36 From Data to Decision: Integrating Geophysics, Data Systems, and Modeling for Aquifer Characterization in Data-Sparse Regions

Advances in data acquisition, management, and analytics are transforming water-resources research in semi-arid, data-sparse regions. This session highlights the integration of geophysics, data systems, and modeling, including AEM, legacy data digitization, and cloud platforms. Contributions demonstrate how advances in data collection, management, analysis, and modeling  approaches improve the characterization of fresh and brackish groundwater to support management, recharge, and long-term planning.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Alvarado F

Integrated Geophysical Methods for Mapping and Characterization of Fresh and Brackish Water Sources in the Mimbres Basin, New Mexico

Paper number: 36-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:20 AM – 8:40 AM

Authors

Abstract

The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, a research division of New Mexico Tech, initiated a multiyear effort to improve regional groundwater mapping of the nearly 3000 sq. mi Mimbres Basin, an endorheic basin in southwestern New Mexico. In partnership with WSP USA, Aqua Geo Frameworks, SkyTEM, KLM Geoscience, and New Mexico Tech, this project emphasizes highresolution geophysical data acquisition, hydrogeologic data integration, and development of subsurface hydrogeologic frameworks to identify and characterize fresh and brackish water resources between Silver City and Columbus, New Mexico. Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys are the primary mapping tool, with 3,300 km of helicopterborne SkyTEM306HP and SkyTEM312HP data collected. Dualmoment transient electromagnetic surveys (TEM) resolve shallow alluvium, deeper basin fill, and structural controls influencing aquifer geometry. Complimentary groundbased magnetotelluric soundings (71 MT stations at 2km spacing) constrain deeper resistivity structure. Passive seismic data collected near Deming further refines basin architecture where AEM surveys are less reliable. These newly acquired geophysical datasets are integrated with geological mapping, lithologic and geophysical well logs, well records, ground gravity surveys, airborne magnetic surveys, seismic surveys, groundwater-level measurements, legacy hydrogeologic studies and geochemical datasets through spatially constrained inversion workflows and multi-method cross-validation. The resulting basin-scale geologic framework model resolves hydrostratigraphic architecture, lateral and vertical aquifer heterogeneity, and zones of potential recharge and groundwater storage, and provides a robust methodology for developing groundwater resource models in semi-arid, water- limited alluvial basins.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410509

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.