WRDS Library [Home]
Digital Library Publications Videos Card Catalog

WWRC 84-02
Tectonic Structures Responsible for Anisotropic Transmissivities in the Paleozoic Aquifers Southern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming

Abstract

Movement of groundwater in aquifers of Paleozoic age in the southern Bighorn basin, Wyoming, is influenced by anisotropy which is the result of deformation of the sedimentary rocks. The sedimentary rocks prior to the Laramide orogeny were approximately 12,000 feet (3657 m) thick of which approximately 2200 feet (670 m) are of Paleozoic age (Figure 1). The sediments have been deformed into faulted folds ranging in size from intermontane basins (Bighorn basin) to those with an amplitude ranging from 500 to 5000 feet (150 - 1500 m.) Essentially all folds result from movement on reverse faults at the interface between the sedimentary cover and the crystalline Precambrian basement. Faults steepen in dip as they propogate upward through the sedimentary cover. Wedge shaped crustal segments of large size result from reverse in dip of controlling faults, with resultant change in asymmetry of folds.

The geologic structures in this tectonic province are considered to be the result of a generally pervasive horizontal stress field during the Laramide orogenic episode.


Water Resources Publications List
Water Resources Data System Library | Water Resources Data System Homepage


  WRDS Library [Home]
Digital Library Publications Videos Card Catalog