Land Subsidence in Las Vegas, Nevada, 1935-2000: New Geodetic Data Show Evolution, Revised Spatial Patterns, and Reduced Rates

Research Article| March 01, 2002 Land Subsidence in Las Vegas, Nevada, 1935–2000: New Geodetic Data Show Evolution, Revised Spatial Patterns, and Reduced Rates JOHN W. BELL; JOHN W. BELL 1Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 89557 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar FALK AMELUNG; FALK AMELUNG 2Hawaii Institute of Geology and Physics, University of Hawaii-Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96822 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar ALAN R. RAMELLI; ALAN R. RAMELLI 3Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 89557 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GEOFF BLEWITT GEOFF BLEWITT 3Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 89557 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information JOHN W. BELL 1Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 89557 FALK AMELUNG 2Hawaii Institute of Geology and Physics, University of Hawaii-Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96822 ALAN R. RAMELLI 3Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 89557 GEOFF BLEWITT 3Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 89557 Publisher: Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1558-9161 Print ISSN: 1078-7275 Copyright © 2002 Geological Society of America Environmental & Engineering Geoscience (2002) 8 (3): 155–174. https://doi.org/10.2113/8.3.155 Article history First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation JOHN W. BELL, FALK AMELUNG, ALAN R. RAMELLI, GEOFF BLEWITT; Land Subsidence in Las Vegas, Nevada, 1935–2000: New Geodetic Data Show Evolution, Revised Spatial Patterns, and Reduced Rates. Environmental & Engineering Geoscience 2002;; 8 (3): 155–174. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/8.3.155 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental & Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract Subsidence in Las Vegas Valley has been geodetically monitored since 1935, and several generations of maps have depicted more than 1.5 m of total subsidence. This study presents new geodetic data that reveal insights into the spatial distribution and magnitude of subsidence through the year 2000. In particular, synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) and global positioning system (GPS) studies demonstrate that subsidence is localized within four bowls, each bounded by Quaternary faults. Conventional level line surveys across the faults further indicate that these spatial patterns have been present since at least 1978, and based on the new geodetic data a revised map showing subsidence between 1963 and 2000 has been developed. A comparison of the location of the subsidence bowls with the distribution of pumping in the valley indicates that subsidence is offset from the principal zones of pumping. Although the reasons for this offset are not well understood, it is likely the result of heavy pumping up-gradient from compressible deposits in the subsidence zones. A compilation of subsidence rates based on conventional, InSAR, and GPS data indicates that rates have significantly declined since 1991 because of an artificial recharge program. The rates in the northwest part of the valley have declined from more than 5–6 cm/year to about 2.5–3 cm/year, a reduction of 50 percent; in the central and southern parts of the valley, rates have declined from about 2.5 cm/year to only a few millimeters per year, a reduction of more than 80 percent. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.