Page 15

Appraisal of known mineral resources.-- In parallel with the general appraisal of water resources outlined on page 7, it is proposed to assemble and summarize available information on geologic environmental features and mineral resources of the Pacific Southwest. This would be accomplished in the first two years at a total cost of $190,000. Geophysical reconnaissance.-- Gravity, aeromagnetic, and seismic surveys are proposed to afford a quick, first approximation of extent and bedrock configuration of the numerous sedimentary basins in the region. Such geophysical reconnaissance of all the region would facilitate the ground-water appraisals outlined elsewhere. It can be completed within five years at an estimated cost of $2,100,000. Coal investigations.-- Eight main coal-bearing areas potentially can supply fuel for developing power in the Pacific Southwest. These are the Henry Mountains, kolob, Kanab, and Kaiparowits fields in southern Utah; the Black Mesa field in northeastern Arizona; and the Gallup and Zuni fields as well as the San Juan River region in northwestern New Mexico. (See fig. 4) Among these, the kaiparowits field is one of the most extensive and least explored; present information is fragmentary. Mining in this field has become active recently. Here a very modest program of quadrangle geologic mapping has been started to delineate grade, extent, and thickness of coal beds as a basis for estimating reserves and classifying the land. At the present pace, however, several decades would elapse before mapping and classification are complete. It is proposed that the present pace be quickened several fold, and that mapping of the fifty 71/2-minute quadrangles in the kaiparowits field be accomplished within the five years. Total cost is estimated at $1,175,000; from $120,000 in the first year to a maximum of $310,000 in the fourth year. A comparable appraisal is proposed to determine the coal resources of the Black Mesa field, Arizona, and of the several fields in northwestern New Mexico. Total cost of this work is estimated to be $2,400,000. 15Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 13,582,336 byte