Electrical Geophysical Characterization of a Mining-Affected Subbasin, Prospect Gulch, Colorado

Product Type: Report, Pages In

Year: 2008

Author(s): McDougal, R.R

Pages: 42-49

Suggested Citation: McDougal, R.R. 2008. Electrical Geophysical Characterization of a Mining-Affected Subbasin, Prospect Gulch, Colorado. In: P.L. Verplanck (ed.). Understanding contaminants associated with mineral deposits: Prospect Gulch, Colorado. Circular 1328. : U.S. Geological Survey. 42-49 p.

Abstract

Prospect Gulch is a major source of naturally occurring and mining-related metals to Cement Creek, a tributary of the upper Animas River in southwestern Colorado. Efforts to improve water quality in the watershed have focused on Prospect Gulch because many of its abandoned mines are located on Federal Lands. Information on sources and pathways of metals and related ground-water flow will be useful to help prioritize and develop remediation strategies. It has been shown that the occurrence of sulfate, aluminum, iron, zinc, and other metals associated with historical mining and the natural weathering of pyritic rock is substantial. In this study, direct current resistivity surveys were conducted to determine the subsurface resistivity distribution and to identify faults and factures that may act as ground-water conduits or barriers to flow…