U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Data Series 717

Prepared in cooperation with the Joshua Basin Water District

Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree,

San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09
Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California, 2007–09

By Matthew Burgess, John Izbicki, Nicholas Teague, David O’Leary, 

Dennis Clark, and Michael Land

Prepared in cooperation with the Joshua Basin Water District

Data Series 717

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2012

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Suggested citation:

Burgess, M., Izbicki, J., Teague, N., O’Leary, D., Clark, D., and Land, M., 2012, Data from a thick unsaturated zone in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 717, 103 p.
iii

Conversion Factors

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter (mm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

square mile (mi2

) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) 

Volume

quart (qt) 0.9464 liter (L) 

acre-foot (acre-ft) 1,233 cubic meter (m3

)

acre-foot (acre-ft) 0.001233 cubic hectometer (hm3

) 

Flow rate

acre-foot per year (acre-ft/yr) 1,233 cubic meter per year (m3

/yr)

gallon per minute (gal/min) 0.06309 liter per second (L/s)

Pressure

bar 100 kilopascal (kPa) 

SI to Inch/Pound

Multiply By To obtain

Volume

milliliter (mL) 33,820 ounce, fluid (fl. oz)

milliliter (mL) 264.2 gallon (gal)

Flow rate

liter per minute (L/min) 0.2642 gallon per minute (gal/min) 

Mass

gram (g) 0.03527 ounce, avoirdupois (oz)

Pressure

kilopascal (KPa) 0.010 Bar

kilopascal (KPa) 0.1019977664 Meter of Head

kilopascal (KPa) 0.33455256555 Foot of Head

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows: 

°F=(1.8×°C)+32

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 

(NAVD 88).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).

Altitude, as used in this report, refers to distance above the vertical datum.

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 

25 °C).

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L) 

or micrograms per liter (μg/L).
iv

Well-Numbering System

Wells are identified and numbered according to their location in the rectangular grid system for 

the subdivision of public lands. Identification consists of the township number, north or south; 

the range number, east or west; and the section number. Each section is divided into sixteen 

40-acre tracts lettered consecutively (except I and O), beginning with “A” in the northeast 

corner of the section and progressing in a sinusoidal manner to “R” in the southeast corner. 

Within the 40-acre tract, wells are sequentially numbered in the order they are inventoried. 

The final letter refers to the base line meridian. In California, there are three base lines and 

meridians; Humboldt (H), Mount Diablo (M), and San Bernardino (S). All wells in the study area 

are referenced to the San Bernardino base line and meridian (S). Well numbers consist of 15 

characters and follow the format 001N006E35A001S. In this report wells are abbreviated and 

written 1N/6E-35A1.

Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Joshua Basin Water District and the USGS Cooperative Water 

Program. The authors thank Ms. Marina West and Mr. Joseph Guzzetta from Joshua Basin 

Water District for their assistance.
v

Contents

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Study Area Description and Hydrogeologic Setting.......................................................................2

Purpose and Scope ..............................................................................................................................3

Site Names and Instrument-Numbering System.............................................................................3

Drilling Procedures and Data Collection ...................................................................................................4

Lithologic Data.......................................................................................................................................7

Geophysical Logs................................................................................................................................48

Site Construction and Instrumentation ...........................................................................................48

Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Materials .............................................................52

Laboratory Data...................................................................................................................................52

Field Data..............................................................................................................................................52

Geochemical Data .......................................................................................................................................64

Chemistry of Leachate from Cores and Cuttings...........................................................................64

Groundwater Chemistry.....................................................................................................................79

Unsaturated-Zone Water Chemistry................................................................................................79

Chemistry of Unsaturated-Zone Gases...........................................................................................97

Microbiology of Cores and Cuttings .........................................................................................................99

References Cited........................................................................................................................................101

Figures

1. Map showing location of study area in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County,

California ........................................................................................................................................2

2. Map showing location of unsaturated-zone monitoring sites and production wells

in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California ................................................................4

3. Image showing collection of ODEX drilling cuttings from “cyclone” discharge, in

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, May 2007 .................................................7

4. Images showing core sampling techniques, in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino

County, California, May 2007.......................................................................................................7

5. Image showing ODEX cuttings arranged so that major lithologic changes could be

identified, 1N/6E-35A1, Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California,

May 2007 ......................................................................................................................................45

6. Diagram showing nomenclature used to describe texture in lithologic logs...................45

7. Diagram showing neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for

unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California........................................................................................................................46

8. Diagram showing neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for

unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35B1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California........................................................................................................................47

9. Diagram showing neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for

unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California........................................................................................................................48
vi

10. Diagram showing neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for

unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California........................................................................................................................49

11. Images showing borehole instrumentation and installation 1N/6E-35A1, in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, May 2007 ...............................................50

12. Images showing site vault and electronic data logger, in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May 2007........................................................................51

13. Hydrograph showing water level at JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California, July 2007 to September 2009...................................................................55

14. Graph showing heat-dissipation probe (HDP) soil moisture for site JTUZ-1 in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009..............55

15. Graphs showing matric-potential data collected between 39 and 245 ft below land

surface at site JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007

to September 2009 from heat-dissipation probes .................................................................56

16. Graphs showing matric-potential data collected between 289 and 482 ft below land

surface at site JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007

to September 2009 from heat-dissipation probes .................................................................57

17. Graph showing heat-dissipation probe (HDP) soil moisture for site JTUZ-2 in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009..............58

18. Graphs showing matric-potential data collected between 15 and 45 ft at site

JTUZ-2 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to 

September 2009 from heat-dissipation probes......................................................................59

19. Graphs showing matric-potential data collected between 60 and 78 ft at site

JTUZ-2 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to 

September 2009 from heat-dissipation probes......................................................................60

20. Graphs showing matric-potential data collected at site JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009 by advanced

tensiometers................................................................................................................................61

21. Graphs showing temperatures measured at site JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009 by advanced 

tensiometers................................................................................................................................62

22. Graph showing temperatures measured at site JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009 by advanced

tensiometers................................................................................................................................63

23. Graph showing temperatures measured at site JTUZ-2 in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009 by advanced

tensiometers................................................................................................................................63

Tables

1. Site names, instrumentation names and numbers, and description of

instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring sites near unsewered residential

development near Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007.........................5

2. Site names, instrumentation names and numbers, and description of

instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring sites near proposed recharge

facility near Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2009–10..............................6

3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California.............................................................................................8

4. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35B1S in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California...........................................................................................29
vii

5. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J1S in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California...........................................................................................32

6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California...........................................................................................33

7. Results of particle-size analysis for selected drill cuttings from unsaturated-zone

monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1-23S in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County,

California ......................................................................................................................................53

8. Bulk-density, water-content, and matric-potential data for selected core material

from unsaturated-zone monitoring sites 1N/6E-35A1-23S and 1N/6E-35B1-15S in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, May and June 2007..............................54

9. Saturated hydraulic conductivity for selected core material from unsaturatedzone monitoring sites 1N/6E-35A1-23S and 1N/6E-35B1-15S in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May and June 2007......................................................54

10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from

1N/6E-35A1-23S in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.............65

11. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from

1N/6E-35B1S in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, June, 2007.................76

12. Quality control summary of leacate from cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007...............................................78

13. Chemical composition of water from well 1N/6E35A1S in unsaturated-zone

monitoring site in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 ..................80

14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters:

1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone

monitoring site in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 ..................82

15. Chemical composition of water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35B3 LYS and

1N/6E-35B7 LYS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 ..........................................................................92

16. Unsaturated-zone gasses from gas samplers: 1N/6E-35A4 GS, 1N/6E-35A7 GS,

1N/6E-35A10 GS, 1N/6E-35A14 GS, 1N/6E-35A17 GS, 1N/6E-35A21 GS in

unsaturated-zone monitoring site and 1N/6E-35B5 GS, 1N/6E-35B9 GS,

1N/6E-35B13 GS, 1N/6E-35B15 GS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site in

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California 2007–09 ...................................................98

17. Denitrifying and nitrate-reducing bacteria for drill cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1S

in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007 ........................................100

18. Denitrifying and nitrate-reducing bacteria for drill cuttings from 1N/6E-35B1S 

in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, June, 2007 .......................................101
Abstract

Data were collected on the physical properties of 

unsaturated alluvial deposits, the chemical composition of 

leachate extracted from unsaturated alluvial deposits, the 

chemical and isotopic composition of groundwater and 

unsaturated-zone water, and the chemical composition 

of unsaturated-zone gas at four monitoring sites in the 

southwestern part of the Mojave Desert in the town of 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California. The presence 

of denitrifying and nitrate-reducing bacteria from unsaturated 

alluvial deposits was evaluated for two of these monitoring 

sites that underlie unsewered residential development.

Four unsaturated-zone monitoring sites were installed 

in the Joshua Tree area—two in an unsewered residential 

development and two adjacent to a proposed artificialrecharge site in an undeveloped area. The two boreholes 

in residential development areas were installed by using 

the ODEX air-hammer method. One borehole was drilled 

through the unsaturated zone to a depth of 541 ft (feet) 

below land surface; a well screened across the water table 

was installed. Groundwater was sampled from this well. The 

second borehole was drilled to a depth of 81 ft below land 

surface. Drilling procedures, lithologic and geophysical data, 

construction details, and instrumentation placed in these 

boreholes are described. Core material was analyzed for water 

content, bulk density, matric potential, particle size, and water 

retention. The leachate from over 500 subsamples of cores and 

cuttings was analyzed for soluble anions, including fluoride, 

sulfate, bromide, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate. 

Groundwater was analyzed for major ions, inorganic 

compounds, select trace elements, and isotopic composition. 

Unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters was 

analyzed for major ions, inorganic compounds, select trace 

elements, and isotopic composition. Unsaturated-zone gas 

samples were analyzed for argon, oxygen, nitrogen, methane, 

carbon dioxide, ethane, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide. 

Drill cuttings were analyzed for denitrifying and nitratereducing bacteria.

One of the boreholes installed adjacent to the 

Joshua Basin Water District proposed groundwater-recharge 

facility was installed by using the ODEX air-hammer method 

and the other was installed by using a 7.875-inch hollowstem auger. Drilling procedures, lithologic and geophysical 

data, construction details, and instrumentation placed in these 

boreholes are described; however, geochemical data were not 

available at the time of publication.

Introduction

Historically, groundwater from the Joshua Tree subbasin 

of the Morongo groundwater basin (fig. 1) has been the sole 

source of water supply for the community of Joshua Tree. 

Because of an imbalance between groundwater recharge and 

pumpage, groundwater levels in the subbasin have declined 

by as much as 30 ft since 1958 (Nishikawa and others, 2004). 

Joshua Basin Water District (JBWD) is planning to construct 

an artificial-recharge facility designed to reverse the decline 

of groundwater levels and to store water in the Joshua Tree 

groundwater subbasin. The California State Water Project 

(SWP) will supply the artificial-recharge water.

In the Warren groundwater subbasin, immediately west of 

the Joshua Tree subbasin, an artificial-recharge program that 

began in 1995 has reversed water-level declines and raised 

the water levels by as much as 250 ft by 2001 (Nishikawa 

and others, 2003). An increase in nitrate (NO3) concentrations 

in the groundwater from low background levels to those that 

exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) 

maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 milligrams per 

liter (mg/L) as nitrogen (Nishikawa and others, 2003) was 

associated with the water-level recovery. Nishikawa and others 

(2003) concluded that the most likely source of the increased 

NO3 concentrations in the Warren groundwater subbasin was 

septic-tank effluent stored in the unsaturated zone that was 

entrained by rising water levels resulting from the artificially 

recharged water.

Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San 

Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

By Matthew Burgess, John Izbicki, Nicholas Teague, David O’Leary, Dennis Clark, and Michael Land
2 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Study Area Description and Hydrogeologic 

Setting

The following summary of the local hydrogeology is 

included to provide background information; this report makes 

no interpretation of data collected previously or during this 

study. The study area is in the southwestern Mojave Desert, 

about 100 miles (mi) east of Los Angeles, in the 18-squaremile (mi2

) Joshua Tree subbasin of the Morongo groundwater 

The community of Joshua Tree relies on septic systems 

to dispose of wastewater. JBWD would like to avoid NO3

contamination similar to what took place in the Warren 

subbasin. The data in this report serve to establish a baseline 

for monitoring the transport of solutes through the unsaturated 

zone in an area of unsewered residential development in 

proximity to a location being considered for an artificialrecharge facility in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.

MORONGO

GROUNDWATER

BASIN

Yucca

Barrier

Pinto

Mountain

Fault

Copper

Mountain

Fault

10

62

62

Yucca

Valley

Joshua

Tree

Twentynine

Palms

247

111

Copper Mountain

Groundwater

Subbasin

Mesquite

Groundwater

Subbasin

Mainside

Groundwater

Subbasin

Twentynine Palms

Groundwater

Subbasin

Deadman

Groundwater

Subbasin

Surprise Spring

Groundwater

Subbasin

Giant Rock

Groundwater

Subbasin Reche

Groundwater

Subbasin

Pipes

Groundwater

Subbasin

Warren

Groundwater

Subbasin

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

National Park

boundary

Groundwater

Subbasin

WARREN VALLEY

SURFACE-WATER

DRAINAGE BASIN

COPPER MOUNTAIN

SURFACE-WATER

DRAINAGE BASIN

Quail Wash

Water

Canyon

Yucca Wash

0 10 KILOMETERS

0 10 MILES

San Bernardino Mts

Little San Bernardino Mts

Copper Mtn

Selected faults—Dashed

 where approximately

 located 

Joshua Tree groundwater

 subbasin

Cities

Faults modified from Bortugno and Spittler, 1986. Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:100,000, 1981–89;

Universal Transverse Mercator Projection, Zone 11. Background

image from satellite data compiled by U.S. Geological Survey,

Geologic Division, 2000.

Coyote

Lake

(Dry)

Mesquite

Lake

(Dry)

EXPLANATION

IP007760_Figure 01

Area shown

on figure 2

C

A

L I F O R N I A

MAP AREA

Los Angeles

Morongo

Groundwater

Basin

Mojave

Desert

Figure 1. Location of study area in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California
Introduction 3

basin (fig. 1). The principal population center in the subbasin 

is the community of Joshua Tree. The climate in the study 

area is arid, characterized by low precipitation, low humidity, 

and high summer temperatures. The Joshua Tree groundwater 

subbasin is bounded by the Little San Bernardino Mountains 

to the south, the Yucca Barrier and the Warren groundwater 

subbasin to the west, the Pinto Mountain Fault to the north, 

and the Twentynine Palms groundwater subbasin to the 

east. The Pinto Mountain Fault separates the Joshua Tree 

groundwater subbasin from the Copper Mountain groundwater 

subbasin to the north (Nishikawa and others, 2004).

Nishikawa and others (2004) divided the geologic 

units of the Joshua Tree groundwater subbasin, as described 

by Bedford and Miller (1997), into three generalized 

stratigraphic units. These units are designated as a basement 

complex of pre-Tertiary granitic and metamorphic rocks, 

Tertiary sedimentary and volcanic deposits (Tsy and Tvy), and 

Quaternary alluvial deposits (Qsu). The depth to the basement 

complex has been estimated by using gravity surveys that 

indicate an east-west elongate basin parallel to the Pinto 

Mountain Fault (Roberts and others 2002). The maximum 

thickness of the Tsy, Tvy, and Qsu deposits of the Joshua Tree 

groundwater subbasin could be greater than 4,500 ft in two 

locations east of the community of Joshua Tree; the average 

thickness of the sediments within the subbasin is about 

2,000 ft (Nishikawa and others, 2004).

The basin-fill Tertiary sedimentary and volcanic deposits 

and Quaternary alluvial deposits are the water-bearing units 

in the Joshua Tree groundwater subbasin (Nishikawa and 

others, 2004). Nishikawa and others (2004) used lithologic 

and downhole geophysical logs to identify the differences 

in sedimentary deposits and differentiate between the lower, 

middle, and upper aquifer zones. The Tertiary sedimentary 

and volcanic deposits were assigned to a single aquifer (the 

“lower” aquifer zone) and the Quaternary alluvial deposits 

were divided into two aquifer zones—“middle” and “upper” 

(Nishikawa and others, 2004). Most of the production wells 

are perforated in the upper aquifer only.

The principal sources of recharge to the Joshua Tree 

groundwater subbasin are runoff of precipitation from the 

Copper Mountain surface-water drainage basin in the Little 

San Bernardino Mountains to the south, and groundwater 

underflow from the neighboring Warren groundwater subbasin 

to the west (Nishikawa and others, 2004). The principal 

pathway for recharge is the infiltration of precipitation runoff 

in stream channels and through fractures in the bedrock 

(Lewis, 1972). Nishikawa and others (2004) used borehole 

instrumentation in Quail Wash (fig. 1) to estimate that the 

annual recharge from stream inflow to the Joshua Tree 

groundwater subbasin was 71 acre-feet per year (acre-ft/

yr). Results of model simulations suggest that an additional 

85 acre-ft/yr enters the Joshua Tree groundwater subbasin 

from the Warren groundwater subbasin as underflow 

(Nishikawa and others, 2004).

In 2004, groundwater pumped by JBWD for domestic 

and commercial use was the main discharge from the 

Joshua Tree groundwater subbasin (Nishikawa and others, 

2004). Total groundwater production by JBWD during the 

44-year period from 1958 to 2001 was about 42,000 acre-ft. 

According to JBWD records, annual pumpage increased from 

about 135 acre-ft in 1958 to a maximum of about 1,600 acre-ft 

in 2001.

Septic tanks are the primary form of wastewater 

treatment in the Joshua Tree groundwater subbasin; therefore, 

septic-tank effluent is a potential source of groundwater 

recharge (Nishikawa and others, 2004). To study the effects of 

the movement of septic-tank effluent through the unsaturated 

zone in Joshua Tree, two boreholes (JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2) 

were drilled and instrumented in June 2007 in an unsewered 

residential development (fig. 2). Two additional boreholes 

(JTUZ-3 and JTUZ-4) near a proposed artificial-recharge 

site were drilled and instrumented in December 2009 and 

April 2010, respectively (fig. 2).

Purpose and Scope

This report presents data collected from May 2007 

through April 2010 in instrumented boreholes drilled as part 

of a cooperative study between the U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS) and JBWD to track the flow of water and the transport 

of solutes through the unsaturated zone at an unsewered 

residential development and at a proposed artificial-recharge 

site in Joshua Tree.

This report contains data for lithologic observations 

and geophysical measurements collected in boreholes during 

drilling; physical and hydraulic analyses of core and cutting 

materials; the chemical composition of leachate from over 

500 subsamples of cores and cuttings; chemical and isotopic 

analyses of groundwater collected from the water table and 

of water and gases collected from the unsaturated zone; and, 

analyses of nitrate-reducing and denitrifying organisms in 

the unsaturated zone. Physical and hydraulic properties data 

from JTUZ-3 and JTUZ-4 were not available at the time of 

publication and are not presented in this report.

Site Names and Instrument-Numbering System

Several names were assigned to each unsaturated-zone 

monitoring site, including a descriptive name, station name, 

and the USGS site identification number. The descriptive name 

begins with the acronym JTUZ; JT stands for Joshua Tree, the 

town in which it is located, and UZ indicates the borehole was 

established to study the unsaturated zone. Following JTUZ 

is a site number (1 or 2) and a code identifying the type of 

instrumentation and its depth: AT, DEPS, GAS, HDP, LYS, 

or WELL, for advanced tensiometer, dielectric permittivity 

sensor, gas sampler, heat dissipation probe, suction-cup 

lysimeter, and screened well sections, respectively. For 

example, JTUZ-1 GAS @ 90 is a gas sampler 90 ft below 

land surface (bls) in borehole number 1 in the community of 

Joshua Tree.
4 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

The first component of the station name is described 

in the front matter of this report under the heading ‘WellNumbering System’; the second component is a suffix 

identifying the type of instrumentation in a similar manner as 

described above (for example, 001N006E35A002SAT).

Finally, each instrument at an unsaturated-zone 

monitoring site was assigned a 15-digit USGS site 

identification number, assigned sequentially from bottom 

to top of the borehole. This number is the primary identifier 

of a site within USGS databases. Details of site names and 

instrumentation are provided in tables 1 and 2.

Drilling Procedures and Data 

Collection

Four unsaturated-zone monitoring sites were installed by 

the USGS as part of this study (fig. 2). Three (JTUZ-1, 

JTUZ-2, and JTUZ-4) were installed by using the ODEX 

air-hammer method, also known as the under-reamer method 

(Driscoll, 1986; Hammermeister and others, 1986). The fourth, 

JTUZ-3, was drilled by using a CME-550 hollow-stem-auger 

drill rig equipped with 7.875-inch (in.) hollow-stem augers. 

25K2

25M3

25M2

35A1

(JTUZ-1)

35A1

(JTUZ-1)

35B1

(JTUZ-2) 25M1

16P2

20P1

20P2

21H1

30K1 28Q1

35D1

25J1

(JTUZ-3)

25J2

(JTUZ-4)

62

Joshua

Tree

0

0 5 MILES

5 KILOMETERS

T

1

S

T

1

N

T

2

N

R6E R7E R8E

Major road

30K1 Production well and identifier

Unsaturated-zone monitoring well

 and identifier

Selected fault—Dashed where

 approximately located

Modeled Joshua Tree and Copper Mountain

 groundwater subbasins 

EXPLANATION

Base from U.S. Geological Survey, digital data, 1:100,000, 1981–89;

Universal Transverse Mercator Projection, Zone 11. Background

image from satellite data compiled by U.S. Geological Survey,

Geologic Division, 2000.

Faults modified from Bortugno and Spittler, 1986.

IP007760_Figure 02

Figure 2. Location of unsaturated-zone monitoring sites and production wells in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 5

The ODEX drilling method minimizes disturbance 

of the unsaturated material near the borehole by using air 

rather than water as a drilling fluid. This method reduces the 

potential for contamination from drilling fluids. This allows 

for the collection of cuttings, cores, and water samples that 

can be analyzed for chemical properties. These samples 

better represent the undisturbed unsaturated zone than those 

collected from boreholes drilled by using the mud-rotary 

method.

Drill depths were 541 ft bls at JTUZ-1, 81 ft bls at 

JTUZ-2, and 437 ft bls at JTUZ-4. JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-4 were 

completed in saturated aquifer material near the water table. 

JTUZ-2 was completed in the unsaturated zone. The diameters 

of all ODEX holes drilled as part of this study were 8.875 in. 

At night and other times when drilling stopped, the ODEX 

pipe was sealed to prevent the movement of air into and out of 

the drill hole.

Table 1. Site names, instrumentation names and numbers, and description of instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring sites 

near unsewered residential development near Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007.

[Site location shown in figure 2. Abbreviations: AT, advanced tensiometer; ft, feet; GAS, gas sampler; HDP, heat dissipation probe; LYS, suction-cup lysimeter; 

@, at; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Common

site 

name

Instrumentation names and numbers

Description of instrumentation Descriptive name Station name

and instrument suffix

USGS site 

identification 

number

JTUZ-1 JTUZ-1 2-inch well 001N006E35A001S 340756116190601 Well, perforated from 522 to 532 ft.

JTUZ-1 AT @ 517 001N006E35A002SAT 340756116190602 Advanced tensiometer at 517 ft.

