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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

groundwater recharge, Navajo Sandstone, southern Utah, water

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Geological Sciences

Abstract

Southern Utah is world renowned for its beautiful canyons and red rock features. The Navajo Sandstone, an Early Jurassic formation created by 2000 feet of petrified sand dunes, is one of the primary features of this unique landscape. Groundwater in the Navajo Sandstone is important for sustaining life in arid southern Utah communities and ensuring recreational usability for state and national parks. Springs that discharge from the Navajo Sandstone aquifer in Zion National Park are a primary source of water to the Virgin River, which provides water for a number of towns in arid southern Utah (Christensen et al., 2005). The town of Springdale, for example, diverts water from the Virgin River year round for agriculture and drinking water. Other cities in southern Utah rely on water from the Navajo, which is accessed through wells and springs. A better understanding of the groundwater conditions in the Navajo Sandstone is needed in order to protect this valuable resource.

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