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
Multi-Application 3D Geologic Framework Model of the Paradox Basin, USA
Paper number: 36-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 11:20 AM – 11:40 AM
Authors
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Tyson SmithGeosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Lakewood, CO
Abstract
The Paradox Basin of Utah and Colorado is a late Paleozoic intraplate flexural basin characterized by complex structural deformation, salt tectonics, and heterogeneous stratigraphic architecture. Its subsurface supports groundwater systems of the Upper Colorado River Basin and hosts significant evaporite deposits, critical mineral resources (e.g., potash, lithium, sediment-hosted copper, uranium–vanadium), hydrocarbons, geothermal potential, and deep injection targets for managed brine disposal. The basin also underlies national parks and other high-profile federal lands. Despite decades of investigation, few basin-wide, digitally integrated geologic interpretations exist. Most publicly available datasets are discipline-specific, spatially fragmented, or not readily interoperable across resource applications.
We present a working basin-scale, three-dimensional geologic framework model of the Paradox Basin and adjacent uplifts that is presently in development. The model synthesizes thousands of subsurface stratigraphic unit tops and correlations from borehole data, published and unpublished cross sections, 2D and 3D seismic interpretations, regional gravity and magnetic datasets, surface geologic mapping, and legacy structure and isopach grids. These inputs are reconciled within a consistent structural and stratigraphic architecture and constructed as a sealed-volume geologic model using an updateable hybrid-implicit workflow capable of incorporating new datasets and accommodating evolving project needs.
Project objectives are to (1) provide a coherent structural–stratigraphic framework for groundwater flow and salinity investigations in the Upper Colorado River Basin; (2) support mineral and energy resource assessments, including evaporites, critical minerals, hydrocarbons, geothermal systems, and geologic storage; and (3) deliver a publicly accessible 3D geologic model to facilitate research, land management, industry applications, and science communication across nationally significant landscapes. This effort advances the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program’s 3D geologic framework modeling initiative and emphasizes early coordination with state geological surveys, federal agencies, and private-sector practitioners to enhance model quality, interoperability, and long-term utility.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4
doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410609
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