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 516.5 001N006E35A003SLYS 340756116190603 Suction-cup lysimeter at 516.5 ft.

JTUZ-1 GAS @ 515 001N006E35A004SGS 340756116190604 Gas sampler at 515 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 482 001N006E35A005SHDP 340756116190605 Heat dissipation probe at 482 ft.

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 464 001N006E35A006SLYS 340756116190606 Suction-cup lysimeter at 464 ft.

JTUZ-1 GAS @ 462 001N006E35A007SGS 340756116190607 Gas sampler at 462 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 461 001N006E35A008SHDP 340756116190608 Heat dissipation probe at 461 ft.

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 346 001N006E35A009SLYS 340756116190609 Suction-cup lysimeter at 346 ft.

JTUZ-1 GAS @ 344 001N006E35A010SGS 340756116190610 Gas sampler at 344 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 343 001N006E35A011SHDP 340756116190611 Heat dissipation probe at 343 ft.

JTUZ-1 AT @ 292 001N006E35A012SAT 340756116190612 Advanced tensiometer at 292 ft.

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 291 001N006E35A013SLYS 340756116190613 Suction-cup lysimeter at 291 ft.

JTUZ-1 GAS @ 290 001N006E35A014SGS 340756116190614 Gas sampler at 290 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 289 001N006E35A015SHDP 340756116190615 Heat dissipation probe at 289 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 245 001N006E35A016SHDP 340756116190616 Heat dissipation probe at 245 ft.

JTUZ-1 GAS @ 176 001N006E35A017SGS 340756116190617 Gas sampler at 176 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 175 001N006E35A018SHDP 340756116190618 Heat dissipation probe at 175 ft.

JTUZ-1 AT @ 92 001N006E35A019SAT 340756116190619 Advanced tensiometer at 92 ft.

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 91 001N006E35A020SLYS 340756116190620 Suction-cup lysimeter at 91 ft.

JTUZ-1 GAS @ 90 001N006E35A021SGS 340756116190621 Gas sampler at 90 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 75 001N006E35A022SHDP 340756116190622 Heat dissipation probe at 75 ft.

JTUZ-1 HDP @ 39 001N006E35A023SHDP 340756116190623 Heat dissipation probe at 39 ft.

JTUZ-2 JTUZ-2 HDP @ 78 001N006E35B001SHDP 340756116191701 Heat dissipation probe at 78 ft.

JTUZ-2 AT @ 71 001N006E35B002SAT 340756116191702 Advanced tensiometer at 71 ft.

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 70 001N006E35B003SLYS 340756116191703 Suction-cup lysimeter at 70 ft.

JTUZ-2 HDP @ 69 001N006E35B004SHDP 340756116191704 Heat dissipation probe at 69 ft.

JTUZ-2 GAS @ 68 001N006E35B005SGS 340756116191705 Gas sampler at 68 ft.

JTUZ-2 AT @ 62 001N006E35B006SAT 340756116191706 Advanced tensiometer at 62 ft.

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 61 001N006E35B007SLYS 340756116191707 Suction-cup lysimeter at 61 ft.

JTUZ-2 HDP @ 60 001N006E35B008SHDP 340756116191708 Heat dissipation probe at 60 ft.

JTUZ-2 GAS @ 59 001N006E35B009SGS 340756116191709 Gas sampler at 59 ft.

JTUZ-2 HDP @ 45 001N006E35B010SHDP 340756116191710 Heat dissipation probe at 45 ft.

JTUZ-2 AT @ 39 001N006E35B011SAT 340756116191711 Advanced tensiometer at 39 ft.

JTUZ-2 HDP @ 38 001N006E35B012SHDP 340756116191712 Heat dissipation probe at 38 ft.

JTUZ-2 GAS @ 37 001N006E35B013SGS 340756116191713 Gas sampler at 37 ft.

JTUZ-2 HDP @ 15 001N006E35B014SHDP 340756116191714 Heat dissipation probe at 15 ft.

JTUZ-2 GAS @ 14 001N006E35B015SGS 340756116191715 Gas sampler at 14 ft.
6 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Cuttings were collected at 1-ft intervals in buckets from 

the “cyclone” discharge, a means of cuttings disposal that 

focuses the discharge of cuttings in one location below a 

cylinder that dissipates the force of the compressed air used 

in drilling (fig. 3). Sample collection was coordinated with 

drilling rates to allow cuttings to be collected at discrete 

intervals. Subsamples of cuttings from each 1-ft interval were 

saved in 1-quart, re-sealable plastic bags for water extractions 

and in smaller-volume plastic fishing tackle boxes for further 

lithologic description in the laboratory and for archiving. At 

select locations, material was subsampled and saved in a heatsealable aluminum pouch to retain moisture. The site, date, 

time, and depth of the cuttings were recorded on the pouch.

Five cores were collected from the JTUZ-1 borehole, 

six cores were collected from the JTUZ-4 borehole, and no 

cores were collected from JTUZ-2 (analyses of JTUZ-4 core 

material were not complete at time of press, 2012). Cores 

were collected on the basis of lithologic changes observed in 

the cuttings. Before collection, the 2-ft-long core barrel was 

lined with four 4-in.-diameter, 6-in.-long aluminum or brass 

core liners. Immediately after each core was collected, (1) the 

core barrel was retrieved and disassembled, (2) material in the 

nose cone of the core barrel was collected and saved in a heatsealable aluminum pouch, (3) core liners were extruded from 

the end of the core barrel, (4) the core liners were capped with 

plastic end-caps containing a filter paper (for later analysis of 

matric potential) and sealed with electrical tape, (5) the depth 

and orientation of the core was recorded on the end-caps, 

(6) each core liner was wrapped in plastic and placed into a 

heat-sealable aluminum pouch (that was immediately sealed 

by using a conventional clothes iron), and (7) the site, date, 

time, and depth of the core were recorded on the pouch. Four 

pouches, one for each 6-in.-long core liner, were required for 

each core. Plastic and heat-sealable aluminum pouches, used 

to store cuttings and cores, are commercially available and are 

designed and tested to retain moisture in core material (fig. 4; 

Table 2. Site names, instrumentation names and numbers, and description of instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring sites 

near proposed recharge facility near Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2009–10.

[Site location shown in figure 2. Abbreviations: AT, advanced tensiometer; DEPS, dielectric permittivity sensor; ft, feet; GAS, gas sampler; HDP, heat 

dissipation probe; LYS, suction-cup lysimeter; @, at; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey]

Common

site 

name

Instrumentation names and numbers

Description of instrumentation Descriptive name Station name

and instrument suffix

USGS site 

identification 

number

JTUZ-3 JTUZ-3 LYS @ 102.5 001N006E25J001SLYS 340824116180001 Suction-cup lysimeter at 102.5 ft.

 JTUZ-3 TEST HOLE 001N006E25J002STH 340824116180002 Test hole at 102 ft.

 JTUZ-3 DEPS @ 80 001N006E25J003SDEPS 340824116180003 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 80 ft.

 JTUZ-3 DEPS @ 36 001N006E25J004SDEPS 340824116180004 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 36 ft.

JTUZ-4 JTUZ-4 2-inch WELL 001N006E25J005S 340824116180701 Well, perforated from 417 to 427 ft.

JTUZ-4 LYS @ 415 001N006E25J006SLYS 340824116180702 Suction-cup lysimeter at 415 ft.

JTUZ-4 DEPS @ 400 001N006E25J007SDEPS 340824116180703 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 400 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 400 001N006E25J008SHDP 340824116180704 Heat dissipation probe at 400 ft.

JTUZ-4 AT @ 375 001N006E25J009SAT 340824116180705 Advanced tensiometer at 375 ft.

JTUZ-4 LYS @ 373 001N006E25J010SLYS 340824116180706 Suction-cup lysimeter at 373 ft.

JTUZ-4 DEPS @ 372 001N006E25J011SDEPS 340824116180707 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 372 ft.

JTUZ-4 DEPS @ 326 001N006E25J012SDEPS 340824116180708 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 326 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 300 001N006E25J013SHDP 340824116180709 Heat dissipation probe at 300 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 245 001N006E25J014SHDP 340824116180710 Heat dissipation probe at 245 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 208 001N006E25J015SHDP 340824116180711 Heat dissipation probe at 208 ft.

JTUZ-4 AT @ 195 001N006E25J016SAT 340824116180712 Advanced tensiometer at 195 ft.

JTUZ-4 LYS @ 194 001N006E25J017SLYS 340824116180713 Suction-cup lysimeter at 194 ft.

JTUZ-4 DEPS @ 192 001N006E25J018SDEPS 340824116180714 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 192 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 162 001N006E25J019SHDP 340824116180715 Heat dissipation probe at 162 ft.

JTUZ-4 DEPS @ 119 001N006E25J020SDEPS 340824116180716 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 119 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 119 001N006E25J021SHDP 340824116180717 Heat dissipation probe at 119 ft.

JTUZ-4 AT @ 76 001N006E25J022SAT 340824116180718 Advanced tensiometer at 76 ft.

JTUZ-4 LYS @ 75 001N006E25J023SLYS 340824116180719 Suction-cup lysimeter at 75 ft.

JTUZ-4 DEPS @ 73 001N006E25J024SDEPS 340824116180720 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 73 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 44 001N006E25J025SHDP 340824116180721 Heat dissipation probe at 44 ft.

JTUZ-4 LYS @ 22 001N006E25J026SLYS 340824116180722 Suction-cup lysimeter at 22 ft.

JTUZ-4 HDP @ 20 001N006E25J027SHDP 340824116180723 Heat dissipation probe at 20 ft.

JTUZ-4 DEPS @ 20 001N006E25J028SDEPS 340824116180724 Dielectric permittivity sensor at 20 ft.
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 7

Izbicki and others, 2000). A core was collected from 100 to 

105 ft bls by using a split-spoon-type sampler at the bottom of 

the JTUZ-3 borehole.

Lithologic Data

Detailed lithologic logs were compiled for each ODEX 

monitoring site from descriptions of drill cuttings and core 

material collected at each borehole at 1-ft intervals (tables 3 

and 4). These logs were initially compiled in the field to define 

lithologic changes that would affect infiltration to determine 

which depths were best suited for instruments to be placed in 

the borehole. The lithologic logs that were initially compiled 

from descriptions in the field were later refined on the basis of 

descriptions from binocular microscope analysis of samples at 

the USGS San Diego Water Quality Laboratory.

In the field, cuttings were laid out on the ground in 

rows of 10-ft intervals, such that major lithologic changes 

could be identified as drilling proceeded (fig. 5). Cuttings and 

core material were described in the field by texture, sorting, 

rounding, color, and other major features when applicable 

(for example, major changes in mineralogy). The texture of 

cuttings was determined by using a method developed by 

Folk (1954; fig. 6), and particle-size descriptions follow the 

National Research Council (Lane, 1947) classification. This 

classification allows general grain-size terms (such as “sand”) 

to be correlated with size limits in metric or English units. In 

the laboratory, grain sizes of samples were described under an 

optical microscope detailing every size of grain seen in order 

of most to least prominent. Modifiers were used to quantify 

percentages of grain sizes. For example, a sample composed of 

60-percent sand and 40-percent silt would be called ‘sand and 

silt’; a sample composed of 80-percent sand and 20-percent 

silt would be called ‘sand with some silt’; a sample composed 

of 89-percent sand and 11-percent silt would be called ‘sand 

with occasional silt.’ Occasionally, modifiers were combined 

to thoroughly describe the samples. The colors of dry cuttings 

were determined by using the numerical designation in the 

Munsell Soil Color Charts (Munsell, 1994).

In addition to lithologic data, the specific conductance 

of a mixture of 50 mL of distilled water and 50 +/- 1 grams 

(g) of cuttings or core material that had passed through 

a 1-millimeter (mm) mesh-size sieve was measured and 

recorded in the field at 1-ft intervals (figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10). 

These reconnaissance data were collected to locate where 

in the unsaturated zone the salts had naturally accumulated 

independent of lithology, prior to installation of the 

instrumentation, so that additional instruments could be placed 

in locations of high specific conductance.

IP007760_Figure 03

Figure 3. Collection of ODEX drilling cuttings from “cyclone” 

discharge, in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 

May 2007

IP007760_Figure 04

B

C

A

Figure 4. Core sampling techniques, in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May 2007. A, Plastic core endcaps being placed on the core liner as it is extruded from the core 

barrel; B, Removal of material from the nose of the core barrel; 

C, Archiving material from the nose of the core barrel for chemical 

extractions.
8 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

0 5.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry

5.5 6.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry

6.5 7.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry

7.5 8.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular; very pale 

brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

8.5 9.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular; very pale 

brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

9.5 10.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; light brownish gray (10 YR 6/2) dry

10.5 11.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

11.5 12.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

12.5 13.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; some clumping of material

13.5 14.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

14.5 15.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

15.5 16.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; some clumping of material

16.5 17.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; 

angular to sub-angular; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

17.5 18.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <12 mm; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

18.5 19.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules, pebbles <15 mm and silt; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

19.5 20.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules, pebbles <15 mm and silt; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

20.5 21.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules, pebbles <15 mm and silt; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

21.5 22.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to 

sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

22.5 23.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

23.5 24.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

24.5 25.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <6 mm, with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

25.5 26.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

26.5 27.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <12 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to 

sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

27.5 28.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <25 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to subangular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

28.5 29.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand to granules and very fine to coarse sand; moderately sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California.
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 9

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

29.5 30.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand to granules and very fine to coarse sand with some pebbles <15 mm and silts; very poorly 

sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

30.5 31.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles 

<40 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

31.5 32.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

32.5 33.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

33.5 34.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand to granules and very fine to coarse sand with some pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

34.5 35.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts; very poorly sorted; angular to 

sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) moist; some clumping of material

35.5 36.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

36.5 37.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt; very poorly sorted; angular to subangular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

37.5 38.5 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; some clumping of material

38.5 39.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; brown (10 YR 4/3) moist; some clumping of material

39.5 40.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <15 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; brown (10 YR 4/3) moist; some clumping of material

40.5 41.5 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <15 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; brown (10 YR 4/3) moist; some clumping of material

41.5 42.5 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <15 mm; 

very poorly sorted; grains finer than very coarse sand = sub-angular, granules = sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 4/3) moist; 

some clumping of material

42.5 43.5 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <15 mm; 

very poorly sorted; grains finer than very coarse sand = sub-angular, granules = sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 4/3) moist; 

some clumping of material

43.5 44.5 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <15 mm; 

very poorly sorted; grains finer than very coarse sand = sub-angular, granules = sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 4/3) moist; 

some clumping of material

44.5 45.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules, with occasional clays; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; brown (7.5 YR 4/4) moist; some clumping of material; mica rich

45.5 46.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules, with occasional clays; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; brown (7.5 YR 4/4) moist; some clumping of material

46.5 47.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules, with occasional clays; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; brown (7.5 YR 4/4) moist; some clumping of material

47.5 48.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; 

angular to sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

48.5 49.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; subangular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

49.5 50.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark 

yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

50.5 51.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark 

yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; minor clumping of material

51.5 52.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark 

yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material
10 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

52.5 53.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with some granules, with occasional pebbles 

<25 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

53.5 54.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with some granules, with occasional pebbles 

<15 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist

54.5 55.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with some granules, with occasional pebbles 

<15 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

55.5 56.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with some granules, with occasional pebbles 

<10 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

56.5 57.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark 

yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

57.5 58.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules, with occasional pebbles 

<10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping of material

58.5 59.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; not a lithology change, no compression from 2nd drill rig, not enough air to blow 

coarser particle

59.5 60.5 No sample collected

60.5 61.5 No sample collected

63.5 — Nose cone; gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules, with occasional 

pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping

63.5 64.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules, with occasional pebbles <7 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; some clumping

64.5 65.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist; some clumping of material

65.5 66.5 Sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with occasional silt; moderately sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist

66.5 67.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine to medium sand with some granules, with occasional pebbles 

<10 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist

67.5 68.5 Sand; fine to medium sand and coarse to very coarse sand with some silts to very fine sands; moderately sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

68.5 69.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist; some clumping of material

69.5 70.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; not a lithology change, no compression from 2nd drill rig, not 

enough air

70.5 71.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; not a lithology change, no compression from 2nd drill rig, not 

enough air

71.5 72.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; not a lithology change, no compression from 2nd drill rig, not 

enough air

72.5 73.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

73.5 74.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

74.5 75.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist

75.5 76.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) moist

76.5 77.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) moist
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 11

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

77.5 78.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

78.5 79.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

79.5 80.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

80.5 81.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very coarse sand with some very fine to coarse sands with occasional silt, granules and 

pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) moist

81.5 82.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular – angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

82.5 83.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) moist

83.5 84.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

84.5 85.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist

85.5 86.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist

86.5 87.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <30 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

87.5 88.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <30 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist

88.5 89.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <25 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular – angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

89.5 90.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular – angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

90.5 91.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular – angular, pebbles sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

91.5 92.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular – angular; brown (7.5 YR 4/4) moist; clumping, caliche

92.5 93.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

93.5 94.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules with occasional pebbles; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

94.5 95.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules with occasional pebbles; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

95.5 96.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules with occasional pebbles; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

96.5 97.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules with occasional pebbles; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

97.5 98.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules with occasional pebbles; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

98.5 99.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules with occasional pebbles; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

99.5 100.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules with occasional pebbles; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist; clumping, caliche

100.5 101.5 Gravelly sand very coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some very fine to medium sand and with occasional 

pebbles <8 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

101.5 102.5 Gravelly sand medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional silt and pebbles <8 mm; poorly sorted; subangular; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; clumping
12 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

102.5 103.5 Gravelly sand coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional silt and pebbles <8 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

103.5 104.5 Gravelly sand very coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some very fine to medium sand and with occasional 

pebbles <15 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist; clumping

104.5 105.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <30 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular – angular; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

105.5 106.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular sands – sub-rounded granules; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

106.5 107.5 Gravelly sand very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional silt and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

107.5 108.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional silt and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist

108.5 109.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and with occasional pebbles <15 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) moist

109.5 110.5 Slightly gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist

110.5 111.5 Slightly gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist

111.5 112.5 Slightly gravelly sand; very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist

112.5 113.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular sands – sub-rounded granules; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

113.5 114.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular sands – sub-rounded granules; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) moist

114.5 115.5 Gravelly sand very coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some very fine to medium sand and with occasional 

pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular – angular; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist

115.5 116.5 Gravelly sand very coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some very fine to medium sand and with occasional 

pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular – angular; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist

116.5 117.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist

117.5 118.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist; clumping

118.5 119.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional pebbles <8 mm; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

109.5 120.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional pebbles <8 mm; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

120.5 121.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional pebbles <8 mm; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

121.5 122.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional pebbles <8 mm; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

122.5 123.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

123.5 124.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

124.5 125.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist

125.5 126.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist

126.5 127.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) moist;
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 13

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

127.5 128.5 Sand; fine sand and silts to medium sand with some coarse to very coarse sand and with occasional granules and pebbles 

<8 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

128.5 129.5 Sand; fine sand and silts to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules and with occasional pebbles <8 mm; moderately 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

129.5 130.5 Sand; fine sand and silts to medium sand with some coarse sand to granules and with occasional pebbles <8 mm; moderately 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

130.5 131.5 Slightly gravelly sand medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional pebbles <15 mm and silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

131.5 132.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

132.5 133.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

133.5 134.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

134.5 135.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist; clumping

135.5 136.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist

136.5 137.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

137.5 138.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

138.5 139.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

139.5 140.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

140.5 141.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

141.5 142.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist

142.5 143.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; clumping

143.5 144.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist; clumping

144.5 145.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) moist

145.5 146.5 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist

146.5 147.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/6) moist;

147.5 148.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm and occasional silts; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

148.5 149.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

149.5 150.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

150.5 151.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist

151.5 152.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist
14 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

152.5 153.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

153.5 154.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

154.5 155.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

155.5 156.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

156.5 157.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

157.5 158.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

158.5 159.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) moist

159.5 160.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) moist

160.5 161.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) moist; minor clumping

161.5 162.5 Sand; fine sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts; moderately sorted; sub-angular; light reddish brown (2.5 YR 

6/4) moist

162.5 163.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular; light reddish brown (2.5 YR 6/4) moist

163.5 164.5 Gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and coarse to very coarse sand with some granules and silts with occasional pebbles 

<30 mm; moderately sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

164.5 165.5 Sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to very coarse sand with some granules and silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

165.5 166.5 Sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to very coarse sand with some granules and silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

166.5 167.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

167.5 168.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

168.5 169.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

169.5 170.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

170.5 171.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

171.5 172.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <8 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumping

172.5 173.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

173.5 174.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

174.5 175.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

175.5 176.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

176.5 177.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 15

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

177.5 178.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

178.5 179.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

179.5 180.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

180.5 181.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

182.5 183.5 Slightly gravelly sand; coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

183.5 184.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

184.5 185.5 Sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and occasional pebbles <10 mm; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

185.5 186.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

186.5 187.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

187.5 188.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid, first occurence 

of basalt pebbles

188.5 189.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

189.5 190.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) moist; clumps effervesce with acid

190.5 191.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

191.5 192.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

192.5 193.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

193.5 194.5 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

194.5 195.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid, basalt pebble ~5 mm

195.5 196.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some pebbles <25 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid, basalt pebbles ~15 mm

196.5 197.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and fine sand to granules with some pebbles <25 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

197.5 198.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and medium sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

198.5 199.5 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and fine sand to granules with some pebbles <30 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry

199.5 200.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

200.5 201.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumping

201.5 202.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumps effervesce with acid
16 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

202.5 — Nose cone; gravelly sand; very coarse sand and granules to pebbles <15 mm with some fine to medium sands; moderately 

sorted; sub-angular – angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

202.5 203.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry;

203.5 204.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumping

204.5 205.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

205.5 206.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

206.5 207.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules; moderately sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

207.5 208.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

208.5 209.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; basalt very coarse grain to pebbles

209.5 210.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

210.5 211.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; basalt very coarse grain to pebbles

211.5 212.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; basalt very coarse grain to pebbles

212.5 213.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; basalt very coarse grain to pebbles ~15 mm

213.5 214.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

214.5 215.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

215.5 216.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

216.5 217.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

217.5 218.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; minor basalt very coarse grain

218.5 219.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

219.5 220.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional silt and granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

220.5 221.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional silt and granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

221.5 222.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional silt and granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

222.5 223.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional silt and granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

223.5 224.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt with occasional pebbles <7 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

224.5 225.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt with occasional pebbles <7 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

225.5 226.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 17

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

226.5 227.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

227.5 228.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

228.5 229.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

229.5 230.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

230.5 231.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt with occasional pebbles <7 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

231.5 232.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

232.5 233.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

233.5 234.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <7 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

234.5 235.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

235.5 236.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

236.5 237.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

237.5 238.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

238.5 239.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; basalt granules

239.5 240.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; clumps effervesce with acid

240.5 241.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <30 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

241.5 242.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

242.5 243.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

243.5 244.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

244.5 245.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

245.5 246.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

246.5 247.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

247.5 248.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; very pale brown (10 YR 8/3) dry

