GEOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY OF SELECTED PLAYAS IN WESTERN UNITED STATES
Abstract
The playas studied during this investigation may be divided into 'fine-grained playas' (Rogers, Rosamond, Coyote Playas, California, and Big Smoky Playa, Nevada) and 'coarse-grained playas' (Troy Playa, California, and Clayton Playa, Nevada). The 'fine-grained playas' are characterized by: (1) deposits of medium silt through fine clay size, (2) slow artesian and capillary movement of water through the surface, (3) mostly smooth, hard surfaces, and (4) current formation of giant desiccation polygons in many of the playas. The 'coarse-grained playas' are characterized by: (1) deposits of sand, silt, and in some cases evaporites, (2) rapid capillary discharge, (3) a water table that nearly coincides with the playa surface, and (4) soft, surficial sediments. The surface morphology of most playas is related to several factors including the rate of capillary discharge producing puffy ground, and the frequency of surface-water flooding producing smooth, hard ground. Also, capillary discharge combined with deposition of mud from floods has transformed roots and water- transported plants into highly irregular knobby ground in some playas, including Clayton. Playas are dynamic landforms that change.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0709683
Entities
People
- Charles G. Groat
- David M. Carpenter
- David Matz
- Robert F. Walker
- Ward S. Motts
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst