Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5075

Changes in Ground-Water Levels in the Carlin Trend Area, North-Central Nevada, 1989-2003

By Russell W. Plume

Report availability: Portable Document Format (PDF).

CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Background

Purpose and Scope

Acknowledgments

Description of Study Area

Pumping History and Mining Activities

Hydrogeologic Framework

Water-Level Changes, 1989-2003

Carbonate Rocks

Volcanic Rocks of Boulder Flat

Basin-Fill Deposits

• Boulder Flat
• Maggie Creek Area
• Clovers Area

Summary

References Cited

PLATE

Hydrogeologic Map, Carlin Trend Area, North-Central Nevada

FIGURES

1. Map showing location of hydrographic areas and open-pit gold mines in the Carlin Trend area, north-central Nevada.
2. Graph showing combined annual ground-water pumpage from mines in the Carlin Trend area, 1989-2003. Total pumped was 1,125,000 acre-feet. Data source is Nevada Division of Water Resources.
3. Graph showing distribution of water use at the Gold Quarry and Betze Mines in 1998. Total pumpage was 125,000 acre-feet. Data source is Nevada Division of Water Resources.
4. Graphs showing annual ground-water pumpage and concurrent depths to water at selected wells in carbonate rocks, near (A) Gold Quarry Mine, 1991-2003 and (B) Betze Mine, 1993-2003.
5. Graph showing depth to water in volcanic rocks of Boulder Flat, 1989-2003.
6. Graph showing depth to water in basin-fill deposits of Boulder Flat, 1989-2003.
7. Map showing water-level rises in basin-fill deposits near the Gold Quarry Mine, 1993-2003.
8. Graphs showing depth to water in basin-fill deposits (A) near Gold Quarry Mine and Maggie Creek Reservoir, 1992-2003, and (B) along Maggie Creek, 1993-2003.
9. Graph showing depth to water at well 20DDDD in Clovers Area, 1993-2003.

Return to SIR 2005-5075 or the Abstract.

For more information about USGS activities in Nevada, visit the USGS Nevada District home page.