Hydrogeology of a portion of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

• Main Author: Belan, Rick Allen,1947-
• Other Authors: Matlock, William G.
• Language: en
• Published: The University of Arizona. 1972
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/191562

The hydrogeology of a portion of the Santa Catalina Mountains just north of Tucson, Arizona was studied. Groundwater level contour maps for 1930 and 1972 were made by establishing a well net, use of well logs and field observations. Water levels were measured in March, 1972. Water level records and well logs provided water level information for 1930. The resulting maps showed hydraulic gradients ranging from 400 feet per mile to 60 feet per mile, and seven possible groundwater recharge channels to the Tucson Basin aquifer. Comparing the 1930 and 1972 water level maps showed that the greatest water level change of about 60 feet has occurred along Rillito Creek because of heavier aquifer development. Less change in water levels has occurred in the foothills. Chemical quality analysis and temperature measurements were used to further define three local aquifers. Groundwater was generally of good quality, except in one mine well that had high salt concentrations because of ore deposits. A flow net analysis was used to estimate recharge moving to the lower lying Tucson Basin. Recharge of 382 acre feet per year was obtained, which represents about 50 acre feet per mile of mountain front per year.