian) Fossil Forest Claire Currie (directed W-E or SW-NE), sporadic (i.e., lacking Member of the Fruitland Formation in the Fossil pattern), or episodic deformation timing across Forest Research Natural Area (T23N, R12W) of Flat-slab subduction of the Farallon plate the region. Thus, the mechanisms that resulted San Juan County, northwestern NM. The Fossil is inferred from western U.S. magmatic and in deformation still need additional testing to Forest is named for an extensive in situ stump deformation histories which are similar to those evaluate whether subduction processes can field preserved as a result of flooding. However, observed at modern flat-slab subduction zones. completely explain Laramide deformation tim- the area also contains numerous vertebrate At its maximum extent, the Farallon flat-slab ing. Here, we address these mechanisms by refin- and invertebrate fossils and other plant fossils. hinge was under present-day New Mexico, ing the timing of Laramide deformation onset Much of the invertebrate and smaller vertebrate affecting lithosphere deformation, magmatism, (when significant deformation began) along a material is concentrated in channel-lag deposits; and the upper mantle. Here we present results west-to-east transect in northern Arizona larger dinosaur and turtle fossils are more broadly of geodynamic models of flat-slab subduction, and New Mexico. The methods integrate (1) distributed. One channel complex, located that form an interpretive framework for the lith- continuous time-temperature path models stratigraphically between the highest thick coal osphere and upper mantle structure below New from a regional dataset of new, published, and bed (> 1m) and the Bisti Bed, is especially rich Mexico, as well as patterns of magmatism. Our unpublished apatite thermochronology data in invertebrate specimens. The prepared blocks models show that arc magmatism ended when (fission-track and (U-Th)/He) on Laramide arches, with bivalves are from this complex. Macerated the Farallon flat slab advanced. This happened (2) stratigraphic accumulation/basin subsidence plant debris and fragments of carbonized wood because the asthenospheric wedge filled with histories on adjacent basins (San Juan and are common in the blocks. Dozens of shells of lowermost lithosphere of the North American Raton) where present, and (3) compilation of freshwater bivalves were preserved in the matrix. plate, which was scraped off by the advancing onset estimates from previous geologic studies. These bivalves are disorganized sedimentary slab. As the slab flattened, it compressed the This integrated approach allows for a compre- clasts, together with inorganic pebbles, wood and North American plate through end loading. This hensive analysis of Laramide deformation timing. bone fragments, suggesting that the fossiliferous resulted in compressional deformation far east of Results are consistent with an eastward sweep of sediment is part of a channel-lag deposit. Thus, the slab hinge, into present-day central US. deformation onset, originating in westernmost few of the bivalves were preserved intact; Slab removal opened the asthenospheric Arizona at the Kingman arch ~90 Ma and most consist of single (non-articulated) valves. wedge, resulting in magmatism of the San Juan, progressing to the San Luis-Sangre de Cristo arch Nevertheless, many valves are in excellent condition, Mogollon–Datil and Trans-Pecos volcanic fields. and Raton basin in north-central New Mexico including some with internal nacre. Two species It left a step in the lithosphere-asthenosphere by ~75–71 Ma. These data lead to a model for of bivalves were found, ofapproximately equal boundary which focused Rio Grande rift open- Laramide orogenesis whereby deformation onset abundance. Both species are taxonomically ing. A keel, consisting of bulldozed material that regionally migrated east-northeast (consistent classified within the OrderUnionida (Gray); had been scraped off by the flat slab, is present with regional kinematic studies), a process that Family Unionidae (Rafinesque). below southeastern New Mexico, leaving a fast was guided by Farallon flat slab subduction Commonly referred to as freshwater mussels, seismic velocity anomaly in the upper mantle that that weakened the stable cratonic interior via unionids are common throughout the world, inhibits magmatism. progressive dewatering in conjunction with and the family persisted in similar forms since transmission of stresses inboard past the Sevier the Triassic. Mollusks in general, and especially fold-thrust front. Comparison with transects unionids, are variable in overall shell shape APPLICATION OF SELF POTENTIAL (SP) produced in Montana and Wyoming show a (e.g., ecologically plastic in morphology). Minor SURVEYS AND SHALLOW similar onset pattern, though with early (~90-80 variations and deformation of the shell can result TEMPERATURE GRADIENT MEASURE- Ma) and late (~65–60 Ma) deviations to the onset from environmental conditions, disease, and poor MENTS AT A WARM SPRING AREA NEAR trend that may be related to preexisting weaknesses nutrition. Therefore, diagnostic features such as HILLSBORO, NEW MEXICO within the Wyoming foreland. Later deformation external ribbing and position of the umbo (hinge