248.5 249.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

249.5 250.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; basalt granules

250.5 251.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry
18 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

251.5 252.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; basalt granules

252.5 253.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; basalt granules

253.5 254.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

254.5 255.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

255.5 256.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

256.5 257.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

257.5 258.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) moist; came out of hole very moist; ~15mm basalt pebble

258.5 259.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

259.5 260.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

260.5 261.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

261.5 262.5 Sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand, granules and silts, with occasional pebbles <8 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) moist

262.5 263.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt with occasional pebbles <7 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry

263.5 264.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) dry

264.5 265.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

265.5 266.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

266.5 267.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

267.5 268.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

268.5 269.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm and silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

269.5 270.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm and silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

270.5 271.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine sand to granules with some pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

271.5 272.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

272.5 273.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

273.5 274.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <20 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

274.5 275.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

275.5 276.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 19

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

276.5 277.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silts and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

277.5 278.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

278.5 279.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

279.5 280.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand, granules and silts; moderately sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; very small sample

280.5 281.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand, granules and silts; moderately sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; very small sample

281.5 282.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand, granules and silts; moderately sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; very small sample

282.5 283.5 Sand; medium sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand, granules and silts; moderately sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry; very small sample

283.5 284.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine sand to pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown 

(10 YR 7/3) dry

284.5 285.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules with occasional pebbles <8 

mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

285.5 286.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules with occasional pebbles <8 

mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

286.5 287.5 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine sand and fine to coarse sand with some silts, very coarse sands and granules; poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

287.5 288.5 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine sand and fine to coarse sand with some silts, very coarse sands and granules; poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

288.5 289.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules with occasional pebbles <8 

mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

289.5 290.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules with occasional pebbles <8 

mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

290.5 291.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules with occasional pebbles <8 

mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

291.5 292.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules with occasional pebbles <8 

mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

292.5 293.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and granules with occasional pebbles <8 

mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

293.5 294.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

294.5 295.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

295.5 296.5 Gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

296.5 297.5 Gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3)dry

297.5 298.5 Gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

298.5 299.5 Gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

299.5 300.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumps, effervesce with acid

300.5 301.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry; clumping, no effervescence
20 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

301.5 302.5 No sample collected

303 — Nose cone; gravelly sand; medium sand and fine sand to pebbles <25 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown 

(10 YR 5/3) dry

302.5 303.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

303.5 304.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

304.5 305.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

305.5 306.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

306.5 307.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

307.5 308.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm and silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

308.5 309.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine sand to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm and silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

309.5 310.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

310.5 311.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine sand to granules with some silt, with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

311.5 312.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

312.5 313.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

313.5 314.5 Silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

314.5 315.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and 

pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

315.5 316.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and 

pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

316.5 317.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

317.5 318.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

318.5 319.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

319.5 320.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

320.5 321.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

321.5 322.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

322.5 323.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and pebbles 

<7 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

323.5 324.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and pebbles 

<7 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

324.5 325.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 21

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

325.5 326.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sand to granules with some pebbles <10 mm, with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

326.5 327.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

327.5 328.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and pebbles 

<7 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

328.5 329.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and pebbles 

<7 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

329.5 330.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

330.5 331.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

331.5 332.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

332.5 333.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some silts granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

333.5 334.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and pebbles 

<15 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

334.5 335.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts and with occasional granules and pebbles 

<10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

335.5 336.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

336.5 337.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

337.5 338.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and and pebbles <10 mm and with 

occasional silt; poorly ssorted; sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

338.5 339.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

339.5 340.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules and pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

340.5 341.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and and pebbles <10 mm and with 

occasional silt; poorly sorted; sub-angular; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

343 — Nose cone: Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional pebbles 

<7 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumping

341.5 342.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and medium to very coarse sand with some granules and occasional fine sands and pebbles 

<7 mm; moderately sorted; sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumping

342.5 343.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and occasional pebbles <7 mm; moderately 

sorted; sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumping

343.5 344.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and occasional pebbles <7 mm; moderately 

sorted; sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumping

344.5 345.5 Sand; medium sand with fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown 

(10 YR 5/3) dry; clumping, no effervescence

345.5 346.5 Sand; medium sand with fine to very coarse sand with some granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown 

(10 YR 5/3) dry; clumping, no effervescence

346.5 347.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand with fine to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry; clumping, no effervescence

347.5 348.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand with fine to very coarse sand with some granules and with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry; clumping, no effervescence

348.5 349.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry
22 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

349.5 350.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

350.5 351.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

351.5 352.5 Sand; fine and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sands and with occasional granules and silts; well sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

352.5 353.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sands and granules and with occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

353.5 354.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sands and granules and with occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumping, no effervescence

354.5 355.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sands and granules and with occasional silt; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry; clumping, no effervescence

355.5 356.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sands and granules and with occasional silt; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

356.5 357.5 Gravelly sand; fine and very fine to very coarse sands with some pebbles <10 mm and granules and with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

357.5 358.5 Gravelly sand; fine and very fine to very coarse sands with some pebbles <10 mm and granules and with occasional silt; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

358.5 359.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine and very fine to coarse sand with some silts, very coarse sands and granules; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

359.5 360.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sands and granules and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; clumping, no effervescence

360.5 361.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale red (2.5 YR 7/2) dry

361.5 362.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale red (2.5 YR 7/2) dry

362.5 363.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

363.5 364.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

364.5 365.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

365.5 366.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; reddish brown (2.5 YR 5/3) dry

366.5 367.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

367.5 368.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

368.5 369.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

369.5 370.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

370.5 371.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

371.5 372.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

372.5 373.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

373.5 374.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 23

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

374.5 375.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; minor clumping, no effervescence

375.5 376.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; minor clumping, no effervescence

376.5 377.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry; minor clumping, no effervescence

377.5 378.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light reddish brown (2.5 YR 7/3) dry

378.5 379.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light reddish brown (2.5 YR 7/3) dry

379.5 380.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; light reddish brown (2.5 YR 7/3) dry

380.5 381.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

381.5 382.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

382.5 383.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

383.5 384.5 Sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish 

brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

384.5 385.5 Sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish 

brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

385.5 386.5 Sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish 

brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

386.5 387.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

387.5 388.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silt, granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

388.5 389.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sands to granules and with occasional pebble 

<10 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

389.5 390.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sands to granules and with occasional pebble 

<10 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

390.5 391.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sands to granules and with occasional pebble 

<10 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

391.5 392.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; fine sand and silt to medium sand with some coarse sands to granules and with occasional pebble 

<10 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

392.5 393.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

393.5 394.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

394.5 395.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

395.5 396.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

396.5 397.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

397.5 398.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

398.5 399.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry
24 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

399.5 400.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and pebbles <20 mm and with occasional 

silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

400.5 401.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

401.5 402.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some granules and pebbles <20 mm and with occasional 

silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

402.5 403.5 Gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to very coarse sands with some granules and pebbles <10 mm and with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 8/3) dry

403.5 404.5 Gravelly sand; fine to very fine sand and medium to very coarse sands with some granules and pebbles <10 mm and with 

occasional silt; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 8/3) dry

404.5 405.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

405.5 406.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sands with some granules and with occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

406.5 407.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and medium to very coarse sands with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

407.5 408.5 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and medium to very coarse sands with some granules and pebbles <20 mm; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

408.5 409.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some silts, granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

409.5 410.5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some silts, granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

410.5 411.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some silts, granules and pebbles <30 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

411.5 412.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sands with some silts, granules and pebbles <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

412.5 413.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

413.5 414.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

414.5 415.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

415.5 416.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

416.5 417.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

417.5 418.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

418.5 419.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

419.5 420.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

420.5 421.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

423 — Nose cone; gravelly sand; coarse sand to granules and very fine to very coarse sands with some and pebbles <10 mm; 

moderatley sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

421.5 422.5 Gravelly sand; medium to coarse sand and very fine sands to granules with occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

422.5 423.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine sands to granules with occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 25

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

423.5 424.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

424.5 425.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

425.5 426.5 Gravelly silty sand; medium to coarse sand and silts to granules with some pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

426.5 427.5 Gravelly silty sand; medium to coarse sand and silts to granules with some pebbles <25 mm; very poorly sorted; angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

427.5 428.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some silts, very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

428.5 429.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some silts, very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

429.5 430.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

430.5 431.5 Silty sand; fine to medium sands and silts with occasional coarse sand to pebble <20 mm; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

431.5 432.5 Silty sand; fine to medium sands and silts with occasional coarse sand to pebble <20 mm; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

432.5 433.5 Silty sand; fine to medium sands and silts with occasional coarse sand to pebble <20 mm; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

433.5 434.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with occasional coarse sand to pebble <20 mm; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

434.5 435.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with occasional coarse sand to pebble <20 mm; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

435.5 436.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with occasional coarse sand to pebble <20 mm; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

436.5 437.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with occasional coarse sand to pebble <20 mm; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

437.5 438.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some silts, very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) moist

438.5 439.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some silts, very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional silt and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/4) moist

439.5 440.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

440.5 441.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

441.5 442.5 Silty sand; medium to coarse sand and silts with some very fine to very coarse sands and with occasional granules; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

442.5 443.5 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand with some very fine sands and granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm; poorly 

sorted; angular to rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

443.5 444.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; medium to very coarse sand and silts to granules with occasioal pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

444.5 445.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; medium to very coarse sand and silts to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

445.5 446.5 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

446.5 447.5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some silts, granules with occasional and pebbles 

<10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light yellowish brown (10 YR 6/4) dry

447.5 448.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry
26 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

448.5 449.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

449.5 450.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; medium to very coarse sand and silts to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

450.5 451.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; medium to very coarse sand and silts to granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

451.5 452.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) dry

452.5 453.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

453.5 454.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

454.5 455.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

455.5 456.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

456.5 457.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

light gray (10 YR 7/1) dry

457.5 458.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

light gray (10 YR 7/1) dry

458.5 459.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

light gray (10 YR 7/1) dry

459.5 460.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

460.5 461.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

461.5 462.5 Sand; fine to medium sand with some very fine to very coarse sand and granules; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

462.5 463.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; well 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

463.5 464.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; well 

sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) dry

464.5 465.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

465.5 466.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

466.5 467.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

467.5 468.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

468.5 469.5 Slightly gravelly silty sand; very fine to fine sand and silts to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules and with 

occasional pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

469.5 470.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

470.5 471.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

471.5 472.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

472.5 473.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 27

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

473.5 474.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

474.5 475.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

475.5 476.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

476.5 477.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

477.5 478.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts with some medium to very coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

478.5 479.5 Silty sand; very fine to fine sands and silts to very coarse sands with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

479.5 480.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

480.5 481.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

481.5 482.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

482.5 483.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

483.5 484.5 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

484.5 485.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

485.5 486.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

486.5 487.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

487.5 488.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

488.5 489.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

489.5 490.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

490.5 491.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

491.5 492.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

492.5 493.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry; clumping, effervesces with acid

493.5 494.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

494.5 495.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

495.5 496.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

496.5 497.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

497.5 498.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry
28 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 3. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than; ~, approximately; 

=, equal; —, not applicable]

Depth Description From To

498.5 499.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

499.5 500.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

500.5 501.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

501.5 502.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

502.5 503.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

503.5 504.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

504.5 505.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

505.5 506.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

506.5 507.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

507.5 508.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

508.5 509.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

509.5 510.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

510.5 511.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

511.5 512.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

512.5 513.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

513.5 514.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

514.5 515.5 Silty sand; fine sand and silt with some very fine sand and occasional medium to coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; white (10 YR 8/1) dry; may not represent lithologic change, may be a function of ODEX drill blowing only 

fine-grained fraction through

515.5 516.5 Silty sand; fine sand and silt with some very fine sand and occasional medium to coarse sands; well sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; white (10 YR 8/1) dry; may not represent lithologic change, may be a function of ODEX drill blowing only 

fine-grained fraction through

516.5 526.5 No sample collected

526.5 527.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

527.5 528.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

528.5 529.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

529.5 530.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

530.5 531.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry

531.5 532.5 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm and with occasional silt; 

very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; light gray (10 YR 7/2) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 29

Table 4. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35B1S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,790 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), June 1–6, 2007. Total depth drilled: 

81 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 1994); 

cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than]

Depth (ft) Description From To

2 3 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

3 4 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; with occasional pebbles <12 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

4 5 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

5 6 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

6 7 No sample collected

7 8 Gravelly silty sand; medium sand and silt to very coarse sand with some granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

8 9 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some very fine sand and granules, with occasional silts; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

9 10 Gravelly silty sand; medium sand and silt to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <7 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

10 11 Gravelly silty sand; medium sand and silt to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <7 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

11 12 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <7 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

12 13 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules, silts and very fine sands; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

13 14 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules, silts and very fine sands; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

14 15 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules, silts and very fine sands; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

15 16 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules, silts and very fine sand, with occasional 

pebbles <10 mm, very poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

16 17 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional silts and very fine sand; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

17 18 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and silt; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

18 19 Gravelly sand; coarse sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

19 20 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with occasional granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular 

to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

20 21 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

21 22 No sample collected

22 23 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and very fine sand with some occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

23 24 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional silt; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

24 25 Gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <7 mm and silt; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

25 26 Gravelly sand; fine sand and medium to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <7 mm with occasional silts; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

26 27 Gravelly sand; fine sand and medium to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <7 mm with occasional silts; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

27 28 Gravelly sand; fine sand and medium to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <7 mm with occasional silts; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

Table 4. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35B1S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California.
30 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 4. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35B1S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,790 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), June 1–6, 2007. Total depth drilled: 

81 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 1994); 

cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than]

Depth (ft) Description From To

28 29 Gravelly sand; fine sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) dry

29 30 Gravelly sand; fine sand and silts to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; very poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/6) dry

32 32 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine sand and silts to medium sand with occasional coarse to very coarse sand and granules; 

well sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

32 33 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional silt; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

33 34 Gravelly sand; fine sand and silt to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry, clumping-no fizz

34 35 Sand; fine sand and very fine to very coarse sand; moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 

5/4) dry, clumping effervesces with acid; retains moisture 1 week after collection

35 36 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules with occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

36 37 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules with occasional silt; 

moderately sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

37 38 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silt to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

38 39 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silt to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

39 40 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silt to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

40 41 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silt to coarse sand with some very coarse sand to granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

41 42 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

42 43 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to granules with some pebbles <6 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular-rounded; pale 

brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

43 44 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to granules with some pebbles <6 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular-rounded; pale 

brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

44 45 Gravelly sand; medium sand and silts to granules with some pebbles <20 mm; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to rounded; 

pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

45 46 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <20 mm; moderately 

sorted; sub-angular-sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

46 47 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <20 mm; moderately 

sorted; sub-angular-sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

47 48 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <20 mm; moderately 

sorted; sub-angular-sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

48 49 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) dry

49 50 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) dry

50 51 Gravelly sand; medium sand and fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; moderately sorted; 

sub-angular to sub-rounded; brownish yellow (10 YR 6/6) dry

51 52 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <10 mm; 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to rounded; (10 YR 6/4) dry

52 53 Slightly gravelly sand; fine to coarse sand with very fine sand with some very coarse sand with occasional granules; well 

sorted; angular to sub-angular pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

53 54 Sand; medium sand and fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand; well sorted; angular to sub-angular pale brown (10 

YR 6/3) dry
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 31

Table 4. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35B1S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,790 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), June 1–6, 2007. Total depth drilled: 

81 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 1994); 

cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than]

Depth (ft) Description From To

54 55 Slightly gravelly sand; fine sand and very fine to coarse sand with some very coarse sand and silts with occasional 

granules; moderately sorted; angular – sub-rounded; very pale brown (10 YR 7/3) dry

55 56 Gravelly silty sand; fine to medium sand and silt with some coarse to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; (10 YR 8/4) dry

56 57 Gravelly sand; very fine to fine sand with some medium to very coarse sand and granules; well sorted; sub-angular to 

rounded; (10 YR 8/4) dry

57 58 Sand; very fine to medium sand with occasional coarse sand; very well sorted; angular – sub-angular (10 YR 4/6) dry

58 59 Gravelly sand; very fine to medium sand with some coarse to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to 

rounded; (10 YR 4/6) dry

59 60 Gravelly sand; very fine to medium sand with some coarse to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to 

rounded; (10 YR 4/6) dry

60 61 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebble <10 mm; very 

poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; pale brown (10 YR 6/3) dry

61 62 Gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and silt to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional pebbles <6 mm; very 

poorly sorted; very coarse and finer sub-angular to sub-rounded; granules; sub-rounded to rounded; pale brown (10 YR 

6/3) dry

62 63 Gravelly sand; medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; 

angular – sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

63 64 Gravelly sand; fine to medium sand and very fine to very coarse sand with some granules with occasional silts; poorly 

sorted; angular – sub-rounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

64 65 Sand; very fine to medium sand with some coarse to very coarse sand and silt; moderately sorted; sub-angular to subrounded; yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) dry

65 66 Gravelly sand; very fine to medium sand with some coarse to very coarse sand and silt with occasional granules and 

pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

66 67 Gravelly sand; very fine to medium sand with some coarse to very coarse sand and silt with occasional granules and 

pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry

67 68 Gravelly sand; very fine to medium sand with some coarse to very coarse sand and silt with occasional granules and 

pebbles <10 mm; poorly sorted; sub-angular to sub-rounded; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4) dry retains moisture 

1 week after collected, clump

68 69 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

69 70 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

70 71 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

71 72 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

72 73 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

73 74 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

74 75 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

75 76 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry

76 77 Gravelly sand; very fine to coarse sand and very coarse sand with some granules and pebbles <15 mm; poorly sorted; subangular to sub-rounded; brown (10 YR 5/3) dry
32 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 5. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J1S (JTUZ-3) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California.

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,777 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), May 21– June 1, 2007. Total depth 

drilled: 545 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name 

(Munsell, 1994); cutting colors specified as identified dry or moist. Abbreviations: ft, feet; mm, millimeter; >, greater than; <, less than] 

Depth (ft) Description From To

0 5 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

angular; olive brown (2.5Y 4/3)

5 10 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

olive brown (2.5Y 4/3)

10 15 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

angular; olive brown (2.5Y 4/3)

15 20 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; small pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

olive brown (2.5Y 4/3)

20 25 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular olive brown 

(2.5Y 4/3)

25 30 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular olive brown 

(2.5Y 4/3)

30 35 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to subangular; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

35 40 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angulart to sub-angular; 

light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

40 45 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angulart to sub-angular; 

light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

45 50 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to subangular; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

50 55 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

55 60 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

light to olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

60 65 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

light to olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

65 70 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

light to olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

70 75 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; light to olive brown 

(2.5Y 5/3)

75 80 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; light to 

olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

80 85 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

light to olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

85 90 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; light to olive brown 

(2.5Y 5/3)

90 95 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

olive brown (2.5Y 4/4)

95 100 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to sub-angular; 

olive brown (2.5Y 4/4)

100 105 Core-Shoe; gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to 

sub-angular; olive brown (2.5Y 4/4)
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 33

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

0 6 No samples collected

6 7 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to very angular; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

7 8 Sand; very fine to medium sand; well sorted; angular to very angular; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

8 9 Sand; very fine to medium sand; well sorted; angular to very angular; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

9 10 Sand; very fine to medium sand; well sorted; angular to very angular; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3)

10 11 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to very angular; light olive 

brown (2.5Y 5/4)

11 12 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to very angular; light olive 

brown (2.5Y 5/4)

12 13 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; light olive brown (2.5Y 5/4)

13 14 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light olive brown 

(2.5Y 5/4)

14 15 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light olive brown 

(2.5Y 5/4)

15 16 Sandy gravel; granules to medium pebbles and medium to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to very angular; 

light yellowish brown (2.5Y 6/3)

16 17 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; light olive 

brown (2.5Y 5/4)

17 18 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; very angular; light olive brown 

(2.5Y 5/4)

18 38 No sample collected

38 39 Gravelly silty sand; very fine to very coarse sand and silt and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light 

yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

39 40 Gravelly silty sand; very fine to very coarse sand and silt and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light 

yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

40 41 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

41 42 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

42 43 Sand; very fine to medium sand; well sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

43 44 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; moderately sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

44 45 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; moderately sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

45 46 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

46 47 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

47 48 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

48 49 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

49 50 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

50 51 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

51 52 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

52 53 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

53 54 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

54 55 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

55 56 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

56 57 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

57 58 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

58 59 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

59 60 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California.
34 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

60 61 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

61 62 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

62 63 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

63 64 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

64 65 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

65 66 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

66 67 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

67 68 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

68 69 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

69 70 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

70 71 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

71 72 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

72 73 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

73 74 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

74 75 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

75 76 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

76 77 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

77 78 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

78 79 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

79 80 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

80 81 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

81 82 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium sand; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

82 83 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

83 84 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

84 85 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

85 86 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

86 87 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

87 88 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

88 89 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

89 90 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

90 91 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

91 92 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

92 93 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

93 94 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

94 95 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 35

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

95 96 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

96 97 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

97 98 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

98 99 No sample collected

99 100 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

100 101 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

101 102 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

102 103 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

103 104 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and coarse to very coarse sand; moderately sorted; sub-rounded to sub-angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

104 105 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

105 106 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

106 107 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

107 108 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular 

to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

108 109 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular 

to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

109 110 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

110 111 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

111 112 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

112 113 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

113 114 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

114 115 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

115 116 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

116 117 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

117 118 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

118 119 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

119 120 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

120 121 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

121 122 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

122 123 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

123 124 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

124 125 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

125 126 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

126 127 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

127 128 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

128 129 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

129 130 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

130 131 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

131 132 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

132 133 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

133 134 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)
36 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

134 135 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

135 136 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

136 137 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

137 138 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

138 139 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

139 140 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

140 141 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

141 142 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

142 143 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

143 144 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

144 145 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

145 146 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

146 147 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

147 148 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

148 149 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

149 150 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

150 151 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

151 152 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

152 153 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

153 154 No sample collected

154 155 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

155 156 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

156 157 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

157 158 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

158 159 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

159 160 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

160 161 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

161 162 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

162 163 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

163 164 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

164 165 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

165 166 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

166 167 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

167 168 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

168 169 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

169 170 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

170 171 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

171 172 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

172 173 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

173 174 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

174 175 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

175 176 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

176 177 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 37

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

177 178 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

178 179 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

179 180 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

180 181 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

181 182 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

182 183 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

183 184 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

184 185 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

185 186 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

186 187 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

187 188 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

188 189 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

189 190 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

190 191 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; moderately sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

191 192 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

192 193 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

193 194 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

194 195 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

195 196 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

196 197 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

197 198 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

198 199 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

199 200 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and granules to medium sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

200 201 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

201 202 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

202 203 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

203 204 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

204 205 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

205 206 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

206 207 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very angular; brown (10YR 

5/3)

207 208 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

208 209 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

209 210 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

210 211 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

211 212 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

212 213 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)
38 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

