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 GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL APPROACHES FOR AQUIFER MAPPING AND CHARACTERIZATION IN NEW MEXICO
Paper number: 36-0
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM
Authors
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Laila SturgisNew Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM
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Stacy TimmonsNew Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico
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Peter GuerraNew Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, New Mexico
Abstract
New Mexico’s groundwater resources occur within structurally complicated and lithologically heterogeneous alluvial and bedrock aquifer systems. Effective long-term water planning and drought resilience for fresh- and brackish-groundwater resources require detailed three-dimensional characterization. In 2025, the Aquifer Mapping and Monitoring Program at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (NMBGMR) initiated airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys of five groundwater basins. These surveys will be integrated with geologic mapping, stratigraphic analysis, and subsurface data synthesis to develop new basin-scale hydrogeologic frameworks that will support state and local decision makers and municipal water providers. AEM surveys, acquired using time-domain electromagnetic systems now cover nearly 11% of the state, and provide high-resolution resistivity models that image aquifer architecture to depths of a few hundred meters below ground surface. Results will improve resolution of groundwater-basin geometry, identify fault-controlled compartmentalization, define groundwater recharge pathways and constraints, and better quantify variations in lithology and groundwater salinity. Geophysical datasets are interpreted within geologic frameworks derived from detailed surface mapping, basin stratigraphy, and structural analysis. Borehole data—including lithologic logs, geophysical well logs, water-level measurements, and water-quality information—are systematically compiled, digitized, and integrated to calibrate AEM interpretations and delineate hydrogeology. Employing an integrated multidisciplinary dataset strategy improves the delineation of productive aquifer intervals, confining units, recharge pathways, and zones of brackish and saline groundwater, particularly in basins with sparse subsurface control. The resulting hydrogeologic frameworks provide a basis for quantitative groundwater availability assessments, well-field design, and long-term water-supply and infrastructure planning. Ongoing and planned AEM surveys prioritize key basins within the Rio Grande rift, Basin and Range, Colorado Plateau, and High Plains provinces, with the objective of developing consistent characterization of aquifer systems statewide. Collectively, NMBGMR aquifer mapping and characterization programs establish a scalable approach for integrating geophysical, geologic, and hydrologic datasets to support science-based groundwater management and resource planning across New Mexico.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4
doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410629
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