Abstract

A study of the hydrodynamics of the Casper aquifer (the Casper and Fountain Formations) in the Laramie Basin, Wyoming was undertaken. Water resistivity, geothermal, and potentiometric head data were accummulated and reviewed in conjunction with structural information. A zone of high thermal gradients believed to be due to upwelling water from the Casper aquifer was defined. The zone of upwelling correlates with an adjacent, down gradient area of highly saline water. The data were used to define ground water circulation patterns along the east margin of the basin.

In another portion of the basin it appears that geothermal waters may be originating along a zone of thrust faulting. A previously unnoticed resource may exist here.

The basin hydrodynamics of the Pennsylvanian System have had a marked effect upon known oil fields and upon water quality. By extrapolating the patterns defined in this paper, other areas of potential hydrocarbon entrapment and of good quality groundwater may be defined. Three dimensional aspects of the system need to be studied for their effects upon aquifers above the Casper aquifer.