213 214 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

214 215 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

215 216 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

216 217 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

217 218 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

218 219 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

219 220 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

220 221 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

221 222 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

222 223 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

223 224 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

224 225 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

225 226 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

226 227 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

227 228 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

228 229 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

229 230 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

230 231 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

231 232 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

232 233 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

233 234 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

234 235 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and medium to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

235 236 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

236 237 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

237 238 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

238 239 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

239 240 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

240 241 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

241 242 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 39

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

242 243 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

243 244 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

244 245 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

245 246 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

246 247 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

247 248 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

248 249 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

249 250 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

250 251 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

251 252 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

252 253 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

253 254 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

254 255 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

255 256 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and very fine to very coarse sand; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

256 257 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

257 258 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

258 259 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

259 260 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

260 261 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

261 262 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

262 263 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

263 264 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

264 265 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

265 266 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

266 267 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

267 268 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

268 269 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

269 270 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

270 271 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

271 272 Sandy gravel; granules to medium pebbles and medium to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

272 273 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

273 274 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

274 275 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

275 276 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

276 277 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

277 278 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

278 279 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace medium pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)
40 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

279 280 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

280 280.5

shoe

Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

280 281 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

281 282 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

282 283 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; pale brown 

(10YR 6/3)

283 284 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace small to medium pebbles; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

284 285 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

285 286 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

286 287 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

287 288 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

288 289 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

289 290 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

290 291 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

291 292 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

292 293 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

293 294 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

294 295 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

295 296 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

296 297 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and very fine to very coarse sand; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

297 298 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

298 299 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

299 300 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and fine to very coarse sand; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

300 301 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

301 302 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

302 303 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

303 304 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

304 305 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

305 306 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

306 307 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

307 308 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and very coarse sand; moderately sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light yellowish 

brown (10YR 6/4); trace medium wood chips

308 309 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

309 310 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 41

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

310 311 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

311 312 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

312 313 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

313 314 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

314 315 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

315 316 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-angular to angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

316 317 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-angular to angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

317 318 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-angular to angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

318 319 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-angular to angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

319 320 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-angular to angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

320 320.5 Shoe; gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

320 321 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; light 

yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

321 322 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and medium to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light 

yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

322 323 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

323 324 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

324 325 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

325 326 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10YR 

5/4)

326 327 No sample collected

327 328 Sand; medium to coarse sand; well sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

328 329 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

329 330 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to 

angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

330 331 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules with trace medium pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to 

angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

331 332 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

332 333 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-rounded to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

333 334 Sand; medium to very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-rounded to sub-angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

334 335 Sand; fine to coarse sand; well sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

335 336 Sand; fine to coarse sand; well sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

336 337 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

337 338 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

338 339 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

339 340 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

340 341 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

341 342 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

342 343 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

343 344 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)
42 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

344 345 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

345 346 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles and trace large pebbles; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

346 347 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles and trace large pebbles; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

347 348 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles and trace large pebbles; very poorly sorted; 

sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

348 349 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

349 350 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules with trace large pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to 

angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

350 351 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

351 352 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

352 353 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

353 354 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

354 355 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

355 356 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and small to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; rounded to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

356 357 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

357 358 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

358 359 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

359 360 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

360 361 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

361 362 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale 

brown (10YR 6/3)

362 363 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles and trace medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; 

angular to very angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

363 364 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

364 365 Sand; very fine to coarse sand and trace medium pebbles; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

365 366 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

366 367 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

367 368 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace small pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light yellowish brown 

(10YR 6/4)

368 369 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace small pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; light yellowish brown 

(10YR 6/4)

369 370 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; angular to very angular; light yellowish 

brown (10YR 6/4)
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 43

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

370 371 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

371 372 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

372 373 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

373 374 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

374 375 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

375 376 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

376 377 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

377 378 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

378 379 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

379 380 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

380 381 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

381 382 Gravelly sand; fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

382 383 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

383 384 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

384 385 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

385 386 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

386 387 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

387 388 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

388 389 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

389 390 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

390 391 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; 

yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

391 392 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

392 393 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

393 394 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand and trace granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 

5/4)

394 395 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

395 396 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

396 397 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; pale brown (10YR 6/3)

397 398 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

398 399 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

399 400 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to 

angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

400 401 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

401 402 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

402 403 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

403 404 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)
44 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

404 405 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

405 406 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

406 407 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

407 408 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

408 409 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to subangular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

409 410 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

410 411 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

411 412 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

412 413 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

413 414 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

413

shoe

415 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; very poorly sorted; sub-angular to very 

angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

414 415 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

415 416 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; angular to very angular; 

light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

416 417 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; light yellowish 

brown (10YR 6/4)

417 418 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

418 419 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

419 420 Sand; very fine to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; sub-angular to angular; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

420 421 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; moderately sorted; sub-rounded to sub-angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

421 422 Sandy gravel; granules to medium pebbles and coarse to very coarse sand; poorly sorted; rounded to very angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

422 423 Slightly gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules to large pebbles; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; 

brown (10YR 5/3)

423 424 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; rounded to angular; brown 

(10YR 5/3)

424 425 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

425 426 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

426 427 Gravelly sand; very coarse sand and granules to medium pebbles; moderately sorted; rounded to sub-angular; yellowish 

brown (10YR 5/4)

427 428 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; rounded to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

428 429 Slightly gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; rounded to angular; yellowish brown 

(10YR 5/4)

429 430 No sample collected

430 431 Silty sand; very fine to very coarse sand and silt; poorly sorted; rounded to sub-angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

431 432 Gravelly silty sand; very fine to very coarse sand, silt and granules to small pebbles; very poorly sorted; rounded to 

sub-angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

432 433 Gravelly sand; medium to very coarse sand and granules; poorly sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 45

Table 6. Lithologic logs for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5S (JTUZ-4) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California.—Continued

[Site location shown in figure 2. Altitude of land surface, approximately 2,680 ft above North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Depth is reported 

in feet below land surface. Drilled by U.S. Geological Survey using Overburden Drilling with Eccentric Drilling (ODEX), April 2–12, 2010. Total depth drilled: 

438 ft. Construction data and instrumentation given in table 1 and figure 8. Munsell notation of color given in parentheses following color name (Munsell, 

1994). Abbreviations: ft, feet]

Depth (ft) Description From To

433 434 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

434 435 Sand; very fine to coarse sand; poorly sorted; rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

435 436 Gravelly sand; coarse to very coarse sand and granules; well sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

436 437 Sandy gravel; granules to small pebbles and very coarse sand; well sorted; sub-rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

437 438 Gravelly sand; very fine to very coarse sand and granules; very poorly sorted; rounded to angular; brown (10YR 5/3)

IP007760_Figure 05

Figure 5. ODEX cuttings arranged so that major lithologic 

changes could be identified, 1N/6E-35A1 (JTUZ-1), Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May 2007

GRAVEL

(>2 mm)

SAND

(0.0625-2 mm)

MUD

(Silt + Clay

<0.0625 mm)

80

30

5

9:1 1:1

Mud:sand ratio

1:9

Gravel, in percent

Gravel

Muddy

gravel

Gravelly

mud

Gravelly

muddy

sand

Muddy

sandy

gravel

Sandy

gravel

Gravelly

sand

Slightly gravelly

sand

Slightly gravelly

mud

Slightly gravelly

sandy mud

Slightly gravelly

muddy sand

Sandy mud Muddy sand

Trace Trace

SAND

CLAY SILT 2:1

Clay:silt ratio

1:2

Sand, in percent

Clay

Sandy

clay

Clayey

sand

Muddy

sand

Silty

sand

Sandy

mud

Sandy

silt

Mud

Sand

Silt

90

50

10

IP007760_Figure 06

Samples

containing

gravel

Samples

lacking

gravel

Figure 6. Nomenclature used to describe texture in lithologic 

logs (Modified from Folk, 1954). mm, millimeter; <, less than.
46 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Water

table

IP007760_Figure 07

GROUT

GROUT

SAND

Gravelly to slightly gravelly sand

with minor sand layering 

Slightly gravelly silty sand

Gravelly sand to

slightly gravelly sand 

Gravelly sand to

slightly gravelly sand 

Gravelly sand to

slightly gravelly sand 

Gravelly sand to

slightly gravelly sand 

Gravelly sand to

slightly gravelly sand 

Gravelly sand to

slightly gravelly sand 

Sand

Sand

Sand, gravelly sand, and slightly

gravelly sand mixtures 

Sand, gravelly sand, and slightly

gravelly sand mixtures 

Slightly gravelly silty sand to

gravelly sand and sand mixtures 

Sand

Gravelly sand to slightly gravelly

silty sand mixtures 

Gravelly sand to silty sand

Gravelly sand

WELL JTUZ-1

Outside

casing

Pressure transducer-528'

Advanced tensiometer-517'

Lysimeter-516.5'

Gas sampler-515'

Heat dissipation probe-482'

Lysimeter-464'

Gas sampler-462'

Heat dissipation probe-461'

Advanced tensiometer-292'

Lysimeter-291'

Gas sampler-290'

Advanced tensiometer-92'

Lysimeter-91'

Gas sampler-90'

Heat dissipation probe-289'

Heat dissipation probe-245'

Gas sampler-176'

Heat dissipation probe-175'

Heat dissipation probe-75'

Heat dissipation probe-39'

Lysimeter-346'

Gas sampler-344'

Heat dissipation probe-343'

0 5

Depth, in feet below land surface

0 150 0 200 400 600

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Neutron log,

in percent

moisture by

volume

Gamma,

in counts

per second

Specific

conductance,

 in microsiemens

per centimeter

Well construction

and instrumentation

Generalized

lithology

Borehole depth

538 feet

Figure 7. Neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1 (JTUZ-1) in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 47

IP007760_Figure 08

GROUT

SAND

WELL JTUZ-2

Gravelly sand to

gravelly silty sand

Gravelly sand to

slightly gravelly

sand with minor

sand layers 

Access tube

Heat dissipation probe-78'

Advanced tensiometer-62'

Advanced tensiometer-71'

Lysimeter-61'

Gas sampler-59'

Advanced tensiometer-39'

Gas sampler-14'

Gas sampler-37'

Heat dissipation probe-60'

Heat dissipation probe-45'

Heat dissipation probe-15'

Heat dissipation probe-38'

Lysimeter-70'

Gas sampler-68'

Heat dissipation probe-69'

0 5

Depth, in feet below land surface

0 150 0 200 400 600

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Neutron log,

in percent

moisture by

volume

Gamma,

in counts

per second

Specific

conductance,

 in microsiemens

per centimeter

Well construction

and instrumentation

Generalized

lithology

No

Data

Borehole depth

85 feet

Figure 8. Neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35B1 (JTUZ-2) in Joshua 

Tree, San Bernardino County, California
48 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

0 5

Depth, in feet below land surface

0 250 0 200 400 600

0

100

200

Neutron log,

in percent

moisture by

volume

Gamma,

in counts

per second

Specific

conductance,

 in microsiemens

per centimeter

Well construction

and instrumentation

Generalized

lithology

Borehole depth

105 feet

NO DATA

Lysimeter-102.5'

DEPS-80'

DEPS-36'

GROUT

SAND

Slightly gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

WELL JTUZ-3

NATIVE

IP007760_Figure 09

DEPS is dielectric

 permittivity sensor

Figure 9. Neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J1 (JTUZ-3) in Joshua 

Tree, San Bernardino County, California

A detailed lithologic log was compiled for the monitoring 

site drilled with the auger rig, by using descriptions of drill 

cuttings that were collected at 5-ft intervals (table 5). These 

logs were initially compiled in the field and were reexamined 

in greater detail at a later date at the USGS San Diego Water 

Quality Laboratory. The same classification scheme used to 

describe the cuttings collected by the ODEX method was 

used to describe the auger cuttings. Because of the nature 

of auger drilling, where cuttings are mechanically brought 

to the surface from the subsurface along the helical auger 

flights rather than forced to the surface by air or mud, the 

depth of origin of cuttings collected with the auger rig is less 

certain than it is with other drilling methods. Because of this 

uncertainty, the specific conductance of cuttings obtained with 

the auger rig was not measured.

Geophysical Logs

Holes drilled by using the ODEX method are 

continuously cased with steel pipe during drilling; therefore, it 

is not possible to collect an extensive suite of geophysical logs 

(for example, electromagnetic logs) prior to installation of the 

borehole. However, natural-gamma logs and neutron logs were 

collected in the cased holes before the instrumentation was 

installed and were used with other information for planning 

site construction and instrument placement (figs. 7, 8, 9, and 

10). Natural-gamma logs measure the intensity of gamma-ray 

emissions resulting from natural decay of potassium-40 and 

the daughter products of uranium and thorium. These logs 

are used primarily as lithologic indicators and for geologic 

correlation. Clay, as well as potassium-feldspar-rich gravel, 

generally has more intense gamma-ray emissions than 

gravels containing less potassium feldspar (Schlumberger, 

1972; Hearst and Nelson, 1985; Driscoll, 1986). Neutron 

logs measure the backscattering of neutrons generated from 

a nuclear source in the logging tool. A direct relation exists 

between the water content of the formation and the neutron 

log measurement (Schlumberger, 1972; Hearst and Nelson, 

1985; Troxler, 1994). At each measurement depth, the logs 

were affected by differences in the position of the neutron 

source within the pipe and by differences in the thickness of 

the ODEX pipe.

Site Construction and Instrumentation

Details of site construction and placement of instruments 

are provided in figures 7–10 and tables 1 and 2. The design 

of each unsaturated-zone monitoring site was determined 

on the basis of (l) data needs at the site; (2) data collected 

from cuttings and core material (tables 3–6) including 

lithology, specific conductance of leachate, gamma logs, and 

neutron logs (figs. 7–10); and (3) limitations on the amount 

of instrumentation that can be placed in a single 8.875-in.-

diameter drill hole. A 2-in.-diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 

pipe was installed in the boreholes drilled with ODEX to serve 

as an access tube for geophysical measurements. In JTUZ-1 

and JTUZ-4, the access tube also serves as a well, screened 

below the water table. Instruments installed in the boreholes 

included matric-potential sensors—advanced tensiometers 

(Hubble and Sisson, 1998) and heat-dissipation probes (Reece, 
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 49

1996), suction-cup lysimeters, and gas samplers (fig. 11). 

Dielectric permittivity sensors (DEPS) were installed in 

JTUZ-3 and JTUZ-4. Matric potentials can be recorded in 

length units of m or ft or in pressure units of Megapascals 

(MPa) or bars; different instruments employ different units. 

Data are displayed in the native units of each instrument. 

Conversions between metric and SI units and length and 

pressure units are in the Conversion Factors. All instruments 

installed in these sites were commercially available.

Advanced tensiometers consist of a porous ceramic cup 

connected to land surface through a 1-in.-diameter PVC pipe. 

A pressure transducer is attached to the advanced tensiometer 

to measure matric potential (negative pressure) within the 

tensiometer range to about −8-meter (m) head (Cassle and 

Water

table

IP007760_Figure 10

GROUT

GROUT

NATIVE

SAND

Gravelly sand

No sample

Sand

Sand

Silty sand

Sand

Sand

Sand

Sand

Sand

Sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Sand

Sand

Sand

Sand

Sand

Silty sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Gravelly sand

Slightly gravelly sand

Slightly gravelly sand

WELL JTUZ-4

Advanced tensiometer-375'

Lysimeter-373'

DEPS-372'

Lysimeter-415'

DEPS-326'

DEPS-192'

DEPS-400'

DEPS is dielectric

 permittivity sensor

Advanced tensiometer-76'

Advanced tensiometer-195'

Lysimeter-75'

Lysimeter-194'

DEPS-73'

Lysimeter-22'

DEPS-20'

Heat dissipation probe-245'

Heat dissipation probe-300'

Heat dissipation probe-162'

Heat dissipation probe-44'

Heat dissipation probe-20'

Heat dissipation probe-208'

Heat dissipation probe-400'

DEPS-119'

Heat dissipation probe-119'

0 4

Depth, in feet below land surface

0 200 0 200 400 600

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Neutron log,

in percent

moisture by

volume

Gamma,

in counts

per second

Specific

conductance,

 in microsiemens

per centimeter

Well construction

and instrumentation

Generalized

lithology

Borehole depth

438 feet

Figure 10. Neutron log, gamma log, lithology, and instrumentation for unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-25J5 (JTUZ-4) in Joshua 

Tree, San Bernardino County, California
50 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Klute, 1986) and, when saturated, positive pressure to a depth 

of about 8 m (the total range of pressure measureable with 

the advanced tensiometer is from 8 m to -8 m). Advanced 

tensiometers can also measure temperature though a 

thermistor that is part of the instrument. Because of space 

limitations, only a limited number of advanced tensiometers 

(usually not more than three) can be installed in a single 

borehole. Advanced tensiometers were installed above clay 

layers, as indicated by the lithologic and natural-gamma logs, 

where the downward movement of water can be impeded and 

wet conditions (or even saturated conditions) could be present 

(Izbicki and others, 2008).

Heat-dissipation probes measure the rate of movement 

of heat in a calibrated ceramic cylinder, which varies with 

water content (Phene and others, 1971). The probes were 

individually calibrated, as described by Flint and others 

(2002), at the USGS California Water Science Center 

Hydrologic Research Laboratory in Sacramento, California 

to allow the raw data to be converted to matric potential. The 

minimum value of matric potential detectable by the heatdissipation probes is about −0.07 bars (−0.7 m of water). The 

heat-dissipation probes are connected to land surface by wires, 

and although a large number of heat-dissipation probes can 

be installed in a single borehole, the actual number installed 

is usually limited by the number of available input channels 

in the data-logger at land surface. The heat-dissipation 

probes were installed below clay layers and in more massive 

lithologic units where saturated conditions were not expected 

to develop during artificial recharge (Izbicki and others, 2008).

Suction-cup lysimeters were installed within each 

borehole to collect unsaturated-zone water-quality samples. 

Suction-cup lysimeters were paired with advanced 

tensiometers or heat-dissipation probes to relate changes in 

water quality to changes in matric potential (or pressure). 

Suction-cup lysimeters were connected to land surface by 

using two 1/8-in.-diameter nylon tubes. One tube was for 

the application of vacuum to draw water into the body of the 

lysimeter prior to sample collection. This tube also was used 

for the application of pressure to force water from the body 

of the lysimeter to the surface through the other tube during 

sample collection. The tubes used for application of pressure 

and vacuum and for sample collection were color coded in a 

spectral order with red identifying the deepest lysimeter and 

blue identifying the shallowest.

Gas samplers consisted of a 0.004-in.-slot stainless-steel 

well screen 10 in. long and 0.5 in. in diameter capped on one 

IP007760_Figure 11

A B

Figure 11. Borehole instrumentation (left) and installation 1N/6E-35A1 (JTUZ-1), in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 

May 2007. Shown in photo on left, A, are an advanced tensiometer (lower cup, just above the drill pipe) and a suction-cup lysimeter 

(left) attached to the 2-inch PVC access tube. Lysimeter and gas sampler tubes from lower instruments are visible to the right of the 

instrument bundle. Photo on right, B, shows multiple lysimeter and gas-sampler tubes being fed into the borehole.
Drilling Procedures and Data Collection 51

end while the other end had a threaded opening. The samplers 

were connected to the surface by using 1/8-in.-diameter nylon 

tubing. Purging of 1 to 2 liters per minute (L/min) for 4 to 

6 hours three times over the course of a year prior to sample 

collection was required to ensure that air introduced into the 

unsaturated zone during drilling was removed before samples 

representative of formational gases could be collected from the 

gas samplers (Weeks and McMahon, 2007).

DEPS were installed at JTUZ-4 to measure the matric 

potential of the surrounding material. DEPS measure matric 

potential in the range of −10 kilopascals (kPa) to −500 kPa. 

The dielectric permittivity of the porous ceramic plate is 

highly dependent on the amount of moisture present in the 

pores of the ceramic. When an excitation voltage is applied, 

the electrical resistance across the ceramic varies with 

changing moisture content, which can be correlated to a matric 

potential. Calibration of the DEPS was performed by the 

manufacturer prior to installation. The DEPS were packed in 

silica flour, wrapped in cheesecloth, and saturated to optimize 

the hydraulic conductivity between the instrument and the 

surrounding material; the DEPS was connected to a data 

logger at the surface.

Instruments within the borehole were packed in material 

designed to facilitate contact with the surrounding unsaturated 

zone and enhance instrument performance (#60 sand or 

silica flour, depending on the instrument). Instruments were 

separated from each other vertically by a low-permeability 

seal consisting of a three-part mixture of bentonite chips, 

granulated bentonite, and #3-graded sand for structural 

support. The bentonite was installed dry; Izbicki and others 

(2000) have shown, through repeated neutron logging, that 

bentonite hydrates after installation within the borehole.

Vaults were installed on the surface, roughly flush with 

the land surface by using concrete surface seals (fig. 12A). 

Tubes for the gas samplers were color coded and arranged 

from deepest to shallowest. The gas sampler tubes were 

sealed with compression fittings. Pressure/vacuum tubes for 

the suction-cup lysimeters were color coded and arranged 

from deepest to shallowest. Sample tubes for the suctioncup lysimeters were color coded and arranged from deepest 

to shallowest to the right of the pressure/vacuum tubes. The 

suction-cup lysimeter tubes were sealed by folding over a 

radiator hose and crimping it closed with washers. The data 

logger and related electronics were placed inside a water tight, 

re-sealable plastic box (fig. 12B).

B

A

IP007760_Figure 12

Figure 12. Site vault and electronic data logger, in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May 2007. A, Site vault and 

B, electronic data logger.
52 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Physical and Hydraulic Properties of 

Unsaturated Materials

Physical-property data including particle-size 

distribution, bulk density, porosity, volumetric water content, 

saturation, matric potential, and residual water content are 

used to evaluate the materials composing the unsaturated zone 

and their hydraulic characteristics. Particle-size data describe 

the physical components that make up the unsaturated zone 

and were determined for select cuttings samples. Bulk-density 

data describe the mass of the material per volume. Volumetricwater-content data describe the amount of water in each 

core sample. Porosity data describe the ratio of the volume 

or interstices in the material to total volume; saturation data 

describe the percentage of total pore space that contained 

water. Porosity and saturation data are calculated from a 

dry weight of total oven dryness at 105 degrees Celsius 

(°C). Residual-water-content data are calculated from oven 

drying core material at 60-percent relative humidity, which 

approximates a water potential of −70 megapascals (MPa), 

similar to wilting point (Flint and Flint, 2002). This dryness 

is used to calculate the effective porosity, providing the pore 

space available for drainage or plant water use. The effective 

saturation is also calculated from this dryness and indicates 

the amount of free water in the sample. The effective values 

more accurately represent the water that will be available 

(Flint and Flint, 2002). Matric-potential data describe how 

tightly that water is held in the unsaturated zone and can be 

used to calculate if that water is draining freely as a result of 

gravitational forces.

Physical properties of unsaturated materials, such as 

volumetric water content, bulk density, and matric potential 

were determined for selected cuttings and cores collected 

from JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2 as part of this study. Laboratory 

measurements were made at the USGS California Water 

Science Center Hydrologic Research Laboratory, Sacramento. 

Field measurements for matric potential and unsaturated-zone 

temperature from JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2 are also presented 

in this section. Physical and hydraulic properties data from 

JTUZ-3 and JTUZ-4 were not available at the time of 

publication and are not presented in this report.

