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Title: Geophysical investigation of Kane Springs Valley, Coyote Spring Valley, and part of the Muddy River Springs Area, Part of the Lower White River flow system, using both Controlled Source and Natural Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics Surveys
Author: Norman R. Carlson, Greg L. Bushner, and Ryan Hoerth
Year: 2025
Series: Report 61
Format: 38 pages, 2 plates, 37 figures
Scale: 1:125,000
A series of controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) and natural source audio frequency magnetotellurics (NSAMT) surveys were conducted in Kane Springs Valley, Coyote Spring Valley, and the Muddy River Springs Area from 2012 to 2021 (fig. 1). To date, these are the largest and most extensive audio frequency magnetotelluric data (publicly available), acquired in the state of Nevada. The CSAMT and NSAMT geophysical methods have several advantages over the other geophysical methods in determining geologic structures and identifying differences in geologic material types.
The study was designed to look at structures buried beneath the alluvium to help determine the best potential site(s) for future groundwater production wells. While recent geologic mapping has been completed in this area, little is known about subsurface geology and geologic structures. Results from the CSAMT and NSAMT surveys indicate a buried geologic feature known as the northern lower White River flow system (LWRFS) boundary fault (plate 1), which is a roughly northwest-southeast striking fault in northern Coyote Spring Valley. The northern LWRFS boundary fault impedes groundwater flow between Kane Springs Valley and Coyote Spring Valley creating a dramatic difference in groundwater elevations in northern Coyote Spring Valley compared to southern Coyote Spring Valley and the rest of the LWRFS. This study was used to determine the location of the Paleozoic carbonate rock that is buried beneath the alluvium throughout both valleys. The Paleozoic carbonate is known to be a prolific aquifer in this area and throughout eastern Nevada and is known as the Basin and Range Carbonate – Rock Aquifer System (BARCAS). The surveys also confirmed mapped geologic structures and numerous unmapped geologic structures that may control groundwater flow in the study area. The CSAMT and NSAMT geophysical surveys proved to be a reliable and cost-effective method to help geologists and geophysicists determine the location of buried geological formations and geologic structures.
Interactive web map:Web map with downloadable files linked in popups when a line is clicked. Point data also appears when you zoom far into the map. Stand-alone data packages also available for download here.
Suggested Citation: Carlson, N.R., Bushner, G.L., and Hoerth, R., 2025, Geophysical investigation of Kane Springs Valley, Coyote Spring Valley, and part of the Muddy River Springs Area, part of the Lower White River flow system, using both controlled source and natural source audio-frequency magnetotellurics surveys: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Report 61, 2 plates, scale 1:125,000, 37 figures, 38 p.
© Copyright 2025 The University of Nevada, Reno. All Rights Reserved.
Original Product Code: R061
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