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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

Volume: 16 (1932)

Issue: 4. (April)

First Page: 335

Last Page: 360

Title: Limitations of Ground Water as Aid in Determination of Hidden Geologic Structure

Author(s): E. K. Soper (2)

Abstract:

The main features of the water table are controlled by the topography. The usefulness of water-table data in searching for buried structure is limited, therefore, to those localities where the surface of the land is relatively flat; consequently, where there is no topographic clue to the underlying structure. Under such conditions, irregularities of the water table such as wide flat terraces, sharply defined artesian areas, or anticlinal bulges may be reliable indicators of the existence and location of buried structure. In making hydrographic contour maps, water levels on piezometric surfaces are sometimes erroneously included with the water-table levels, producing misleading results. Many small but prominent water-table irregularities are the result of local variation i porosity of the water-bearing material, whereas other similar irregularities are due to artificial causes such as intensive pumping of wells or extensive irrigation of some areas. There are large areas in California, on the Gulf Coastal Plain, and along the Atlantic Coastal Plain where carefully compiled ground-water data may prove helpful in determining hidden geologic structure when used with the proper limitations.

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