Laboratory Data

Particle-size distribution (dry-sieve method), bulk 

density, porosity, volumetric water content, saturation, residual 

water content, effective porosity, effective saturation, and 

saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured by using 

American Society for Testing and Materials (1987) methods. 

Volumetric water content can be converted to gravimetric 

water content by dividing by the bulk density (Hillel, 1982). 

Matric potential of cores was measured in the laboratory by 

using the filter-paper method (Campbell and Gee, 1986). 

Results of particle-size analysis for selected drill cuttings 

samples from JTUZ-1 are given in table 7. Particle-size 

analysis was not performed on cutting materials from 

JTUZ-2. Results of laboratory analysis for bulk density, 

porosity, water content, saturation, and matric potential for 

JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2 are given in table 8. Saturated-hydraulicconductivity data and the gradient at which hydraulic 

conductivity were measured for JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2 are given 

in table 9. 

Field Data

Matric potential in the unsaturated zone under field 

conditions was measured at advanced tensiometers and 

heat-dissipation probes. These instruments were connected 

to data loggers in vaults at land surface that collected and 

recorded data at 4-hour intervals. The data loggers were 

powered by using deep-cycle batteries that were replaced 

with fresh batteries at approximately 6-week intervals. 

Water levels in JTUZ-1 were measured hourly by using an 

advanced tensiometer placed below the water table. These 

data were checked monthly against manual measurements 

in the monitoring well made with a calibrated electric tape. 

Water-level data are shown in figure 13. Matric-potential 

data collected by using heat-dissipation probes are shown in 

figures 14–16 for JTUZ-1 and figures 17–19 for 

JTUZ-2. Matric-potential data collected by using advanced 

tensiometers are shown in figure 20 for JTUZ-1 and figure 21 

for JTUZ-2. Temperature data from advanced tensiometers 

are shown in figures 22 and 23. These data are available from 

the USGS computerized National Water Information System 

(NWIS) at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.
Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Materials 53

Table 7. Results of particle-size analysis for selected drill cuttings from unsaturated-zone monitoring site 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California.

[Data were analyzed at the U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Research Laboratory, Sacramento, California. Site location is shown in figure 2] 

Depth 

(feet)

Percent finer than size indicated, in millimeters

Rock

19.0

Gravel Very

coarse

 sand

2.0

Coarse

 sand

0.85

Medium

sand

0.417

Fine

sand

0.25

Very

fine

 sand

0.125

Silt

0.053

Clay

0.002 9.52 4.76

24.0 100 100 100 95 83 63 41 23 14 6

47.0 100 100 98 73 55 42 30 19 12 5

62.0 100 100 96 76 57 40 27 17 10 4

68.0 100 100 100 88 66 44 27 15 10 4

81.0 100 100 90 70 55 44 33 22 12 4

82.0 100 100 100 84 68 56 48 36 23 8

99.0 100 100 100 96 94 90 82 56 30 10

111.0 100 100 99 88 73 45 23 10 5 3

144.0 100 100 100 93 80 63 46 30 19 7

164.0 100 100 100 92 76 55 38 23 14 5

184.0 100 100 99 92 80 65 50 32 19 7

204.0 100 100 99 85 63 39 22 14 11 8

206.0 100 99 97 76 49 30 17 10 7 6

218.0 100 100 99 85 60 39 25 16 10 4

246.0 100 100 98 73 43 21 11 7 5 3

265.0 100 100 99 88 58 33 15 8 5 3

271.0 100 100 97 65 52 35 19 9 5 3

285.0 100 100 100 99 95 76 42 17 8 3

293.0 100 100 100 93 85 75 66 53 32 12

305.0 100 100 100 96 91 75 49 27 14 3

307.0 100 95 77 59 46 32 21 13 8 2

308.0 100 100 99 86 70 50 30 18 10 2

322.0 100 100 99 94 78 53 30 16 10 2

330.0 100 100 100 95 79 52 30 18 10 1

345.0 100 100 99 90 78 64 49 30 15 2

347.0 100 100 97 82 62 43 26 14 7 1

352.0 100 100 99 94 85 69 47 25 14 3

365.0 100 100 99 91 76 58 39 22 12 2

371.0 100 100 100 96 87 75 58 37 19 3

384.0 100 100 98 90 71 50 34 21 12 3

389.0 100 100 100 97 83 59 39 23 13 3

404.0 100 100 100 78 53 32 18 10 7 2

411.0 100 100 100 82 60 42 25 13 8 3

424.0 100 100 100 95 80 54 30 16 8 3

427.0 100 100 96 79 52 33 19 11 7 3

427.5 100 100 100 85 70 50 32 18 9 4

441.0 100 100 100 95 84 69 53 36 21 8

449.0 100 100 99 91 80 60 38 22 11 5

459.0 100 100 100 97 91 79 64 47 30 13

466.0 100 100 99 93 83 71 53 32 17 4

478.0 100 100 100 97 88 73 55 38 22 6

489.0 100 100 99 85 59 38 24 14 8 3

498.0 100 100 98 76 48 25 14 8 6 3

503.0 100 100 99 89 73 54 38 24 15 7

515.0 100 100 100 98 79 47 27 17 11 5

530.0 100 100 100 91 76 51 31 19 13 5
54 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 8. Bulk-density, water-content, and matric-potential data for selected core material from unsaturated-zone monitoring sites 

1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) and 1N/6E-35B1-15S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, May and June 2007.

[Analyses were done at the U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Research Laboratory, Sacramento, California. Site locations are shown in figure 2. 

Abbreviations: cm3, cubic centimeter; ft, foot; g, gram; m3, cubic meter; MPa, mega pascal; %, percent] 

Site 

Depth 

of 

core 

(ft) 

Bulk 

density 

(g/cm3

)

Volumetric 

water 

content 

(m3

/m3)

Porosity 

(m3

/m3)

Saturation 

(%)

Residual 

water 

content 

(m3

/m3)

Effective 

porosity

(m3

/m3)

Effective 

saturation 

(%)

Matric 

potential, 

filter paper 

(MPa)

JTUZ-1 63.5 1.88 0.105 0.315 0.332 0.015 0.300 0.299 –0.02

202.5 1.83 0.091 0.325 0.281 0.019 0.306 0.237 –0.02

303.0 1.80 0.064 0.323 0.200 0.009 0.314 0.177 –0.03

343.0 1.84 0.089 0.342 0.260 0.011 0.330 0.235 –0.02

423.5 1.71 0.081 0.383 0.210 0.049 0.334 0.094 –0.05

JTUZ-2 32.0 1.78 0.195 0.371 0.527 0.062 0.309 0.432 –0.01

77.0 2.00 0.168 0.259 0.650 0.096 0.163 0.444 0.00

Table 9. Saturated hydraulic conductivity for selected core 

material from unsaturated-zone monitoring sites 1N/6E-35A1-

23S (JTUZ-1) and 1N/6E-35B1-15S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San 

Bernardino County, California, May and June 2007.

[Data were analyzed at the U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Research 

Laboratory, Sacramento, California. Site locations are shown in figure 

2. Gradient is the hydraulic gradient across the 15.25 cm core length. 

Abbreviations: cm/s, centimeters per second; ft, foot; kPa, kilopascal] 

Site Depth 

(ft)

Saturated 

hydraulic 

conductivity 

(cm/s)

Gradient 

(kPa)

JTUZ-1 67.5 3.0E-04 6

67.5 2.6E-04 18

206.0 1.4E-03 5

206.0 1.0E-03 23

306.5 2.8E-03 5

306.5 2.6E-03 14

346.0 3.1E-04 15

346.0 2.8E-04 30

426.5 9.2E-05 30

426.5 8.9E-05 44

JTUZ-2 32.0 9.6E-05 30

32.0 9.0E-05 60

77.0 2.7E-06 120

77.0 3.2E-06 165
Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Materials 55

Figure 13. Water level 

at JTUZ-1 (1N/6E-35A1) in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California, July 2007 to 

September 2009

520

519

518

517

516

515

J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

2007 2008 2009

Date

EXPLANATION

Depth below land surface, in feet

Advanced tensiometer

Calibrated electric tape

IP007760_Figure 13

Figure 14. Heat-dissipation 

probe (HDP) soil moisture 

for site JTUZ-1 (1N/6E-35A5, 

1N/6E-35A8, 1N/6E-35A11, 

1N/6E-35A15, 1N/6E-35A16, 

1N/6E-35A18, 1N/6E-35A22, 

and 1N/6E-35A23) in Joshua 

Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California, July 2007 to 

September 2009. Data for 

individual HDPs are presented 

in figures 15–16. Note: the 

spike in matric potential 

immediately following 

installation is a function of 

the instruments equilibrating 

with the conditions in the 

unsaturated zone. The highly 

negative matric potential 

values at 1N/6E-35A8 represent 

extremely dry conditions. Data 

available online at 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

Matric potential, in negative bars

1N/6E-35A5 (482')

1N/6E-35A8 (461')

1N/6E-35A11 (343')

1N/6E-35A15 (289')

1N/6E-35A16 (245')

1N/6E-35A18 (175')

1N/6E-35A22 (75')

1N/6E-35A23 (39')

EXPLANATION

Date

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M
56 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Figure 15. Matric-potential data collected between 39 and 245 ft below land surface at site JTUZ-1 

in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009 from heat-dissipation 

probes (HDP): A, 1N/6E-35A23; B, 1N/6E-35A22; C, 1N/6E-35A18; and D, 1N/6E-35A16. Data available 

online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.

IP007760_Figure 15

A

B

C

1N/6E-35A16 (245') D

1N/6E-35A18 (175')

1N/6E-35A22 (75')

1N/6E-35A23 (39')

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

Matric potential, in negative bars 

Date 
Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Materials 57

Figure 16. Matric-potential data collected between 289 and 482 ft below land surface at site 

JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009 from heatdissipation probes (HDP): A, 1N/6E-35A15; B,1N/6E-35A11; C, 1N/6E-35A8; and D, 1N/6E-35A5. Data 

available online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.

A

B

C

D

IP007760_Figure 16

1N/6E-35A15 (289')

1N/6E-35A11 (343')

1N/6E-35A8 (461')

1N/6E-35A5 (482')

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

Matric potential, in negative bars 

Date 
58 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Figure 17. Heat-dissipation probe (HDP) soil moisture for site JTUZ-2 (1N/6E-35B1, 1N/6E-35B4, 1N/6E-35B8, 1N/6E-35B10, 

1N/6E-35B12, and 1N/6E-35B14) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, July 2007 to September 2009. Data for individual 

HDPs presented in figures 18 and 19. Note: the spike in matric potential immediately following installation is a function of the 

instruments equilibrating with the conditions in the unsaturated zone. Data available online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.

1N/6E-35B1 (78') 

1N/6E-35B4 (69') 

1N/6E-35B8 (60') 

1N/6E-35B10 (45') 

1N/6E-35B12 (38') 

1N/6E-35B14 (15') 

EXPLANATION

IP007760_Figure 17

0

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

N D J F M A M J

2007 2008 2009

Date

J A S O N D J

Matric potential, in negative bars 
Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Materials 59

Figure 18. Matric-potential data collected between 15 and 45 ft at site JTUZ-2 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 

July 2007 to September 2009 from heat-dissipation probes (HDP): A, 1N/6E-35B14; B, 1N/6E-35B12; and C, 1N/6E-35B10. Data available 

online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.

A

B

1N/6E-35B10 (45') C

1N/6E-35B12 (38') 

1N/6E-35B14 (15') 

0

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

2007 2008 2009

Date

0

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

2007 2008 2009

Matric potential, in negative bars 

0

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

N D J F M A M J

2007 2008 2009

J A S O N D J

N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J

N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J

IP007760_Figure 18
60 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Figure 19. Matric-potential data collected between 60 and 78 ft at site JTUZ-2 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 

July 2007 to September 2009 from heat-dissipation probes (HDP): A, 1N/6E-35B8; B, 1N/6E-35B4; and C, 1N/6E-35B1. Data available 

online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.

A

B

1N/6E-35B1 (78') C

1N/6E-35B4 (69') 

1N/6E-35B8 (60') 

0

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

N D J F M A M J

2007 2008 2009

Date

J A S O N D J

0

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

N D J F M A M J

2007 2008 2009

J A S O N D J

Matric potential, in negative bars 

0

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

N D J F M A M J

2007 2008 2009

J A S O N D J

IP007760_Figure 19
Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Materials 61

IP007760_Figure 20

A

B

1N/6E-35A2 (517') C

1N/6E-35A12 (292') 

1N/6E-35A19 (92') 

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

-25

-24

-23

-22

-21

-20

-19

-18

-17

-16

-15

-25

-24

-23

-22

-21

-20

-19

-18

-17

-16

-15

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

4

5

Matric pressure, in feet of water 

Date 

Figure 20. Matric-potential data collected at site JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California, July 2007 to September 2009 by advanced tensiometers: A, 1N/6E-35A2; B, 1N/6E-35A12; and 

C, 1N/6E-35A19. Data available online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.
62 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

IP007760_Figure 21

A

B

1N/6E-35B2 (71') C

1N/6E-35B6 (62') 

1N/6E-35B11 (39') 

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

M J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0

0.5

1.0

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0

0.5

1.0

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0

0.5

1.0

Matric Pressure, In Feet Of Water 

Date 

Figure 21. Temperatures measured at site JTUZ-1 in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 

July 2007 to September 2009 by advanced tensiometers: A, 1N/6E-35A2; B, 1N/6E-35A12; and C, 

1N/6E-35A19. Data available online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis.
Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Unsaturated Materials 63

Temperature, in degrees celsius

Date 

1N/6E-35A2 (517') 

EXPLANATION

1N/6E-35A12 (292') 

1N/6E-35A19 (92') 

IP007760_Figure 22

M

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

Figure 22. Temperatures 

measured at site JTUZ-1 in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California, July 2007 to 

September 2009 by advanced 

tensiometers. Data available 

online at http://waterdata.usgs.

gov/nwis.

1N/6E-35B2 (71') 

EXPLANATION 

1N/6E-35B6 (62') 

1N/6E-35B11 (39') 

Temperature, in degrees celsius

Date 

M

20

21

22

23

24

25

J J A J F M A M

2007 2008 2009

S O N D J J A S O N D J F M

Figure 23. Temperatures 

measured at site JTUZ-2 in 

Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California, July 2007 to 

September 2009 by advanced 

tensiometers; Data available 

online at http://waterdata.usgs.

gov/nwis.
64 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Geochemical Data

The chemical composition of unsaturated-zone cores 

and cuttings were analyzed. The chemical and isotopic 

composition of groundwater, collected from the well installed 

just below the water table in JTUZ-1, and unsaturated-zone 

water, collected by suction-cup lysimeters, was analyzed. 

Unsaturated-zone gases were analyzed for chemical 

composition. Geochemical data from JTUZ-3 and JTUZ-4 

were not available at the time of publication and are not 

presented in this report.

Chemistry of Leachate from Cores and Cuttings

Water extracted from core and drill-cutting materials 

was analyzed for soluble anions including fluoride, sulfate, 

bromide, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate. For 

each core selected for analysis, the material analyzed came 

from the nose cone of the core. Water-extractable chloride 

can be used to calculate the length of time since recharge 

at the site has taken place, by using an estimated chloride 

concentration for the incoming rainfall (Izbicki and others, 

2002). Nitrate concentrations can be used to calculate the mass 

of nitrate in the subsurface that can be mobilized as a result of 

artificial or natural recharge.

Concentrations of soluble anions in the soil and 

dissolved in soil water were determined by analyzing leachate 

extracted from sediment samples with distilled water. Before 

extraction, core material and cuttings were dried in an oven 

at 70°C for 12 hours then sieved to obtain 50 (±0.005) g of 

material having a particle size less than 1.4 millimeters (mm). 

The sieved sample was mixed with 50 milliliters (mL) of 

de-ionized water, shaken vigorously on a wrist shaker for 

24 hours, and centrifuged at 5,000 revolutions per minute 

(rpm) for 1 hour to allow the remaining solids to settle. The 

supernatant was pressure filtered, by using a syringe, through 

a 0.45-mm pore-sized disk-filter. The first 10 mL of sample 

was used to rinse the filter and was discarded. The remaining 

sample was filtered and analyzed for soluble anions (fluoride, 

sulfate, bromide, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate) 

at the USGS San Diego Water Quality Laboratory by using 

the ion chromatography method (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 1993). Sample handling and extraction 

procedures were similar to those used by Prudic (1994), 

except in this study the ratio of core material to distilled 

water was greater and the samples were centrifuged before 

filtration and analysis. The samples were centrifuged prior to 

filtration to remove fine-grained/colloidal material that would 

have impeded filtration. The ratio of cutting/core material 

to distilled water used for laboratory extractions was based 

on a weight per volume ratio, whereas the ratio used in the 

field for specific-conductance measurements was based on a 

volume per volume ratio. However, the results are believed 

to be comparable (Izbicki and others, 2000). The ratio of 

solid to water in the method used for this analysis allows for 

easy conversion from milligrams per liter in the extractant 

to milligrams per kilogram in the alluvium. Concentrations 

of soluble anions in leachate water extracted from cuttings 

and cores are given in table 10 for JTUZ-1 and table 11 for 

JTUZ-2.
Geochemical Data 65

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

5.5 6.5 239 – 4.9 <0.5 <0.5 <0.06 <0.030 <0.500

6.5 7.5 189 – 87.0 <0.5 3.6 <0.06 E0.020 <0.500

7.5 8.5 169 – 50.0 1.4 <2.0 0.31 0.170 <0.500

9.5 10.5 165 – 34.0 1.7 <0.5 0.28 0.050 <0.500

10.5 11.5 131 – 50.0 1.6 <2.0 0.59 E0.020 <0.500

11.5 12.5 118 – 30.0 0.3 <1.0 1.26 E0.010 <0.500

12.5 13.5 108 – 16.0 <0.5 <2.0 1.23 E0.020 <0.500

13.5 14.5 141 – 18.0 <0.5 <0.5 1.68 E0.020 <0.500

14.5 15.5 102 – 13.0 <0.5 <2.0 2.12 0.040 <0.500

15.5 16.5 104 – 15.0 <0.5 <2.0 2.39 0.030 <0.500

16.5 17.5 86 – 9.0 <0.5 <2.0 1.68 E0.010 <0.500

17.5 18.5 106 – 9.2 <0.5 <0.5 1.34 0.040 E0.300

18.5 19.5 128 – 11.0 <0.5 <0.5 1.09 E0.020 <0.500

19.5 20.5 90 – 11.0 <0.5 <0.5 0.31 <0.030 <0.500

20.5 21.5 114 – 8.2 <0.5 E0.4 0.09 E0.010 <0.500

21.5 22.5 109 – 10.0 <0.5 <0.5 <0.06 <0.030 E0.300

22.5 23.5 117 – 14.0 <0.5 <0.5 <0.06 <0.030 <0.500

23.5 24.5 88 – 11.0 <0.5 <0.5 <0.06 <0.030 <0.500

24.5 25.5 87 – 11.0 <0.5 <0.5 <0.06 <0.030 E0.300

25.5 26.5 97 – 18.0 <0.5 <0.5 0.89 <0.030 <0.500

26.5 27.5 94 – 10.0 <0.5 <0.5 1.13 <0.030 <0.500

27.5 28.5 98 – 11.0 <0.5 <0.5 1.24 <0.030 <0.500

28.5 29.5 102 – 9.8 <0.5 <0.5 0.98 <0.030 <0.500

29.5 30.5 101 – 11.0 <0.5 <0.5 1.04 <0.030 <0.500

30.5 31.5 97 – 10.0 <0.5 <0.5 <0.06 E0.010 <0.500

31.5 32.5 90 – 9.8 <0.5 <0.5 2.38 <0.030 <0.500

32.5 33.5 73 – 7.8 <0.5 <0.5 0.09 <0.030 <0.500

33.5 34.5 82 – 8.8 <0.5 <0.5 2.32 <0.030 <0.500

34.5 35.5 100 – 13.0 <0.5 <0.5 2.58 <0.030 E0.300

35.5 36.5 83 – 20.0 <0.5 <0.5 2.12 <0.030 <0.500

36.5 37.5 87 – 16.0 <0.5 <0.5 <0.06 <0.030 <0.500

37.5 38.5 91 – 19.0 <0.5 <0.5 2.66 <0.030 E0.400

38.5 39.5 86 – 29.0 <0.5 <0.5 1.81 <0.030 <0.500

39.5 40.5 110 – 41.0 <0.5 <1.0 2.81 <0.030 <0.500

40.5 41.5 99 – 43.0 <0.5 1.2 3.30 <0.030 <0.500

41.5 42.5 119 – 42.0 <0.5 <0.5 0.38 E0.010 <0.500

42.5 43.5 145 – 53.0 <0.5 E0.3 0.39 E0.010 <0.500

43.5 44.5 137 – 57.0 <0.5 <0.5 0.38 E0.010 <0.500

44.5 45.5 139 – 55.0 <0.5 <0.5 0.32 <0.030 <0.500

45.5 46.5 174 – 73.0 <0.5 <0.5 0.27 <0.030 E0.400

46.5 47.5 166 – 85.0 <0.5 <1.0 0.34 0.050 <0.500

47.5 48.5 173 – 110 <0.5 <1.0 0.25 <0.030 <0.500

48.5 49.5 164 – 110 <0.5 1.1 0.47 <0.030 <0.500

49.5 50.5 172 – 94.0 <0.5 2.6 0.58 <0.030 <0.500

50.5 51.5 181 – 79.0 <0.5 4.9 0.53 E0.010 <0.500

51.5 52.5 244 – 90.0 <0.5 7.7 1.28 E0.010 <0.500

52.5 53.5 204 – 81.0 E0.1 20.0 4.95 E0.010 <0.500

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May 2007.
66 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