James C. Witcher and Howard P. Ross starting ~75 Ma in Grand Canyon is interpreted to apex or “beak”) are important for species identi- have occurred following passage of the conjugate fication. In addition to the genusUnio , two other The self-potential (SP) method is most useful Shatsky Rise, a feature that may have impeded genera of unionids have been documented from in early geothermal exploration. SP measures dewatering and cratonic weakening that resulted the Fruitland Formation: Proparreysia and Plesi- natural voltage differences at the surface and in lower-amplitude Laramide structures coincident elliptio. The two species of bivalves found in this is inexpensive with two persons able to con- with the modern-day Colorado Plateau. study are identified as Unio sp. 1 and sp. 2. Unio duct a survey in a short-time frame. Required sp. 1 (very likely U. baueri Stanton) is the larger of equipment includes: 1) 1,000 m of light-weight the two species. Characteristics: average height = single conductor wire, 2) a high impedance 5 cm; average length = 9 cm; subovate in outline; digital voltmeter, and 3) copper-copper sulfate, dorsal margin in front of beak descending steeply porous-pot electrodes. One electrode provides a into a broadly rounded front margin; and very stationary base station, a second, weather-elements fine concentric ribbing (when preserved).Unio protected and stand-alone electrode in the field sp. 2 (possibly Proparreysia holmesiana White) is is for drift corrections, and a third is a roving smaller and more ovate than sp. 1, with a more electrode. In practice, a radial survey allows pronounced umbo (beak), and much heavier many measurements at 60-m or less spacing concentric ribbing. In addition to the bivalves, and facilitates anomaly shape and magnitude

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 53 New Mexico Geology characterization. Contrasts in subsurface electrical resiliency, while conserving both surface water NEW 40AR/39AR DATES IN RIO MORA, NM: conductivity, high temperature gradients, and and groundwater. The project is permitted by the REGIONAL CONTEXT AND EVIDENCE moving subsurface fluids can create SP anomalies. New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (OSE) FOR AN OROGENIC PLATEAU BUILT Cultural and telluric interference, electrode drift, through the underground storage and recovery DURING THE PICURIS OROGENY infiltration from recent precipitation, and very dry program under permit USR-4, and by the New Daniel Joseph Young, Lisa Gaston, soil with poor electrical subsurface connection Mexico Environment Department Ground Matt Heizler, and Karl Karlstrom can contribute to measurement noise. Typically, Water Quality Bureau under discharge permit 2 millivolts (mV) data accuracy is possible with DP-1887.For this project, surface water from Basement rocks in northern New Mexico provide survey attention to soil moisture, drift, and brief the Rio Grande that has been treated to meet evidence of peak tectonism at ~1.45–1.42 Ga, telluric disturbance. High-precision temperature drinking water standards at the DWTP will be the Picuris orogeny that overprints older regional logs of shallow small-diameter boreholes that are stored in the Santa Fe Group Aquifer System of metamorphism and deformation at 1.65 Ga, completed with water-filled, small-diameter pipe the Albuquerque Basin, and later recovered and the Mazatzal orogeny in southern Colorado which is capped on the bottom and the annulus used. A new well, ASR-01, was installed in 2017 and northern New Mexico. 40Ar/39Ar dates on back-filled filled with grout can provide detailed and will be used for both injection of the treated hornblende and muscovite constrain cooling subsurface formation temperature information water and extraction of the stored water. After through ~500 °C and ~350–400 °C, respectively, and be cost effective. Measurement of thermal equipping the ASR well with a submersible pump and provide insight into cooling rates of these conductivity of drill core or cuttings allows detailed and a Baski flow control valve, a demonstration amphibolite-grade middle crustal rocks and heat flow calculation. The Hillsboro Warm Springs project began in the Spring of 2019 to develop what was happening tectonically immediately discharges 38°C, sodium-bicarbonate-sulfate and improve hydraulics of the well, test opera- following Picuris orogeny peak deformation, water from a developed spring tank on top of a tional parameters, and evaluate water quality. metamorphism and pluton emplacement. New low mound with siliceous (opal) deposits. Older Yellow Jacket Drilling of Phoenix, Arizona 40Ar/39Ar data from exposures along the Rio opal deposits exist beneath thin colluvial cover performed the drilling and testing of ASR-01. Mora in the Sangre de Cristo block from the in an apron surrounding the spring mound Using reverse mud rotary techniques, a 16-inch Vadito, Hondo, and Trampas groups provide that extends laterally to a local and prominent pilot borehole was drilled to 1,240 feet below plateau cooling ages of 1398 ± 3 Ma, 1381 ± 3 jasperiod exposure of the Berrenda fault east of ground surface (ft bgs). Lithologic descriptions Ma, and 1420 ± 1 Ma in hornblende. Muscovite the springs. Spring aqueous Na-K-Ca and quartz