A chemical and isotopic study of ground water from the Tucson Mountains, Arizona

The study area, located on the eastern side of the Tucson Mountains, was divided into three topographic areas: the mountains, the piedmont and the bottom-land. Chemical analyses of 54 samples were used to characterize the chemical composition of ground water from each area. Seven of the samples were analyzed for deuterium and oxygen-18. High concentrations of dissolved solids were found in samples from the mountain area. Possible sources of dissolved solids and patterns of groundwater flow were examined in light of the chemical and isotopic data. The concentrations of bromide were used to determine that evaporite rocks are not a likely source of dissolved solids in the mountain area. Significant amounts of ground water probably do not flow from the mountain to the piedmont or bottom-land areas. The piedmont was identified as a minor recharge area.hydrology collectio