53.5 54.5 245 – 88.0 E0.1 33.0 8.97 E0.010 <0.500

54.5 55.5 233 – 82.0 E0.1 32.0 9.35 <0.030 <0.500

55.5 56.5 234 – 66.0 E0.2 41.0 14.6 E0.010 <0.500

56.5 57.5 184 – 72.0 E0.1 33.0 10.9 <0.030 <0.500

57.5 58.5 168 – 65.0 E0.1 19.0 6.13 E0.010 <0.500

58.5 59.5 196 – 66.0 E0.1 19.0 6.28 E0.010 <0.500

59.5 60.5 – – 67.0 E0.1 19.0 6.41 <0.030 <0.500

62.5 63.5 204 – 47.0 E0.1 21.0 7.06 E0.010 <0.500

63.5 64.5 220 – 62.0 E0.1 25.0 7.04 <0.030 <0.500

64.0 65.0 – – 57.0 E0.1 22.0 0.93 0.400 <0.500

64.5 65.5 228 – 56.0 E0.1 20.0 5.51 E0.020 <0.500

65.5 66.5 224 – 53.0 E0.1 22.0 5.87 <0.030 <0.500

66.5 67.5 258 – 67.0 E0.1 29.0 7.72 <0.030 <0.500

67.5 68.5 355 – 51.0 <0.5 28.0 6.91 <0.030 <0.500

68.5 69.5 213 – 66.0 <0.5 38.0 9.89 <0.030 <0.500

69.5 70.5 219 – 56.0 <0.5 41.0 11.4 <0.030 <0.500

70.5 71.5 343 – 56.0 <0.5 42.0 11.6 <0.030 <0.500

71.5 72.5 277 – 67.0 <0.5 55.0 14.8 <0.030 <0.500

72.5 73.5 305 – 55.0 <0.5 47.0 12.8 <0.030 <0.500

73.5 74.5 259 – 45.0 <0.5 42.0 11.4 <0.030 <0.500

74.5 75.5 324 – 56.0 <0.5 50.0 13.4 <0.030 <0.500

75.5 76.5 375 – 47.0 <0.5 57.0 16.6 <0.030 <0.500

76.5 77.5 426 – 67.0 E0.2 73.0 26.1 <0.030 <1.00

77.5 78.5 544 – 97.0 0.3 110 39.2 <0.030 <1.00

78.5 79.5 482 – 120 0.3 130 46.0 <0.030 <1.00

79.5 80.5 487 – 93.0 0.4 12.0 5.39 E0.010 <0.500

80.5 81.5 423 – 74.0 0.4 95.0 34.6 E0.010 <0.500

81.5 82.5 420 – 68.0 0.4 98.0 36.3 E0.020 <1.00

82.5 83.5 292 – 52.0 0.3 88.0 42.9 E0.010 <1.00

83.5 84.5 353 – 46.0 0.3 73.0 35.7 <0.030 <1.00

84.5 85.5 499 – 58.0 0.3 90.0 44.2 E0.010 <1.00

85.5 86.5 376 – 52.0 0.4 84.0 45.0 E0.010 <1.00

86.5 87.5 384 – 43.0 0.3 63.0 34.3 E0.010 <1.00

87.5 88.5 425 – 56.0 0.3 71.0 39.3 E0.010 <1.00

88.5 89.5 286 – 43.0 0.3 67.0 37.7 E0.010 <1.00

89.5 90.5 342 – 32.0 0.3 58.0 33.9 E0.010 <0.500

90.5 91.5 408 – 34.0 E0.2 52.0 31.0 E0.010 <0.500

91.5 92.5 292 – 36.0 0.3 73.0 42.0 E0.010 <0.500

92.5 93.5 494 – 5.3 0.3 18.0 12.4 E0.010 <0.500

93.5 94.5 221 – 48.0 0.3 104 60.8 E0.010 <0.500

94.5 95.5 229 – 26.0 E0.1 37.0 32.2 <0.030 <0.500

95.5 96.5 – – 51.0 E0.2 47.0 29.8 E0.010 <0.500

96.5 97.5 208 – 39.0 E0.1 33.0 20.8 <0.030 1.80

97.5 98.5 123 – 23.0 E0.1 22.0 11.8 <0.030 <0.500

98.5 99.5 127 – 22.0 <0.5 21.0 11.0 E0.010 <0.500

99.5 100.5 150 – 35.0 E0.1 20.0 11.2 E0.010 <0.500

100.5 101.5 112 – 12.0 <0.5 6.1 3.91 <0.030 E0.300
Geochemical Data 67

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

101.5 102.5 98 – 9.4 <0.5 6.6 3.99 <0.030 <0.500

102.5 103.5 141 – 7.6 <1 4.3 2.71 <0.030 <0.500

103.5 104.5 122 – 6.7 <1 3.4 2.46 E0.010 <0.500

104.5 105.5 103 – 8.9 <1 3.6 2.69 <0.030 <0.500

105.5 106.5 108 – 11.0 <0.5 4.5 2.17 <0.030 <0.500

106.5 107.5 84 – 7.7 <0.5 3.7 2.12 E0.010 <0.500

107.5 108.5 64 – 6.5 <0.5 3.2 1.50 E0.020 <0.500

108.5 109.5 67 – 6.6 <0.5 3.7 1.74 E0.010 <0.500

109.5 110.5 75 – 7.1 <0.5 4.4 1.46 0.080 <0.500

110.5 111.5 83 – 13.0 <0.5 3.7 1.72 0.030 <0.500

111.5 112.5 68 – 8.2 <0.5 2.5 1.16 0.060 <0.500

112.5 113.5 78 – 10.0 <0.5 3.0 1.52 E0.020 <0.500

113.5 114.5 93 – 11.0 <0.5 4.1 1.70 0.120 <0.500

114.5 115.5 80 – 8.9 <0.5 2.6 1.16 0.050 <0.500

115.5 116.5 86 – 11.0 <0.5 5.2 1.47 0.080 E0.300

116.5 117.5 80 – 13.0 <0.5 5.6 2.14 E0.020 E0.400

117.5 118.5 72 – 11.0 <0.5 5.1 1.46 0.100 E0.300

118.5 119.5 72 – 11.0 <0.5 4.7 0.12 0.040 E0.300

119.5 120.5 121 – 16.0 <0.5 5.0 1.08 0.340 E0.300

120.5 121.5 106 – 22.0 <0.5 6.8 – 0.030 E0.300

121.5 122.5 103 – 19.0 <0.5 6.8 3.91 E0.010 E0.300

122.5 123.5 80 – 18.0 E0.1 8.8 – 0.310 E0.300

123.5 124.5 70 – 12.0 <0.5 5.2 1.79 0.040 E0.400

124.5 125.5 54 – 11.0 E0.1 5.1 – 0.040 E0.300

125.5 126.5 64 – 3.6 <0.5 5.9 0.40 E0.010 <0.500

126.5 127.5 78 – 10.0 <0.5 4.6 1.06 0.030 E0.300

127.5 128.5 91 0.27 27.2 E0.03 7.4 3.86 0.046 E0.038

128.5 129.5 84 0.38 23.9 0.07 6.4 3.76 E0.016 0.072

129.5 130.5 81 0.31 16.8 0.09 5.3 2.54 E0.029 0.099

130.5 131.5 88 0.31 16.3 E0.02 5.1 2.93 E0.022 0.055

132.5 133.5 81 – 10.0 <0.5 3.6 – E0.010 <0.500

133.5 134.5 100 – 12.0 <0.5 5.2 3.84 E0.020 <0.500

134.5 135.5 83 – 14.0 <0.5 6.5 – 0.390 <0.500

135.5 136.5 74 – 6.3 <0.5 3.9 – 0.130 <0.500

136.5 137.5 92 – 6.4 <0.5 4.5 – 0.060 <0.500

137.5 138.5 85 – 8.9 E0.1 5.3 1.73 E0.020 <0.500

138.5 139.5 110 – 7.4 <0.5 5.5 – 0.040 <0.500

139.5 140.5 124 – 12.0 <0.5 3.7 – 0.300 <0.500

140.5 141.5 105 – 11.0 <0.5 2.4 – 0.090 <0.500

141.5 142.5 132 – 13.0 <0.5 4.1 – <0.030 <0.500

142.5 143.5 111 – 11.0 E0.1 6.5 0.85 0.030 E0.300

143.5 144.5 144 – 14.0 E0.1 7.2 – 0.390 E0.300

144.5 145.5 95 – 22.0 E0.1 11.0 5.17 0.170 0.600

145.5 146.5 91 – 9.3 – 5.9 – 0.060 <0.500

146.5 147.5 72 – 8.6 E0.1 8.0 3.28 0.070 E0.300

147.5 148.5 102 – 5.3 E0.1 6.1 – 0.200 <0.500

148.5 149.5 100 – 8.0 E0.1 7.3 2.25 0.170 E0.300
68 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

149.5 150.5 140 – 10.0 E0.1 8.1 3.49 0.280 E0.300

150.5 151.5 143 – 8.3 E0.1 8.9 5.68 <0.010 E0.300

151.5 152.5 120 – 8.2 E0.1 9.6 6.23 0.110 E0.300

152.5 153.5 139 – 11.0 E0.1 12.0 8.38 <0.010 <0.500

153.5 154.5 104 – 9.6 E0.1 9.8 6.45 E0.010 E0.300

154.5 155.5 106 – 11.0 E0.1 8.1 4.84 E0.010 E0.300

155.5 156.5 97 – 14.0 E0.1 7.6 – E0.010 E0.300

156.5 157.5 80 – 14.0 E0.1 7.4 – E0.010 E0.300

157.5 158.5 78 – 22.0 E0.1 8.9 – E0.010 0.600

158.5 159.5 71 – 17.0 E0.1 8.9 – E0.010 E0.300

159.5 160.5 79 – 14.0 E0.1 9.3 – E0.010 E0.300

160.5 161.5 60 – 12.0 <0.5 7.6 4.99 E0.010 E0.300

161.5 162.5 150 – 8.0 <0.5 5.6 – 0.030 E0.300

162.5 163.5 140 – 9.4 <0.5 6.3 – 0.040 <0.500

163.5 164.5 164 – 11.0 <0.5 5.0 – E0.010 E0.300

164.5 165.5 133 – 17.0 E0.1 8.8 – E0.010 E0.300

165.5 166.5 85 – 15.0 E0.1 7.8 – E0.010 E0.300

166.5 167.5 73 – 10.0 <0.5 5.4 3.42 <0.030 E0.300

167.5 168.5 95 – 13.0 E0.1 7.8 – E0.010 <0.500

168.5 169.5 116 – 19.0 E0.1 10.0 – E0.010 <0.500

169.5 170.5 100 – 16.0 E0.1 8.8 – E0.010 <0.500

170.5 171.5 72 – 14.0 <0.5 7.1 – E0.010 <0.500

171.5 172.5 81 – 11.0 <0.5 5.0 – E0.010 E0.300

172.5 173.5 90 – 12.0 <0.5 5.2 3.33 <0.030 E0.300

173.5 174.5 91 – 17.0 <0.5 8.7 – E0.010 <0.500

174.5 175.5 73 – 25.0 E0.1 11.0 – E0.010 E0.300

175.5 176.5 82 – 10.0 – 6.7 – <0.030 <0.500

176.5 177.5 92 – 14.0 – 6.8 – E0.010 <0.500

177.5 178.5 104 0.21 17.1 0.06 7.3 4.87 E0.052 E0.032

178.5 179.5 96 0.37 19.3 0.06 7.9 5.66 E0.040 0.051

179.5 180.5 81 0.19 20.8 0.07 8.5 6.00 E0.048 E0.049

180.5 181.5 108 0.26 21.9 0.07 8.1 5.41 E0.047 E0.027

181.5 182.5 86 0.83 14.9 0.05 5.4 2.75 E0.014 E0.015

182.5 183.5 99 0.87 37.1 0.08 7.8 0.97 E0.017 E0.037

183.5 184.5 70 0.62 10.3 E0.04 4.9 2.93 E0.022 <0.050

184.5 185.5 111 0.58 12.8 E0.05 6.0 4.00 E0.022 E0.021

185.5 186.5 139 0.52 15.4 0.07 6.8 4.20 0.101 E0.027

186.5 187.5 62 0.35 12.6 E0.05 6.3 4.26 E0.043 E0.028

187.5 188.5 95 0.27 17.7 0.08 10.5 7.60 E0.032 E0.036

188.5 189.5 127 0.31 17.8 0.10 11.5 7.95 E0.016 <0.050

189.5 190.5 125 0.49 17.0 0.07 8.8 6.16 E0.036 0.051

190.5 191.5 100 0.60 11.0 E0.05 6.4 4.05 E0.027 E0.021

191.5 192.5 149 0.49 16.0 0.07 6.0 3.96 E0.029 E0.025

192.5 193.5 125 1.20 12.4 0.06 4.3 2.94 E0.020 E0.031

193.5 194.5 115 0.87 11.7 E0.05 3.8 2.25 0.106 E0.024

194.5 195.5 114 1.31 9.9 E0.05 5.2 3.72 E0.034 E0.028

195.5 196.5 102 0.55 10.4 E0.05 4.8 3.33 E0.039 E0.028
Geochemical Data 69

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

196.5 197.5 96 0.57 15.5 0.05 6.3 4.22 E0.034 E0.022

197.5 198.5 100 0.45 12.2 E0.05 5.4 3.50 E0.054 E0.020

198.5 199.5 108 0.30 11.2 E0.05 5.6 3.78 E0.049 <0.050

199.5 200.5 107 0.29 13.7 E0.05 6.0 4.28 E0.023 E0.019

200.5 201.5 88 0.28 12.7 0.07 5.8 3.93 E0.016 E0.023

202.0 203.0 – 0.29 10.8 E0.05 5.8 0.06 E0.014 <0.050

202.5 203.5 158 0.42 14.3 0.07 7.8 3.63 E0.036 E0.023

203.5 204.5 128 0.44 10.2 E0.04 5.4 2.72 E0.014 0.060

204.5 205.5 117 0.43 10.0 E0.04 5.3 2.95 E0.015 E0.042

205.5 206.5 144 0.42 11.4 0.06 5.9 3.83 E0.023 E0.039

206.5 207.5 138 0.41 11.5 E0.05 6.1 3.69 E0.014 E0.036

207.5 208.5 126 0.50 7.7 E0.05 4.8 3.24 0.055 E0.040

208.5 209.5 164 0.52 9.2 E0.05 5.5 3.82 E0.039 E0.019

209.5 210.5 122 0.35 8.0 E0.05 6.0 4.01 0.058 E0.044

210.5 211.5 68 0.32 6.5 E0.05 5.4 3.86 E0.016 0.085

211.5 212.5 120 0.35 5.7 E0.04 4.9 3.32 0.087 0.056

212.5 213.5 88 0.30 6.9 E0.05 5.9 3.35 0.065 0.059

213.5 214.5 79 0.48 5.4 E0.04 4.3 2.76 E0.015 0.140

214.5 215.5 79 0.52 4.4 E0.03 3.2 2.05 E0.014 0.136

215.5 216.5 76 0.50 6.0 E0.03 3.9 2.44 E0.042 0.136

216.5 217.5 54 0.52 6.2 E0.04 4.3 2.98 E0.033 0.166

217.5 218.5 57 0.45 5.9 E0.04 4.0 2.66 0.081 0.208

218.5 219.5 88 0.28 4.0 E0.04 3.6 2.30 E0.026 0.153

219.5 220.5 77 0.37 3.3 E0.04 3.9 2.03 E0.022 0.149

220.5 221.5 65 0.48 3.4 E0.04 4.3 2.37 E0.020 0.180

222.5 223.5 43 – 4.0 <1 4.6 2.77 <0.030 0.500

223.5 224.5 68 – E2.7 <1 3.2 1.55 <0.030 0.500

224.5 225.5 58 – 3.0 <0.5 4.0 1.98 <0.030 E0.400

225.5 226.5 65 0.97 2.4 E0.04 3.6 1.58 E0.015 0.484

226.5 227.5 72 0.88 2.4 E0.04 3.7 1.25 E0.013 0.644

227.5 228.5 81 0.80 2.5 E0.04 3.9 1.10 E0.014 0.349

228.5 229.5 86 0.50 2.0 E0.03 2.5 0.31 E0.025 0.340

229.5 230.5 80 1.03 8.6 E0.04 3.7 0.59 E0.015 0.293

230.5 231.5 61 1.18 3.1 E0.04 3.2 0.48 E0.023 0.537

231.5 232.5 109 0.44 3.5 E0.03 4.1 0.16 E0.024 0.121

232.5 233.5 72 0.58 3.3 E0.04 3.9 0.39 E0.021 0.142

233.5 234.5 56 0.41 3.2 E0.03 4.0 0.54 E0.028 0.227

234.5 235.5 85 0.71 3.3 E0.05 4.8 0.06 <0.050 0.242

236.5 237.5 112 0.34 2.6 E0.04 4.3 E0.05 <0.050 0.117

238.5 239.5 65 1.12 3.5 0.05 5.5 0.45 E0.024 0.351

239.5 240.5 67 1.28 3.3 E0.04 4.4 0.06 E0.013 0.470

241.5 242.5 95 0.71 2.9 E0.04 4.1 E0.05 <0.050 0.227

243.5 244.5 77 – 3.6 <0.5 4.4 0.97 <0.030 E0.300

244.5 245.5 88 – 5.0 <0.5 4.3 – <0.030 E0.300

245.5 246.5 85 – 3.6 – 4.2 – E0.010 E0.400

246.5 247.5 72 – 3.3 – 4.1 – E0.010 E0.300

247.5 248.5 71 – 3.0 <0.5 3.7 – <0.030 E0.300
70 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

248.5 249.5 40 – 3.3 <0.5 4.4 0.60 E0.010 <0.500

249.5 250.5 57 0.57 2.7 E0.05 4.2 E0.05 <0.050 0.061

250.5 251.5 59 0.65 2.3 E0.04 3.6 0.06 <0.050 0.156

251.5 252.5 55 0.56 2.5 E0.04 4.0 0.07 <0.050 E0.029

253.5 254.5 70 – 3.0 – 4.0 – <0.030 <0.500

254.5 255.5 65 – 3.0 <0.5 3.4 0.89 <0.030 E0.300

255.5 256.5 50 – E2.8 <0.5 3.7 – E0.010 <0.500

256.5 257.5 82 – E1.8 <0.5 5.3 0.87 E0.010 E0.300

257.5 258.5 58 0.70 2.1 E0.04 3.4 E0.05 <0.050 0.095

258.5 259.5 54 0.28 2.1 E0.04 3.5 0.06 <0.050 0.082

259.5 260.5 74 0.49 2.8 0.05 5.3 E0.05 <0.050 E0.019

261.5 262.5 – 0.51 2.6 E0.03 2.7 E0.05 <0.050 0.073

263.5 264.5 73 – 3.6 <0.5 3.7 – E0.010 <0.500

264.5 265.5 82 – 3.4 <0.5 4.0 – E0.020 <0.500

265.5 266.5 96 – 3.3 <0.5 3.8 – E0.010 <0.500

266.5 267.5 57 – 3.3 <0.5 4.0 – 0.040 <0.500

267.5 268.5 51 – 3.5 <0.5 4.2 0.88 E0.010 <0.500

268.5 269.5 78 – 3.2 <0.5 3.9 – E0.010 <0.500

269.5 270.5 66 0.61 2.6 E0.05 5.1 1.10 0.064 E0.021

271.5 272.5 88 0.54 E1.9 0.06 4.4 2.07 E0.051 0.152

272.5 273.5 81 0.60 E1.9 0.06 5.2 2.11 0.074 0.154

273.5 274.5 111 0.53 1.9 E0.05 5.2 2.56 E0.041 0.111

274.5 275.5 80 0.56 2.4 0.08 7.8 4.04 0.112 0.065

276.5 277.5 95 0.78 3.8 0.08 8.6 3.59 0.068 E0.017

277.5 278.5 83 0.64 4.1 0.07 8.6 3.73 0.084 E0.043

278.5 279.5 80 0.87 3.6 0.07 9.0 3.66 0.110 0.083

279.5 280.5 84 0.49 3.6 0.07 8.9 3.73 E0.040 <0.050

280.5 281.5 96 0.65 4.0 E0.05 6.3 2.05 0.152 E0.019

281.5 282.5 67 0.58 5.9 E0.04 5.5 2.24 E0.040 E0.070

282.5 283.5 81 0.66 6.1 E0.04 5.3 2.00 0.050 0.145

283.5 284.5 84 0.64 4.9 E0.03 4.0 1.16 0.089 0.178

285.5 286.5 113 0.95 10.1 E0.04 6.9 2.64 0.060 E0.045

287.5 288.5 120 – 12.0 <0.5 8.7 3.97 <0.030 E0.300

288.5 289.5 148 – 11.0 <0.5 7.7 – <0.030 E0.300

289.5 290.5 163 – 16.0 E0.1 13.0 5.74 <0.030 0.600

290.5 291.5 147 – 11.0 <0.5 9.1 3.85 <0.030 E0.300

291.5 292.5 132 – 11.0 <0.5 9.9 3.80 <0.030 E0.300

292.5 293.5 149 0.80 12.4 E0.05 8.9 4.69 E0.014 E0.034

293.5 294.5 91 0.84 7.3 E0.04 6.3 3.49 E0.015 0.087

294.5 295.5 79 1.03 5.9 E0.02 3.2 1.22 E0.032 0.098

295.5 296.5 77 1.06 7.4 E0.04 5.4 2.80 E0.027 0.096

296.5 297.5 98 1.01 6.9 E0.04 4.6 1.67 E0.027 E0.042

297.5 298.5 111 1.15 8.5 E0.03 5.2 2.24 E0.016 E0.032

298.5 299.5 107 1.18 9.4 E0.04 5.6 2.29 E0.018 E0.030

299.5 300.5 125 1.10 12.2 E0.03 6.1 2.79 E0.013 E0.023

300.5 301.5 94 1.08 10.7 E0.05 7.4 2.63 E0.015 E0.020

302.5 303.5 66 0.99 12.3 E0.033 8.6 3.05 E0.016 E0.046
Geochemical Data 71

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

303.0 304.0 – 1.09 11.4 E0.05 8.5 0.07 <0.050 <0.050

303.5 304.5 97 1.56 11.9 E0.04 6.5 1.61 0.296 0.082

304.5 305.5 110 1.43 12.9 E0.03 7.5 3.13 E0.015 E0.018

305.5 306.5 104 1.34 10.9 E0.03 6.2 2.67 E0.016 <0.050

306.5 307.5 75 1.39 7.3 E0.02 4.5 1.87 E0.027 0.093

307.5 308.5 66 1.23 8.0 E0.03 4.9 2.08 E0.023 0.056

308.5 309.5 92 1.45 9.5 E0.03 5.2 2.12 0.094 E0.041

309.5 310.5 75 1.32 10.7 E0.03 6.0 2.07 0.065 0.061

310.5 311.5 83 0.68 10.1 E0.03 5.9 1.86 E0.048 0.053

311.5 312.5 43 1.35 10.5 E0.03 4.6 0.91 E0.040 E0.080

312.5 313.5 71 1.65 15.4 E0.03 5.9 3.55 E0.014 <0.050

313.5 314.5 102 1.32 16.6 E0.04 6.0 3.67 E0.016 E0.021

314.5 315.5 101 0.93 14.2 E0.02 5.4 3.28 E0.024 E0.036

316.5 317.5 64 0.92 15.2 E0.02 5.8 3.69 E0.017 E0.030

317.5 318.5 65 0.94 11.5 E0.02 4.1 2.51 E0.014 E0.035

318.5 319.5 75 1.48 10.9 E0.02 3.7 1.65 E0.031 E0.032

319.5 320.5 74 1.32 13.3 E0.02 4.0 2.50 <0.050 E0.027

320.5 321.5 83 0.91 15.0 E0.02 4.8 2.66 E0.015 E0.030

321.5 322.5 106 0.97 19.3 E0.02 5.3 3.20 E0.020 E0.030

322.5 323.5 72 1.02 13.2 E0.04 4.4 0.07 <0.050 0.073

323.5 324.5 74 0.92 13.7 E0.02 4.3 0.06 <1.01 0.065

324.5 325.5 48 0.58 10.4 E0.02 3.4 0.06 <2.01 0.052

325.5 326.5 52 0.71 8.3 E0.02 3.1 0.06 <3.01 <0.050

326.5 327.5 60 0.75 14.0 E0.03 5.0 0.06 <4.01 E0.023

327.5 328.5 52 1.03 9.4 <0.05 3.0 0.08 E0.015 E0.029

328.5 329.5 69 1.07 11.1 E0.03 4.5 0.06 <0.050 0.074

329.5 330.5 78 0.75 10.0 E0.03 3.7 0.06 <0.050 0.061

330.5 331.5 62 0.89 6.4 E0.02 2.7 E0.05 E0.013 <0.050

331.5 332.5 57 0.75 6.8 E0.02 2.9 E0.05 E0.013 E0.015

332.5 333.5 93 0.74 8.0 E0.03 3.5 E0.05 <0.050 E0.028

333.5 334.5 107 0.67 7.3 E0.03 3.7 0.22 E0.051 E0.038

334.5 335.5 145 1.02 9.5 E0.02 3.6 0.06 <0.050 <0.050

335.5 336.5 100 1.12 6.0 E0.02 2.9 0.25 E0.030 <0.050

336.5 337.5 70 0.92 5.0 E0.02 2.2 E0.05 <0.050 E0.024

337.5 338.5 65 0.71 4.0 E0.02 2.1 0.37 E0.039 0.053

338.5 339.5 73 1.71 5.3 E0.01 2.2 0.17 E0.015 E0.019

339.5 340.5 75 0.94 4.7 E0.01 2.2 0.96 E0.041 E0.043

340.5 341.5 72 1.09 6.4 E0.02 3.3 2.09 E0.019 0.051

341.5 342.5 53 1.25 4.1 E0.02 1.9 0.06 <0.050 0.058

342.5 343.5 76 1.10 6.2 E0.04 2.8 0.06 E0.020 0.065

343 344 – 1.08 4.3 <0.05 2.8 0.07 E0.039 <0.050

343.5 344.5 96 1.12 6.4 E0.02 2.6 E0.05 E0.036 0.064

344.5 345.5 96 1.14 8.8 E0.05 4.3 E0.05 <0.050 0.051

345.5 346.5 103 1.11 7.8 E0.04 4.5 0.06 <0.050 0.066

346.5 347.5 77 0.93 7.8 E0.03 3.9 0.06 <0.050 0.119

347.5 348.5 66 1.07 9.6 E0.02 3.7 0.06 E0.015 <0.050

348.5 349.5 91 1.04 5.3 E0.02 3.1 0.08 E0.019 <0.050
72 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

