New Mexico Geological Society Annual Spring Meeting — Abstracts

A new database-driven web mapping application (the application), is in development using the ArcGIS Javascript API and flask microframework. Along with other geologic features, the application can now map groundwater quality locations and coal mine locations across New Mexico. The application helps effectively communicate diverse types of geologic information to the public through their web browsers and mobile devices. In addition, the application can also provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between geologic features and water quality in wells across the state.

The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources initiated an interactive web map in 2014 (maps.nmt.edu). With project funding related to protection of the state’s source water from the New Mexico Environment Department, the application will now display groundwater quality data that have been compiled from multiple sources. Data sources include historical water quality reports, the U.S. Geological Survey, New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. Analytes to portray will include Uranium, Fluoride, Total Dissolved Solids, Specific Conductivity, Chloride, Sulfate, Arsenic, Calcium, Sodium, Magnesium and Bicarbonate.

Considering many potential impacts to sources of water for New Mexican communities, the application is designed to display the complexity of water and historical features from coal mine data. For example, each coal mine location can be related to diverse datasets including its production by year, photos and pdf files with more detailed information. The application not only conveys various types of geographic information by visualization, but strengthens the evaluation of potential impacts to water resources under different geologic regimes.