GCMD

+ Visit NASA.gov


	Links FAQ Contact Us Site Map




	Data Analysis And Visualization

	Data Management/Data Handling

	Education/Outreach

	Environmental Advisories

	Hazards Management

	Metadata Handling

	Models

	Reference And Information Services

	Web Services





	Earth Science Links


	Portal Collaborations



	Questions?

Are you using a browser that doesn't support JavaScript or have you disabled JavaScript?

If you have disabled JavaScript, you must re-enable JavaScript to use this page.
Or you can view this record using the Text Only Format .

Record Search Query:

A 3-Dimensional Model of Water-Bearing Sequences in the Dominguez Gap Region, Long Beach, California
Entry ID: USGS_OFR_2007_1013

[ Update this Record ]

Summary

Abstract: A 3-dimensional computer model of the Quaternary sequence stratigraphy in the Dominguez gap region of Long Beach, California has been developed to provide a robust chronostratigraphic framework for hydrologic and tectonic studies. The model consists of 13 layers within a 16.5 by 16.1 km (10.25 by 10 mile) square area and extends downward to an altitude of –900 meters (–2952.76 feet). Ten sequences ... of late Pliocene to Holocene age are identified and correlated within the model. Primary data to build the model comes from five reference core holes, extensive high-resolution seismic data obtained in San Pedro Bay, and logs from several hundred water and oil wells drilled in the region. The model is best constrained in the vicinity of the Dominguez gap seawater intrusion barrier where a dense network of subsurface data exist. The resultant stratigraphic framework and geologic structure differs significantly from what has been proposed in earlier studies.

An important new discovery from this approach is the recognition of ongoing tectonic deformation throughout nearly all of Quaternary time that has impacted the geometry and character of the sequences. Anticlinal folding along a NW-SE trend, probably associated with Quaternary reactivation of the Wilmington anticline, has uplifted and thinned deposits along the fold crest, which intersects the Dominguez gap seawater barrier near Pacific Coast Highway. A W-NW trending fault system that approximately parallels the fold crest has also been identified. This fault progressively displaces all but the youngest sequences down to the north and serves as the southern termination of the classic Silverado aquifer.

Uplift and erosion of fining-upward paralic sequences along the crest of the young fold has removed or thinned many of the fine-grained beds that serve to protect the underlying Silverado aquifer from seawater contaminated shallow groundwater. As a result of this process, the potential exists for vertical migration of seawater into the producing aquifers and subsequent landward migration of intruded waters beneath the existing Dominguez barrier. Incipient invasion of the Silverado aquifer by chloride-enriched waters is observed in a recently drilled well located along the crest of the fold seaward of the barrier and at a depth of 440 feet (134 meters).

These new observations and interpretations indicate that the new sequence-based approach to defining the stratigraphy of the Dominguez Gap area may have important implications for seawater intrusion management. To test this, it will be useful to overlay existing water-quality and water level data onto the framework model and to incorporate the new stratigraphy into a transport model.

[Summary provided by the USGS.]

Related URL

Link: VIEW RELATED INFORMATION

Description: View the report on the A 3-Dimensional Model of Water-Bearing Sequences in the Dominguez Gap Region, Long Beach, California.

Service Citation

Originators: Daniel J. Ponti, Kenneth D. Ehman, Brian D. Edwards, John C. Tinsley, III, Thomas Hildenbrand, John W. Hillhouse, Randall T. Hanson, Kristen McDougall, Charles L. Powell, II, Elmira Wan, Michael Land, Shannon Mahan, and Andrei M. Sarna-Wojcicki
Title: A 3-Dimensional Model of Water-Bearing Sequences in the Dominguez Gap Region, Long Beach, California
Release_Date: 2007
Provider: U.S. Geological Survey
Edition: 1.0
URL: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1013/

Service Keywords

MODELS >GEOLOGIC/TECTONIC/PALEOCLIMATE MODELS

Science Keywords

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >GROUND WATER >AQUIFERS

TERRESTRIAL HYDROSPHERE >SURFACE WATER >RIVERS/STREAMS

ISO Topic Category

GEOSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Access Constraints Please contact Dan Ponti (dponti@usgs.gov) regarding access to this model.

Ancillary Keywords

Model
Quaternary sequence stratigraphy
Tectonic Studies
Aquifer

Service Provider

DOI/USGS/GD/EHP > Earthquake Hazards Program, Geological Division, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior

Service Organization URL: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

Service Provider Personnel
Name: EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS PROGRAM OFFICE Contact Address: 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 905 City: Reston Province or State: VA Postal Code: 20192 Country: USA

Personnel

TYLER B. STEVENS
Role: SERF AUTHOR
Phone: (301) 614-6898
Fax: 301-614-5268
Email: Tyler.B.Stevens at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Global Change Master Directory
City: Greenbelt
Province or State: MD
Postal Code: 20771
Country: USA

DAN PONTI
Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone: 650-329-5679
Fax: 650-329-5163
Email: dponti at usgs.gov
Contact Address:
U.S. Geological Survey
345 Middlefield Road MS 977
City: Menlo Park
Province or State: CA
Postal Code: 94025-3591
Country: USA

Creation and Review Dates

SERF Creation Date: 2008-09-22
SERF Last Revision Date: 2008-09-24

View Text Only Format

			+ Privacy Policy and Important Notices			Webmaster: Monica Holland Responsible NASA Official: Lola Olsen Last Updated: May 2013