349.5 350.5 93 1.94 4.8 E0.02 3.0 2.40 E0.023 E0.029

350.5 351.5 61 1.85 5.2 E0.01 3.1 2.13 E0.019 E0.023

351.5 352.5 102 1.47 6.8 E0.05 3.9 3.09 E0.014 E0.016

352.5 353.5 121 1.70 6.8 E0.03 4.2 3.76 E0.016 E0.027

353.5 354.5 79 1.78 5.9 E0.03 3.7 2.70 0.148 E0.016

354.5 355.5 39 1.80 4.4 E0.02 2.6 1.64 E0.027 0.055

355.5 356.5 115 1.48 4.5 E0.02 3.0 2.05 E0.042 E0.031

356.5 357.5 76 1.59 4.8 E0.01 3.5 2.88 E0.018 E0.036

357.5 358.5 103 1.46 4.6 0.20 2.8 1.68 0.286 E0.034

358.5 359.5 93 1.46 5.3 E0.02 3.4 2.58 0.080 E0.027

359.5 360.5 105 1.56 6.4 E0.02 4.6 3.69 0.078 E0.022

360.5 361.5 102 1.80 4.9 <0.05 3.1 1.62 0.102 0.053

361.5 362.5 50 1.34 5.2 E0.02 2.6 0.78 0.058 E0.027

362.5 363.5 59 1.69 4.1 E0.02 2.6 1.58 E0.015 0.078

363.5 364.5 56 1.30 3.7 E0.02 2.3 0.99 E0.042 0.084

364.5 365.5 46 1.34 3.9 E0.02 2.4 0.97 0.152 E0.048

365.5 366.5 47 1.43 5.1 E0.02 3.7 2.39 0.060 0.054

366.5 367.5 72 1.44 3.1 E0.02 2.1 1.09 0.064 0.073

367.5 368.5 82 1.32 5.4 E0.02 4.1 2.44 0.140 E0.039

368.5 369.5 79 1.55 4.9 E0.02 3.7 2.06 0.108 E0.024

369.5 370.5 68 1.40 4.5 E0.02 3.3 1.40 0.228 <0.050

370.5 371.5 98 1.68 4.7 E0.04 3.7 2.29 E0.021 0.057

371.5 372.5 78 1.29 4.3 E0.02 3.6 1.45 E0.018 E0.045

372.5 373.5 87 1.21 4.5 E0.05 3.3 0.81 0.088 <0.050

373.5 374.5 78 1.23 4.5 E0.02 3.5 0.70 0.542 E0.021

374.5 375.5 81 1.13 5.0 E0.02 3.7 0.92 0.122 <0.050

375.5 376.5 85 1.11 5.5 E0.05 4.1 0.91 0.127 <0.050

376.5 377.5 44 1.37 4.3 E0.04 2.9 0.50 0.115 <0.050

377.5 378.5 54 2.93 4.7 0.07 3.3 E0.04 E0.013 0.070

378.5 379.5 66 3.80 4.5 E0.04 3.2 0.87 E0.016 0.203

379.5 380.5 72 5.00 5.2 E0.05 3.8 1.04 E0.015 0.262

380.5 381.5 76 4.20 4.9 E0.03 3.5 0.98 0.072 0.150

381.5 382.5 110 2.94 11.2 E0.02 4.6 0.06 E0.014 0.057

382.5 383.5 96 3.36 7.0 E0.02 3.8 0.92 E0.017 0.125

383.5 384.5 75 1.30 4.9 E0.03 3.5 0.71 E0.015 <0.050

384.5 385.5 80 1.35 5.4 E0.03 3.9 0.47 0.153 0.090

385.5 386.5 54 0.81 4.3 E0.02 3.2 0.42 E0.042 E0.032

386.5 387.5 54 1.60 4.1 E0.02 3.1 0.36 0.127 0.111

387.5 388.5 65 1.26 3.8 E0.02 2.9 0.30 0.035 <0.050

388.5 389.5 92 1.20 5.3 E0.03 4.4 0.40 0.156 0.056

389.5 390.5 87 1.03 5.0 E0.03 5.5 E0.05 0.930 0.074

390.5 391.5 116 1.27 4.0 0.06 5.1 0.59 0.512 E0.043

391.5 392.5 76 1.22 2.4 E0.04 4.1 0.07 0.596 E0.017

392.5 393.5 73 1.28 2.1 E0.03 3.7 E0.05 0.325 0.059

393.5 394.5 50 1.40 2.0 E0.03 3.5 0.66 E0.042 0.156

394.5 395.5 48 1.20 2.0 E0.03 3.7 E0.05 E0.013 0.067

395.5 396.5 51 1.04 2.3 E0.03 3.6 E0.04 <0.050 E0.029
Geochemical Data 73

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

396.5 397.5 40 1.15 2.0 E0.03 3.4 0.52 0.075 0.074

397.5 398.5 65 1.06 2.1 E0.03 3.7 0.24 0.076 E0.029

398.5 399.5 54 1.28 2.0 E0.03 3.3 0.09 E0.029 0.069

399.5 400.5 62 1.32 2.1 E0.04 3.7 0.24 <0.050 0.098

400.5 401.5 63 1.43 2.3 E0.04 4.0 0.12 <0.050 0.065

401.5 402.5 76 0.79 3.8 E0.04 3.9 E0.04 <0.050 E0.015

402.5 403.5 65 0.85 E1.9 E0.03 2.7 0.07 <0.050 E0.044

403.5 404.5 45 0.76 E1.9 E0.03 3.0 E0.05 <0.050 E0.040

404.5 405.5 62 1.02 E1.7 E0.03 2.7 E0.05 <0.050 0.084

405.5 406.5 68 1.06 E1.7 E0.03 2.4 0.06 <0.050 0.098

406.5 407.5 49 1.36 2.2 E0.06 2.9 E0.05 <0.050 0.103

407.5 408.5 41 1.21 2.8 E0.03 2.3 E0.05 <0.050 0.070

408.5 409.5 37 0.98 E1.7 E0.02 1.7 E0.05 0.013 0.082

409.5 410.5 33 1.00 E1.7 E0.03 1.7 E0.05 <0.050 0.095

410.5 411.5 36 1.02 E1.7 E0.02 1.6 E0.05 <0.050 0.111

411.5 412.5 43 1.12 E1.9 E0.03 1.6 E0.04 <0.050 0.086

412.5 413.5 33 1.30 E1.8 E0.02 1.4 0.07 <0.050 0.236

413.5 414.5 40 1.57 2.1 E0.02 1.8 E0.05 <0.050 0.140

414.5 415.5 49 0.99 E1.9 E0.02 1.5 E0.05 <0.050 0.207

415.5 416.5 42 1.22 E1.9 E0.02 1.5 E0.05 E0.014 0.145

416.5 417.5 40 1.38 2.0 E0.02 1.8 0.21 E0.014 0.202

417.5 418.5 39 1.32 E1.7 E0.02 1.3 E0.05 E0.015 0.333

418.5 419.5 41 1.60 2.0 E0.02 1.6 0.12 E0.019 0.227

419.5 420.5 31 1.45 E1.7 E0.02 1.6 0.13 E0.019 0.269

420.5 421.5 33 1.28 E1.7 E0.02 1.5 0.14 E0.017 0.185

421.5 422.5 30 1.42 3.3 E0.02 1.9 0.06 E0.014 0.094

422.5 423.5 65 1.37 2.8 E0.02 1.9 E0.05 <0.050 0.079

423 424 – 0.75 E1.7 E0.02 1.8 E0.05 <0.050 E0.045

423.5 424.5 61 1.36 2.2 0.12 1.7 0.08 E0.014 0.118

424.5 425.5 52 1.19 E1.7 E0.02 1.6 0.09 E0.031 0.091

425.5 426.5 39 1.70 2.0 E0.02 1.8 0.08 E0.026 0.075

426.5 427.5 74 1.71 2.2 E0.02 1.8 0.07 E0.013 0.104

427.5 428.5 43 1.67 E1.8 E0.04 1.7 E0.05 E0.020 0.085

428.5 429.5 45 1.70 2.2 E0.04 2.2 0.08 E0.015 0.061

429.5 430.5 74 1.67 2.4 E0.04 3.0 0.25 E0.041 E0.027

430.5 431.5 118 1.63 2.6 E0.02 2.1 E0.05 E0.013 E0.034

431.5 432.5 140 1.80 2.5 E0.03 1.9 E0.05 E0.014 0.080

432.5 433.5 58 1.43 2.5 E0.04 1.9 E0.04 <0.050 E0.049

433.5 434.5 65 1.44 2.7 E0.03 2.1 E0.05 <0.050 0.058

434.5 435.5 80 1.69 2.5 E0.04 2.5 E0.05 E0.014 0.107

435.5 436.5 113 1.75 2.7 E0.03 2.0 E0.05 E0.013 0.065

436.5 437.5 95 2.09 2.8 E0.03 2.2 0.09 <0.050 0.077

437.5 438.5 94 1.61 2.1 E0.02 1.3 0.06 <0.050 0.142

438.5 439.5 81 2.17 E1.9 E0.02 1.3 E0.05 E0.013 0.186

439.5 440.5 58 2.21 2.3 E0.04 1.4 E0.05 <0.050 0.105

440.5 441.5 58 2.39 2.2 E0.02 1.6 0.07 E0.014 0.097

441.5 442.5 57 2.13 2.7 E0.02 1.5 <0.05 <0.050 0.056
74 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

442.5 443.5 66 2.19 2.3 E0.02 1.3 0.06 E0.013 0.123

443.5 444.5 40 2.20 2.5 E0.03 1.4 E0.04 <0.050 0.095

444.5 445.5 41 1.99 2.1 E0.02 1.4 0.06 <0.050 E0.100

445.5 446.5 38 2.35 E1.9 E0.03 1.2 0.09 <0.050 0.090

446.5 447.5 47 1.99 2.3 E0.02 1.5 <0.05 <0.050 E0.040

447.5 448.5 49 1.91 2.4 E0.03 1.4 <0.05 <0.050 E0.027

448.5 449.5 43 1.62 2.0 E0.04 E1.0 E0.05 <0.050 0.061

449.5 450.5 64 1.94 2.0 E0.02 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 0.067

450.5 451.5 59 1.67 2.5 E0.02 1.2 E0.05 E0.013 E0.043

451.5 452.5 30 1.48 2.6 E0.02 1.3 E0.04 <0.050 E0.033

452.5 453.5 48 1.59 2.4 E0.01 1.1 E0.05 E0.013 0.054

453.5 454.5 43 1.60 2.7 E0.03 1.2 0.07 E0.016 E0.019

454.5 455.5 52 1.63 3.2 E0.02 1.4 <0.05 <0.050 <0.050

455.5 456.5 84 1.70 2.9 E0.01 1.3 E0.04 <0.050 <0.050

456.5 457.5 102 2.08 2.5 E0.01 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 0.068

457.5 458.5 83 2.04 2.5 E0.02 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 0.066

458.5 459.5 43 1.78 2.3 E0.01 1.1 E0.04 <0.050 E0.035

459.5 460.5 50 1.78 2.4 E0.01 1.1 E0.05 <0.050 E0.039

461.5 462.5 46 1.97 6.9 E0.01 1.3 E0.05 <0.050 E0.037

462.5 463.5 48 2.05 4.2 E0.01 1.1 E0.05 E0.014 E0.044

463.5 464.5 60 1.68 2.7 E0.02 E1.0 E0.05 <0.050 E0.029

464.5 465.5 89 1.56 3.5 E0.01 1.2 <0.05 <0.050 E0.019

465.5 466.5 57 1.42 3.4 E0.02 1.2 <0.05 <0.050 E0.032

466.5 467.5 46 1.61 2.7 E0.01 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 E0.047

467.5 468.5 46 1.38 2.8 E0.03 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 E0.020

468.5 469.5 49 1.51 2.4 E0.02 1.1 <0.05 E0.013 E0.041

469.5 470.5 44 1.52 2.4 E0.02 E1.0 <0.05 <0.050 E0.029

470.5 471.5 42 1.59 2.8 E0.02 1.1 E0.04 <0.050 E0.028

471.5 472.5 82 1.40 2.6 E0.02 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 E0.019

472.5 473.5 38 1.27 3.1 E0.02 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 E0.015

473.5 474.5 39 1.28 3.2 E0.02 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 E0.018

474.5 475.5 75 1.27 3.1 E0.02 1.1 <0.05 <0.050 E0.017

475.5 476.5 71 1.27 3.3 E0.02 1.1 0.06 E0.013 E0.026

476.5 477.5 98 1.04 3.3 E0.02 1.1 0.06 <0.050 E0.038

477.5 478.5 74 1.33 4.4 E0.02 1.7 E0.05 <0.050 E0.033

478.5 479.5 58 1.77 2.6 E0.01 1.1 E0.05 <0.050 0.070

479.5 480.5 71 1.50 2.3 E0.02 E1.0 E0.05 <0.050 E0.028

480.5 481.5 52 1.43 2.3 <0.05 E1.0 0.06 E0.013 E0.029

481.5 482.5 97 1.08 3.3 E0.03 E1.0 E0.05 <0.050 E0.018

482.5 483.5 87 1.09 4.2 E0.02 1.2 E0.05 <0.050 E0.018

483.5 484.5 87 1.08 2.2 E0.01 E0.9 <0.05 <0.050 E0.030

484.5 485.5 90 1.10 2.9 E0.02 E0.9 E0.04 <0.050 E0.036

485.5 486.5 72 1.17 2.0 E0.02 E0.9 <0.05 <0.050 E0.038

486.5 487.5 66 1.98 2.0 <0.05 E0.9 E0.05 E0.013 0.145

487.5 488.5 72 1.72 E1.8 E0.02 E0.8 <0.05 <0.050 0.114

488.5 489.5 78 1.59 2.0 E0.01 E0.9 <0.05 <0.050 0.083

489.5 490.5 76 1.87 2.5 E0.02 E1.0 <0.05 E0.013 0.058
Geochemical Data 75

Table 10. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, May, 2007.—Continued

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; mg/kg, milligram 

per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Depth to top 

of sample 

interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Fluoride

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate

(mg/kg) 

(00945)

Bromide

(mg/kg) 

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/kg) 

(00940)

Nitrate-N

(mg/kg) 

(00618)

Nitrite-N

(mg/kg) 

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/kg) 

(00671)

490.5 491.5 82 1.42 2.6 <0.05 E0.9 E0.05 <0.050 E0.039

491.5 492.5 70 1.44 E1.7 <0.05 E0.8 <0.05 E0.013 0.187

492.5 493.5 61 1.51 E1.6 <0.05 E0.8 E0.04 <0.050 0.319

493.5 494.5 68 1.52 E1.6 <0.05 E0.8 <0.05 <0.050 0.194

494.5 495.5 67 1.05 E1.6 E0.02 E0.8 E0.04 <0.050 0.104

495.5 496.5 63 1.04 E1.6 E0.02 E0.8 E0.05 E0.013 0.087

496.5 497.5 64 1.00 E1.8 E0.01 1.1 E0.04 <0.050 0.054

497.5 498.5 78 1.01 2.1 E0.02 E1.0 E0.04 <0.050 E0.044

498.5 499.5 90 0.94 2.6 <0.05 E1.0 E0.04 <0.050 E0.027

499.5 500.5 74 1.13 2.1 E0.01 E0.9 E0.04 E0.013 E0.042

500.5 501.5 79 1.02 2.1 E0.02 E0.9 E0.04 <0.050 E0.045

501.5 502.5 78 1.07 E1.9 E0.02 E0.9 E0.04 E0.014 0.063

502.5 503.5 76 1.03 E1.8 E0.02 E0.8 E0.04 E0.013 0.073

503.5 504.5 52 1.07 E1.8 E0.02 E1.0 E0.04 E0.015 0.084

504.5 505.5 66 1.11 E1.7 <0.05 E0.8 E0.04 E0.013 0.113

505.5 506.5 59 1.03 <2.0 E0.02 E0.8 0.05 <0.050 0.130

506.5 507.5 77 1.03 E1.6 E0.01 E0.8 E0.05 E0.014 0.106

508.5 509.5 81 1.06 E1.6 E0.02 E0.9 E0.04 E0.013 0.068

509.5 510.5 96 1.20 2.2 E0.02 1.2 E0.04 E0.014 0.080

510.5 511.5 100 1.05 E1.8 E0.01 E0.9 E0.05 E0.014 0.104

511.5 512.5 59 1.04 E1.9 E0.01 E0.9 0.12 0.059 0.092

512.5 513.5 90 1.02 E1.5 E0.01 E0.8 0.11 E0.045 0.157

513.5 514.5 75 0.95 E1.4 <0.05 E0.8 0.06 E0.013 0.186

514.5 515.5 90 0.83 2.2 E0.02 1.5 E0.05 E0.013 E0.047

515.5 516.5 96 0.86 2.1 E0.01 1.6 E0.05 E0.017 E0.022

525.5 526.5 – 0.97 2.2 E0.03 1.1 E0.04 <0.050 E0.033

526.5 527.5 – 1.10 2.3 E0.02 1.2 E0.04 <0.050 0.053

527.5 528.5 – 1.05 2.2 E0.02 1.2 E0.04 <0.050 E0.048

528.5 529.5 – 1.11 2.2 E0.02 1.2 E0.05 <0.050 E0.049

529.5 530.5 – 1.11 2.4 E0.01 1.3 E0.04 <0.050 E0.046

530.5 531.5 – 1.10 2.3 E0.02 1.3 E0.04 <0.050 E0.041

531.5 532.5 – 0.95 2.0 E0.01 1.2 0.06 E0.016 E0.042
76 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Depth to 

top of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance, 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Bromide, 

(mg/kg)

(71870) 

Chloride, 

(mg/kg) 

(00940) 

Fluoride, 

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate, 

(mg/kg) 

(00945) 

Nitrate-N, 

(mg/kg) 

(00618) 

Nitrite-N, 

(mg/kg) 

(00613) 

Orthophosphate, 

(mg/kg) 

(00671) 

2.5 3.5 – E0.032 1.9 1.1 8.4 0.9 E0.01 0.1

3.5 4.5 – E0.034 2.1 1.03 9.1 0.48 E0.01 0.1

4.5 5.5 – E0.028 2.4 1.17 8.1 0.61 E0.01 0.1

5.5 6.5 – E0.026 2 0.99 7.9 0.43 E0.01 0.07

6.5 7.5 – E0.038 2.5 1.18 10 0.63 E0.01 0.07

8.5 9.5 – E0.033 2.4 1.37 11.6 1.04 E0.03 0.09

9.5 10.5 – E0.023 1.6 1.52 8.1 0.27 E0.01 0.17

10.5 11.5 – E0.02 2.6 1 6.5 0.89 E0.01 0.13

11.5 12.5 – E0.019 2.5 1.61 9.3 1.15 E0.01 0.16

12.5 13.5 – E0.021 3.8 0.77 8.6 2.74 E0.01 0.13

13.5 14.5 – E0.017 2.5 0.63 8.3 1.16 E0.01 0.17

14.5 15.5 – E0.015 1.9 1.45 7.8 0.81 E0.01 0.29

15.5 16.5 – E0.014 2.2 0.19 9.2 0.93 E0.02 0.21

16.5 17.5 – E0.049 2.8 0.83 9.4 1.45 E0.01 0.29

17.5 18.5 – E0.026 2.5 1.02 12.4 0.93 E0.01 0.26

18.5 19.5 – 0.06 3 0.71 15.5 1.17 E0.02 0.15

19.5 20.5 – E0.025 3.4 0.71 17.3 1.46 E0.04 0.21

20.5 21.5 – E0.029 3.5 0.61 23.2 1.7 E0.04 0.2

22.5 23.5 – E0.03 3.1 0.62 18.1 1.6 E0.03 0.38

23.5 24.5 – E0.038 2.3 0.5 12.5 0.38 E0.04 0.76

24.5 25.5 – E0.045 2.1 0.85 12.3 0.46 E0.04 0.81

25.5 26.5 – E0.03 2.3 1.04 13.7 0.25 E0.03 1.15

26.5 27.5 – E0.037 2.5 0.32 17.8 2.21 E0.04 0.39

27.5 28.5 – E0.037 2.3 1.02 16.5 0.08 E0.03 0.28

28.5 29.5 – E0.022 1.5 1.09 14.7 0.35 E0.01 0.2

29.5 30.5 – E0.031 1.8 1 14.5 0.31 E0.02 0.26

32.5 33.5 – E0.025 2 3.37 11.8 E0.04 <0.01 0.82

33.5 34.5 – E0.039 2.6 1.8 18.4 0.08 E0.03 0.16

34.5 35.5 – 0.08 4.8 0.61 31.8 1.39 0.06 0.05

35.5 36.5 – 0.30 3.9 2.38 20.3 1.19 E0.02 0.11

36.5 37.5 – E0.049 4.4 1.9 20.9 0.7 E0.02 0.07

37.5 38.5 – E0.024 9 0.81 78.2 <0.04 <0.01 0.08

38.5 39.5 – 0.06 6.4 0.59 53.5 0.61 E0.02 0.06

39.5 40.5 – E0.045 5.8 0.69 42 0.69 E0.01 0.06

40.5 41.5 – E0.039 5.8 0.56 45.8 0.54 E0.01 0.06

41.5 42.5 – E0.026 5.1 0.75 32.6 0.37 E0.01 0.08

42.5 43.5 – E0.029 4 0.87 22 0.75 E0.02 0.12

43.5 44.5 – E0.021 3.8 0.92 14.4 2.6 E0.01 0.19

44.5 45.5 – E0.023 3.2 0.86 11.8 0.84 E0.02 0.3

45.5 46.5 – E0.018 3.1 0.56 7 0.58 E0.02 0.3

46.5 47.5 – E0.018 2.2 0.3 4.4 0.5 E0.01 0.27

47.5 48.5 – E0.013 2.2 0.78 4.1 0.62 E0.01 0.53

48.5 49.5 – E0.027 3.8 0.76 5.1 0.88 E0.03 0.51

49.5 50.5 – E0.018 3.2 0.5 5.4 1.06 E0.01 0.37

50.5 51.5 – E0.017 4.1 0.71 8.2 1.01 E0.02 0.58

51.5 52.5 – E0.015 2.6 0.77 3.8 1.16 E0.01 0.76

52.5 53.5 – E0.016 3.1 0.77 3.5 0.9 E0.02 0.87

Table 11. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35B1S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, June, 2007.

