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Geology topics

W. R. Miller

Publications and source records attributed to W. R. Miller.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
USGS1982

Hydrogeochemical prospecting for porphyry copper deposits in the tropical-marine climate of Puerto Rico

A hydrogeochemical survey utilizing waters from streams and springs was conducted in the area of two known porphyry copper deposits in the tropical-marine climate of westcentral Puerto Rico. The most important pathfinder for regional hydrogeochemical surveys is sulfate which reflects the associated pyrite mineralization. Because of increased mobility due to intense chemical weathering and the low pH environment, dissolved copper can also be used as a pathfinder for regional surveys and has the advantage of distinguishing barren pyrite from pyrite associated with copper mineralization. For follow-up surveys, the most important pathfinders are copper, sulfate, pH, zinc, and fluoride. High concentrations of dissolved copper and moderate concentrations of sulfate is a diagnostic indication of nearby sources of copper minerals. An understanding of the geochemical processes taking place in the streambeds and the weathering environment, such as the precipitation of secondary copper minerals, contributes to the interpretation of the geochemical data and the selection of the most favorable areas for further exploration.

Puerto Rico↗
USGS1980

Distribution of molybdenum in heavy-mineral concentrates, Richfield 1 degree by 2 degrees Quadrangle, Utah

The purpose of these maps is to provide the regional geochemical framework for the U.S. Geological Survey's Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment Program (CUSMAP) for the Richfield 1° x 2° quadrangle. The regional sampling is designed to provide definition of broad geochemical patterns and trends which can be utilized along with geologic and geophysical data for the assessment of the mineral resource potential for this quadrangle. These maps show the regional distributions of molybdenum in two fractions of heavy-mineral concentrates of drainage sediments for the Richfield 1° x 2° quadrangle.

Utah↗
USGS1979

Preliminary data for Madison Limestone test well 3, NW 1/4 Sec. 35. T. 2 N., R. 27 E., Yellowstone County, Montana

This report provides preliminary data for Madison Limestone test well 3 in Yellowstone County, Mont., including test-well history , geology of the test well, hydrologic testing, and geochemistry. It also discusses the preliminary results and future testing. The test well was drilled as part of the study to determine the water-resource potential of the Madison Limestone and associated rocks to meet future water needs in a 188,000-square-mile region that includes the coal-rich area of the Northern Great Plains. Drilling and testing were designed to yield a maximum of stratigraphic, structural, geophysical, and hydrologic information. (Woodard-USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1978

Water resources of the central Powder River area of southeastern Montana

Water for domestic, stock, and public use is available from the Fox Hills-lower Hell Creek aquifer of Late Cretaceous age. Water for domestic and stock use is available from the upper part of the Hell Creek Formation of Late Cretaceous age and the lower part of the Fort Union Formation of Paleocene age. Water for irrigation can be obtained from alluvium of Holocene and Pleistocene age along the Powder River. The Fox Hills-lower Hell Creek aquifer yields as much as 188 gallons per minute to wells as deep as 999 feet, but most well yields are 20 gallons per minute or less. The upper part of the Hell Creek Formation yields as much as 12 gallons per minute to wells as deep as 465 feet. The lower part of the Fort Union Formation yields a maximum of 25 gallons per minute to wells as deep as 373 feet. The alluvium of the Powder River yields 600 gallons per minute to the only known irrigation well, which is 40 feet deep. Water from the Fox Hills-lower Hell Creek aquifer generally contains sodium and bicarbonate or sulfate as the major ions; dissolved-solids concentration is as much as 1,700 milligrams per liter. Sodium, bicarbonate, and sulfate were the major ions in two samples from the upper part of the Hell Creek Formation; the dissolved-solids concentration was 840 milligrams per liter in both samples. Water from the Fort Union Formation contains principally sodium, sulfate, and bicarbonate ions; the dissolved-solids concentration ranges from 780 to 2,300 milligrams per liter. One water sample from the alluvium contained principally sodium and sulfate ions and had a dissolved-solids concentration of 2,300 milligrams per liter. The Powder River is the only perennial stream in the study area. The average annual discharge of the Powder River near Locate for the period of record, 1938-69, was 601 cubic feet per second. instantaneous discharge ranged from 0 to 31,000 cubic feet per second. Dissolved-solids concentration of water from the Powder River for the period of record, 1949-63, ranged from 278 to 5,430 milligrams per liter. Calcium, sodium, and sulfate were the major ions.

Montana↗
USGS1977

Report on preliminary data for Madison Limestone test well no.1, NE1/4 SE1/4 section 15, T. 57 N., R. 65 W., Crook County, Wyoming

This report provides the preliminary data for the Madison Limestone test well no. 1 in Crook County, Wyoming, including test-well history, geology of the test well, hydrologic testing, and geochemistry. The test well was drilled to a depth of 4,341 feet to determine the water-resource potential of the Madison Limestone and associated rocks to meet future water needs in a 188,000 sq mi region that includes the coal-rich area of the Northern Great Plains. Drilling and testing were designed to yield a maximum of stratigraphic, structural, geophysical, and hydrologic information. All significant water-bearing units contain relatively freshwater (less than 2,000 mg/liter dissolved solids). Three water-bearing units, which are now cased off, may be potential sources of ground water in the area of the test well. These are the Hulett Sandstone Member of the Sundance Formation, the Minnekahta Limestone, and the upper sandy part of the Minnelusa Formation. (Woodard-USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1976

Map showing configuration and thickness, and potentiometric surface and water quality in the Madison Group, Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana

With development of the coal resources of the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana the demand for water will increase greatly. The study upon which this report is based was designed to make a preliminary evaluation of the available geo-hydrologic data for the Madison Group, which is an extensive aquifer underlying the Powder River Basin. Large yields from a few wells tapping the Madison indicate that the aquifer possibly could be utilized as one source of water for development of the coal resources of the area. Domestic and stock-water supplies have been developed for sandstone and coal aquifers at shallow depths in the basin, but these aquifers do not appear to be capable of supplying the large amounts of water require for coal development without endangering existing water supplies.

Montana, Wyoming↗