of the drill cuttings and a borehole geophysics samples provide cooling ages of 1378.0 ± 2 Ma, geothermometers of 174 and 161°C and the survey were completed using the pilot hole. The 1359 ± 3 Ma, and 1367 ± 5 Ma. This indicates presence of opal deposits infer potential for an geologic units of the Santa Fe Group include cooling through 350 °C, at likely depths of intermediate-temperature geothermal system. the Sierra Ladrones and Ceja Formations. The 15–20 km, about 70–90 million years following The springs discharge is outboard 300 m to the Sierra Ladrones Formation appeared typical of peak tectonism. We compile these new data with west on the hanging wall of the exposed Berrenda axial fluvial deposits, and the Ceja Formation 40Ar/39Ar cooling data from muscovite from the fault on the Animas Mountains western margin. appeared typical of alternating floodplain and Petaca pegmatite district (mean age of 1375 ± 10 Our SP survey, conducted during November, 1992 channel deposits. The pilot hole was reamed to Ma), and similar ages in neighboring basement and November, 1997, consists of 8.3 line-km 32-inches before the well was constructed using exposures in the Santa Fe range, Rincon range, with 30 to 60 m spacing over approximately 2 20.6-inch diameter, stainless steel, louvered Taos range, Picuris range, and southern Tusas km2 centered on the warm springs. Positive SP, screen and casing manufactured by Roscoe Moss. Mountains. We find no evidence of post-Mazatzal 0 to 25 mV, is recorded adjacent the Berrenda The screen interval of the well is approximately cooling preserved in these areas as heating from fault at higher elevations. A positive closure of 34 400 to 1,200 ft bgs. Filter pack material is silica the Picuris orogeny exceeded 500°C. The data mV within this zone overlaps the Warm Spring. beads manufactured by Sigmund Linder (SiLi). illuminate post-Picuris orogeny cooling and its A small bipolar minimum anomaly of -10 to -23 Following well development at ASR-01, aquifer tectonic implications. Slow cooling from 1420 mV coincides with gradient hole SRC-1124-1 testing was performed including step-drawdown to 1360 Ma at temperature >350 °C occurred that shows formation up flow with gradients and constant rate tests. The step-drawdown test post-amphibolite grade metamorphism during ranging from 400°C/km at 20 m depth to 175°C/ had 4 steps of 200 minutes each with rates of the Picuris orogeny. We propose that an orogenic km at 74 m depth and a bottom hole temperature 2,500, 3,000, 3,500, and 4,000 gallons per minute plateau was present in northern New Mexico of 80.3°C. An area of approximately, 4 km2 (gpm). Specific capacity ranged from 57 gpm per following Picuris-aged tectonism. This orogenic was explored with seven temperature gradient foot of drawdown (gpm/ft) at 2,500 gpm to 51 plateau would have extended from central New holes by NMSU and funded by Steam Reserve gpm/ft at 4,000 gpm. The constant rate test was Mexico to southern Colorado and may have been Corporation, Denver in the 1980’s. Conductive run for 4 days at 3,000 gpm. Water quality of similar in size to the modern Colorado Plateau. The temperature gradients ranged from 50-to-400°C/ the treated surface water and groundwater are of slow erosional removal of this plateau would km. Using, an estimated thermal conductivity of high quality and meet drinking water standards. provide a mechanism to have protracted cooling 1.8 W/m°K, the total heat flux for the Hillsboro As water is injected into the aquifer, chemical from >500 to <350 °C between 1420 and 1360 Warm Springs system is estimated to be about reactions may occur that could impact water Ma (~70 Ma), and erosion of the region to sea 8 MWt with a background 90 mWm2 regional quality. The chemical compatibility of the treated level by ~1.2 Ga in time for deposition of the De heat flow. surface water and groundwater was evaluated Baca Group. A possible orogenic plateau analog using the geochemical models PHREEQC and would be the construction and eventual erosional Geochemists Workbench. Based on the modeling removal of the Colorado Plateau from its initial EVALUATION OF A NEW AQUIFER results, the waters are compatible, and no adverse uplift ~90 Ma to its future erosion back to sea STORAGE AND RECOVERY (ASR) WELL chemical reactions are expected to occur due to level tens of millions of years in the future. In FOR THE ALBUQUERQUE BERNALILLO mixing of the waters in the aquifer or between such an analog, erosional removal of a 2 km high COUNTY WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY, the water and aquifer sediments. Extensive water Colorado Plateau and progressive 4/5 isostatic ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO quality sampling is also occurring during the rebound would require exhumation of rocks Christopher Wolf, Amy Ewing, demonstration testing. from 10–15 km depths, similar to the aftermath Elizabeth Bastien, and Katherine Yuhas of the Picuris orogeny.

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) is implementing an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) project at their San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The purpose of the project is to provide drought

Spring 2020, Volume 42, Number 1 54 New Mexico Geology