Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 5-7-2025
Abstract
Radiocarbon dating of groundwater in the West Plains has focused on the basaltic aquifers, since these are the most commonly used for drinking water wells. These aquifers include the Grande Ronde and Wanapum flood basalts from the Columbia RIver Basalt Group (Miocene). However, looking at the West Plains holistically, there is a need for recharge for these, which may include water in basement rocks (Eocene to Cretaceous granite and Cambrian to Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks). Additionally residents in the area have wells within the basement rock aquifers that tend to dry up during years with low precipitation. Groundwater interactions between basement and basaltic aquifers are examined using groundwater age, groundwater models, groundwater budgets and a meteoric water line.
Recommended Citation
Meier-Grolman, Cadence and Pritchard, Chad, "Groundwater Age of the West Plains, Spokane County, Washington" (2025). West Plains PFAS Fate + Transport Study. 14.
https://dc.ewu.edu/pfas/14
