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New research on fault-groundwater interaction in arid regions of the Middle-East has revealed the potential that fault structures can be potential groundwater conduits. Faults are normally viewed as groundwater barriers especially in alluvial systems. The Helendale fault which crosses through the Este Groundwater Basin has always been seen as a barrier to groundwater movement (USGS, 2004). Due to this thought process much of the potential aerial recharge to the basin has been interpreted as being limited. This research will evaluate through both field and laboratory work the processes that govern groundwater movement in and around the Helendale fault within the bedrock.
Collaborators: Dr. Richard Laton, UC Fullerton, Cairo University (Cairo, Egypt)
Sponsor: Mojave Water Agency