Estancia Basin Hydrogeologic Atlas: Mapping Groundwater Through Geology

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Description

Estancia Basin: Geology and Groundwater is an interactive story map that provides a comprehensive exploration of the groundwater system located thirty miles east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The application combines geological mapping, 3D subsurface modeling, and well data analysis to help users understand how groundwater flows through this critical agricultural region that depends entirely on underground water resources. Through multiple interactive layers, users can examine the basin's complex geology spanning from ancient Precambrian basement rocks to recent Quaternary sediments, visualize how different rock formations control groundwater availability and flow patterns, and explore over 9,000 well records that reveal where high-quality, accessible groundwater occurs. The application demonstrates how groundwater flows from recharge areas in the Manzano Mountains eastward toward natural discharge points at playa lakes, while highlighting the dramatic water level declines of over 80 feet since the 1950s due to intensive agricultural pumping in this arid region that receives only 14 inches of annual rainfall. By integrating surface geology, subsurface 3D models, well depth data, and water table elevations, this tool serves as both an educational resource and a practical planning instrument for understanding and managing a shared groundwater resource that sustains entire communities in central New Mexico.

Estancia Basin Hydrogeologic Atlas: Mapping Groundwater Through Geology

Additional Info

Field Value
Source https://nmt.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=57eb04cbd56f4fc297bae6c8a5bc43fd
Data contact email webmaster@nmbg.nmt.edu
Last Updated June 6, 2025, 22:41 (UTC)
Created June 5, 2025, 23:52 (UTC)

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