Methodology, Results, and Significance of an Unsaturated-Zone Tracer Test at an Artificial-Recharge Facility, Tucson, Arizona

摘要

The report describes the methods, results, and significance of a tracer test conducted to monitor the movement of water through the unsaturated zone beneath an artificial-recharge basin. Characteristics of flow through the unconsolidated to semiconsolidated, poorly sorted, alluvial sediments that constitute the unsaturated zone in Tucson basin were identified to improve understanding of the potential for ground-water contamination and the controlling factors on downward movement of recharge water. The sediments that constitute the unsaturated zone in Tucson basin are similar to those found in alluvial basins throughout the Basin and Range physiographic province. The results of the study are applicable to arid and semiarid regions where the unsaturated zone is thick.