[Five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; 

mg/kg, milligram per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
Geochemical Data 77

Depth to 

top of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Specific 

conductance, 

(μS/cm) 

(00095)

Bromide, 

(mg/kg)

(71870) 

Chloride, 

(mg/kg) 

(00940) 

Fluoride, 

(mg/kg) 

(00950)

Sulfate, 

(mg/kg) 

(00945) 

Nitrate-N, 

(mg/kg) 

(00618) 

Nitrite-N, 

(mg/kg) 

(00613) 

Orthophosphate, 

(mg/kg) 

(00671) 

53.5 54.5 – E0.023 3.7 0.53 5.1 0.91 E0.01 0.39

54.5 55.5 – E0.02 3.1 0.53 3.5 0.79 E0.02 0.49

55.5 56.5 – E0.015 2.4 0.5 4.1 0.32 E0.01 0.36

56.5 57.5 – E0.019 3 0.59 4.6 0.32 E0.02 0.3

57.5 58.5 – 0.20 4.8 0.33 20.9 0.83 E0.01 0.17

58.5 59.5 – 0.17 5.8 0.52 18.3 1.68 E0.02 0.18

59.5 60.5 – E0.019 2.8 0.65 14.4 0.05 E0.01 0.13

60.5 61.5 – E0.017 2.8 0.52 9.3 0.09 <0.01 0.13

61.5 62.5 – E0.037 10.7 0.49 27.5 0.09 E0.03 0.09

62.5 63.5 – E0.027 2.5 0.3 9.3 0.17 E0.02 0.24

63.5 64.5 – E0.04 2.5 0.33 11.7 0.23 E0.01 0.23

64.5 65.5 – E0.025 3.4 0.23 10.8 0.69 <0.01 0.12

65.5 66.5 – E0.031 5.7 0.37 18.4 1.78 E0.01 0.14

66.5 67.5 – E0.03 4.8 0.45 16.6 1.38 E0.01 0.17

67.5 68.5 – E0.028 4.2 0.87 12.7 0.69 E0.01 0.21

68.5 69.5 – E0.022 2.1 0.22 6.9 0.1 <0.01 0.16

69.5 70.5 – E0.024 5 0.31 13.9 0.34 E0.02 0.23

70.5 71.5 – E0.016 1.6 0.33 5.7 E0.05 E0.01 0.38

71.5 72.5 – E0.019 2.2 0.81 5.3 0.47 E0.01 0.39

72.5 73.5 – E0.018 3.1 1.29 9.2 0.46 E0.01 0.39

73.5 74.5 – E0.018 2.4 1.37 7 0.44 E0.01 0.85

74.5 75.5 – E0.018 2 1.31 4 0.46 E0.01 0.63

75.5 76.5 – E0.023 3 1.23 4.9 0.58 E0.02 0.7

76.5 77.5 – E0.018 2.1 1.24 3.7 0.49 E0.01 0.73

Blank <0.01 E0.288 E0.023 E0.561 E0.04 E0.01 E0.023

Table 11. Chemical compositions of leachate from selected core material and cuttings from 1N/6E-35B1S (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, June, 2007.—Continued

[Five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: E, Estimated; ft, feet; 

mg/kg, milligram per kilogram; μS/cm, microsiemen per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Precision of results from leachate samples was evaluated 

with quality-control analyses (replicate samples). Duplicate 

samples of cutting material were collected at four depth 

intervals. Each of these replicate samples was prepared as 

described above (mixed with 50 mL of de-ionized water and 

shaken vigorously on a wrist shaker for 12 hours). The filtered 

extractant from each replicate sample was then split into 

triplicate (splits) and each aliquot was analyzed for soluble 

anions as described above for the environmental samples. 

The average precision of the replicate sampling of alluvial 

material for all replicate pairs was 8.3 percent for chloride and 

47.2 percent for nitrate. The average precision of the analyses 

from the ion chromatograph, based upon triplicate analyses of 

split samples, was 1.8 percent for chloride and 16.3 percent 

for nitrate. A limitation of the quality-control analyses was 

that all replicate samples were made at depth intervals where 

concentrations of ions are relatively low. Replicate samples 

where concentrations of ions were higher were not available. 

Because of the low concentrations of ions in the leachate 

sampled (parts per billion for some constituents; nitrate, 

nitrite, bromide), a high percent difference between splits does 

not correspond to a large difference in the magnitude between 

concentrations. 

The quality-control data for each split are presented 

individually for each constituent evaluated along with the 

average and standard deviation for the three splits of each 

subsample in table 12. Precision of the ion chromatograph 

analyses for splits within each subsample and precision of the 

subsampling of alluvial material between subsamples at the 

same depth interval is also presented in table 12. 

Blank samples were collected to evaluate bias and 

contamination from distilled water. Laboratory analytical 

blanks collected on three samples are presented in table 12. 

All analyses for blank sample water are less than the reporting 

limit for each constituent.
78 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 12. Quality control summary of leacate from cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California, May, 2007.

[Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: DI, de-ionized water; ft, feet; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; Rep, replicate; <, less than value shown; –, no data; ’, feet]

Site Sample 

Analysis 

date

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Bromide

(mg/L)

(71870)

Chloride 

(mg/L)

(00940)

Flouride 

(mg/L)

(00950)

Sulfate 

(mg/L)

(00945)

Nitrate-N 

(mg/L)

(00618)

Nitrite-N 

(mg/L)

00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/L)

(00671)

JTUZ-1 510-511’ 08_0345 (a) 06/04/2008 0.02 0.80 1.03 1.51 0.05 0.01 0.13

510-511’ 08_0345 (b) 06/04/2008 <0.01 0.80 1.03 1.50 0.05 0.01 0.13

510-511’ 08_0345 (c) 06/04/2008 <0.01 0.80 1.04 1.51 0.05 0.01 0.13

Average: 0.01 0.80 1.03 1.51 0.05 0.01 0.13

Standard deviation: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.71 0.00 0.00 0.21

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 50.00 0.63 0.48 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.79

510-511’ 08_0346 (a) 06/04/2008 0.01 0.77 1.09 1.62 0.05 0.01 0.12

510-511’ 08_0346 (b) 06/04/2008 0.01 0.76 1.06 1.60 0.05 0.01 0.12

510-511’ 08_0346 (c) 06/04/2008 0.01 0.78 1.08 1.61 0.05 0.01 0.12

Average: 0.01 0.77 1.08 1.61 0.05 0.01 0.12

Standard deviation: 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.73 0.00 0.00 0.20

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 9.37 2.35 2.13 1.24 2.19 0.00 2.51

Precision of subsampling, percent: 66.67 4.13 4.26 6.91 3.58 7.41 6.21

JTUZ-1 449-450’ Rep 06/04/2008 0.02 1.39 2.06 2.15 0.07 0.01 0.13

449-450’ 08_0116 05/27/2008 0.02 1.39 1.99 2.11 0.06 0.01 0.10

Average: 0.02 1.39 2.03 2.13 0.06 0.01 0.11

Standard deviation: 0.01 0.98 1.43 1.51 0.05 0.01 0.08

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 6.06 0.00 3.60 2.11 14.17 0.00 28.83

JTUZ-1 449-450’ 08_0373 (a) 06/05/2008 0.02 1.40 2.48 2.21 0.05 0.01 0.11

449-450’ 08_0373 (b) 06/05/2008 0.02 1.39 2.45 2.21 0.05 0.01 0.11

449-450’ 08_0373 (c) 06/05/2008 0.02 1.33 2.44 2.18 0.01 0.01 0.11

Average: 0.02 1.37 2.46 2.20 0.03 0.01 0.11

Standard deviation: 0.00 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.00

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 5.66 4.45 1.79 1.00 104.85 0.00 0.94

Precision of subsampling, percent: 6.83 1.40 19.23 3.27 68.78 0.00 4.61

JTUZ-1 286-287’ 08_0188 05/30/2008 0.04 5.46 0.58 5.87 2.24 0.04 0.07

286-287’ (b) 06/04/2008 0.04 5.35 0.58 5.83 2.22 0.04 0.09

286-287’ (c) 06/04/2008 0.04 5.35 0.60 5.79 2.20 0.04 0.09

Average: 0.04 5.39 0.59 5.83 2.22 0.04 0.08

Standard deviation: 0.00 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.00 0.01

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 0.00 2.06 2.04 1.34 1.80 0.00 25.51

JTUZ-1 286-287’ 08_0211 05/30/2008 0.04 5.92 0.59 4.74 0.99 0.24 0.08

286-287’ 1550 (b) 06/04/2008 0.04 5.95 0.61 4.58 0.95 0.24 0.09

286-287’ 1550 (c) 06/04/2008 0.04 5.89 0.57 4.56 0.94 0.24 0.08

Average: 0.04 5.92 0.59 4.63 0.96 0.24 0.08

Standard deviation: 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.08 0.02 0.00 0.00

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 2.36 0.96 6.09 3.85 4.69 2.52 3.59

Precision of subsampling, percent: 8.20 9.43 0.57 23.04 79.19 142.38 1.61

JTUZ-1 326-327’ 08_0230 05/30/2008 0.02 5.28 0.97 19.32 3.20 0.02 0.03

326-327’ 848 (b) 06/04/2008 0.04 5.28 1.19 20.02 3.14 0.02 0.03

326-327’ 848 (c) 06/04/2008 0.02 5.29 1.00 18.91 3.16 0.02 0.03

Average: 0.03 5.28 1.05 19.42 3.17 0.02 0.03

Standard deviation: 0.01 0.00 0.10 0.46 0.03 0.00 0.00

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 54.88 0.17 21.18 5.69 1.89 0.00 13.79
Geochemical Data 79

Site Sample 

Analysis 

date

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Bromide

(mg/L)

(71870)

Chloride 

(mg/L)

(00940)

Flouride 

(mg/L)

(00950)

Sulfate 

(mg/L)

(00945)

Nitrate-N 

(mg/L)

(00618)

Nitrite-N 

(mg/L)

(00613)

Orthophosphate 

(mg/L)

(00671)

JTUZ-1 326-327’ 08_0231 05/30/2008 0.03 6.40 1.22 20.79 4.65 0.06 <0.02

326-327’ 1026 (b) 06/04/2008 0.02 6.16 1.02 20.37 4.61 0.06 <0.02

326-327’ 1026 (c) 06/04/2008 0.02 6.42 1.13 20.43 4.61 0.05 0.03

Average: 0.02 6.33 1.12 20.53 4.62 0.06 0.02

Standard deviation: 0.00 0.12 0.08 0.18 0.02 0.01 0.01

Precision ion chromatograph analyses, percent: 12.33 3.98 18.07 2.05 0.89 30.36 50.00

Precision of subsampling, percent: 11.61 18.04 6.50 5.56 37.29 115.49 92.44

JTUZ-1 DI Blank #2637 <0.5 <0.5 – <3 <0.06 <0.03 <0.5

DI Blank 08_0210 <0.01 0.4 0.04 0.9 0.05 0.01 0.04

DI Blank 08_0148 <0.01 0.4 0.05 0.9 <0.01 <0.01 0.05

Table 12. Quality control summary of leacate from cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1-23S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, 

California, May, 2007.—Continued

Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: DI, de-ionized water; ft, feet; mg/L, milligram per liter; 

mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; Rep, replicate; <, less than value shown; –, no data; ’, feet]

Groundwater Chemistry

The chemical and isotopic composition of groundwater 

at JTUZ-1 was analyzed for samples collected from the 

water-table well. Samples were collected by using a positivedisplacement piston-pump after at least three casing volumes 

had been pumped from the well and field measurements of 

pH, specific conductance, and temperature had stabilized to 

within 5 percent of the previously recorded value. Samples 

were collected in accordance with the protocols established 

by the USGS National Field Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, 

variously dated). These sampling protocols ensure that a 

representative sample of groundwater is collected at each site 

and that potential contamination of samples during collection 

and handling is minimized. Results for chemical and isotopic 

analysis of water from the water-table well at JTUZ-1 are 

presented in table 13.

All samples collected from the groundwater well were 

analyzed for soluble anions (fluoride, sulfate, bromide, 

chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate) at the 

USGS San Diego Water Quality Laboratory by using ion 

chromatography (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

1993). Samples from the water-table well were sent to the 

USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in 

Denver, Colorado, for analysis of major ions, nutrients, and 

selected trace elements, by using methods by Fishman and 

Friedman (1989), Fishman (1993), and Garbarino and others 

(2002; 2006). Selected samples were sent to the USGS Stable 

Isotope Laboratory (SIL) in Reston, Virginia, for analysis of 

the stable isotopes of oxygen (δ18O), and hydrogen (dD) in 

water and nitrogen (δ15N), and δ18O of nitrate by using mass 

spectrometry (Epstein and Mayeda, 1953; Coplen and others, 

1991).

Unsaturated-Zone Water Chemistry

The chemical and isotopic composition of unsaturatedzone water was analyzed for samples collected from 

suction-cup lysimeters. All samples collected from the 

lysimeters were analyzed for soluble anions (fluoride, sulfate, 

bromide, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate) at the 

USGS San Diego Water Quality Laboratory by using ion 

chromatography (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

1993). Selected samples from the suction-cup lysimeters and 

all samples from the water-table well were sent to the USGS 

NWQL for analysis of major ions, nutrients, and selected trace 

elements by using methods by Fishman and Friedman (1989), 

Fishman (1993), and Garbarino and others (2002; 2006). 

Selected samples were sent to the USGS SIL for analysis 

of the stable isotopes of oxygen (δ18O), nitrogen (δ15N), and 

hydrogen (dD) by using mass spectrometry (Epstein and 

Mayeda, 1953; Coplen and others, 1991). Results of chemical 

and isotopic analysis for water from suction-cup lysimeters are 

presented in tables 14 and 15.
80 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Table 13. Chemical composition of water from well 1N/6E35A1S in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09. [The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: CaCO3, calcium carbonate; cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; M, presence of compound verified but not quantified; mg/L, milligram per liter; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; nm, nanometer; SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown; ”, inch; μg/L, microgram per liter] Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Absorbance, UV, 254-nm, 1-cm pathlength (units per centimeter) (50624) Dissolved oxygen, water, unfiltered (mg/L) (00300) pH, water, unfiltered, field (standard units) (00400) Specific conductance

(μS/cm)

(00095) 

 Temperature, 

water

(°C)

(00010)

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 0.011 7.4 8.1 –95 27.6

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 0.01 5.9 8.2 417 20.0

09/12/2008 12:05 0.009 6.4 8.1 413 25.6

03/11/2009 10:30 – 6.5 8.1 413 22.2

07/01/2009 13:20 – 7.1 8.0 419 28.2

09/17/2009 14:20 – 7.5 8.1 399 29.5

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Dissolved solids 

dried at 180°C 

(mg/L)

(70300)

 Calcium, 

water, filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

 Magnesium, 

water, filtered

(mg/L)

(00925)

 Potassium, 

water, filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

 Sodium, 

water, filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 278 24.3 4.13 3.67 52.5

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 274 26.2 4.10 3.80 49.7

09/12/2008 12:05 270 24.4 4.00 3.81 53.9

03/11/2009 10:30 275 25.3 4.05 3.59 50.8

07/01/2009 13:20 268 26.6 4.14 3.58 51.909/17/2009 14:20 – – – – –

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Alkalinity

(mg/L as CaCO3

)

(39036)

 Bicarbonate

(mg/L)

(29804)

 Bicarbonate

(mg/L)

(00453)

 Bromide

(mg/L)

(71870)

Chloride

(mg/L)

(00940) 

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 – – – 0.12 25.4

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 92 110 107 0.14 23.9

09/12/2008 12:05 87 104 104 0.13 23.3

03/11/2009 10:30 86 104 104 0.14 24.4

07/01/2009 13:20 87 105 102 0.07 23.2

09/17/2009 14:20 89 107 106 0.13 –

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Fluoride

(mg/L)

(00950)

 Silica

(mg/L as SiO2

)

(00955)

 Sulfate

(mg/L)

(00945)

 Ammonia plus 

organic nitrogen

(mg/L as nitrogen) 

(00623)

 Ammonia

(mg/L as nitrogen)

(00608)

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 0.7 23.6 25.3 0.13 E0.019

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 0.63 24.8 25.2 <0.14 <0.020

09/12/2008 12:05 0.69 24.3 24.7 <0.14 <0.020

03/11/2009 10:30 E0.67 24.0 25.9 <0.10 <0.020

07/01/2009 13:20 0.65 23.6 25.2 <0.10 <0.020

09/17/2009 14:20 – – – E0.08 <0.020
Geochemical Data 81

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Nitrate plus nitrite

(mg/L as nitrogen) 

(00631)

Nitrate

(mg/L as nitrogen) 

(00618) 

 Nitrite

(mg/L as nitrogen) 

(00613)

 Orthophosphate 

(mg/L as phosphorus) 

(00671)

Phosphorus

(mg/L as phosphorus)

(00666) 

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 12.7 12.7 0.027 0.015 <0.04

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 12.4 E12.4 E0.002 0.013 <0.04

09/12/2008 12:05 12.5 – <0.002 0.011 <0.04

03/11/2009 10:30 12.6 – <0.002 0.013 E0.03

07/01/2009 13:20 12.2 – <0.002 0.018 <0.04

09/17/2009 14:20 12.0 – <0.002 0.015 <0.04

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Aluminum

(μg/L)

(01106)

Barium

(μg/L)

(01005) 

Chromium

(μg/L)

(01030) 

Iron

(μg/L)

(01046) 

 Lithium

(μg/L)

(01130)

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 4.2 29.6 12.9 <6 6

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 6.4 31.9 – <8 6

09/12/2008 12:05 3.5 29.6 15.4 <8 6

03/11/2009 10:30 E3.0 32.5 – <4 7

07/01/2009 13:20 E3.1 30.6 – <4 609/17/2009 14:20 – – – – –

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Manganese

(μg/L)

(01056)

Strontium

(μg/L)

(01080) 

Arsenic

(μg/L)

(01000) 

Boron

(μg/L)

(01020) 

Iodide

(mg/L) 

(71865)

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 6.4 270 1.6 51 0.003

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 0.7 284 1.5 53 0.003

09/12/2008 12:05 0.8 269 1.7 50 0.002

03/11/2009 10:30 0.2 282 1.5 56 E0.002

07/01/2009 13:20 E0.1 282 1.8 57 E0.002

09/17/2009 14:20 – – – – E0.002

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

Organic 

carbon

(mg/L)

(00681) 

 Deuterium/

protium 

ratio

(per mil) 

(82082)

 Nitrogen-15/

nitrogen-14 ratio in 

nitrate fraction

(per mil) 

(82690)

Oxygen-18/

oxygen-16 ratio 

in nitrate fraction

(per mil) 

(63041) 

Oxygen-18/

oxygen-16 

ratio

(per mil) 

(82085) 

JTUZ-1 2” well 08/16/2007 13:35 0.5 –78.30 9.24 –3.73 –10.87

1N/6E-35A1 03/05/2008 18:00 0.5 –78.00 – – –10.89

09/12/2008 12:05 0.3 –78.40 – – –10.91

03/11/2009 10:30 0.4 –78.00 9.06 –3.72 –10.9

07/01/2009 13:20 – –77.50 – – –10.94

09/17/2009 14:20 – –77.20 – – –10.91

Table 13. Chemical composition of water from well 1N/6E35A1S in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: CaCO3, calcium carbonate; cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; M, presence of compound verified but not quantified; 

mg/L, milligram per liter; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; nm, nanometer; SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; 

<, less than value shown; ”, inch; μg/L, microgram per liter]
82 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09. [The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown] Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Absorbance, UV, 254 nm, 1-cm pathlength (units per cm) (50624) Dissolved oxygen, water, unfiltered (mg/L) (00300) pH, water, unfiltered, field (standard units) (00400) Specific conductance

(μS/cm)

(00095) 

 Temperature, 

water

(°C)

(00010)

 Dissolved 

solids dried 

at 180°C

(mg/L)

(70300)

 Calcium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

 Magnesium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00925)

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 516.5 07/18/2007 09:40 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35A3 LYS 07/19/2007 09:40 – – 8.4 396 – – – –

08/16/2007 12:50 – – 8.5 384 – – – –

08/16/2007 12:51 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 07:40 – – 8.8 355 – – 15.3 3.26

01/14/2008 12:30 – – 8.6 359 – 258 16.4 3.13

01/15/2008 08:45 1.3 – 8.6 356 – – – –

03/05/2008 17:20 – – 8.3 356 – – 17.9 2.97

05/07/2008 08:30 – – – – – 262 18 3.11

05/07/2008 08:31 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 06:55 1.18 8.4 345 – – – –

05/08/2008 06:56 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:20 – – – – – – 18.4 3.22

07/28/2008 09:21 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:40 1.27 – 8.2 366 – – – –

01/07/2009 17:10 – – 8.1 398 – – 20.2 3.36

03/11/2009 11:05 – – 8.3 360 – – 18.8 3.3

06/05/2009 15:03 – – 8.7 387 – – – –

07/01/2009 16:10 – – – – – – – –

09/17/2009 14:08 – – – – – 233 18.2 3.43

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 346 08/16/2007 12:25 – – 8.2 26,600 – – – –

1N/6E-35A9 LYS 11/29/2007 07:20 – – 8.5 23,100 – – 1,230 554

01/14/2008 12:55 – – 8.4 14,600 – – – –

01/15/2008 09:00 – – 8.5 15,800 – – – –

03/05/2008 17:45 – – 7.7 9,370 – – 491 192

05/07/2008 08:45 – – – – – 4,590 390 132

05/07/2008 08:46 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 07:05 – – 8.4 5,760 – – – –

07/28/2008 09:40 – – – – – – 304 103

07/28/2008 09:41 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:30 1.47 – 7.9 4,700 – – – –

01/07/2009 17:30 – – 7.8 3,720 – – – –

06/05/2009 15:08 – – 8.3 2,910 – – – –
Geochemical Data 83

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Potassium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

 Sodium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

 Alkalinity 

(mg/L as 

calcium 

carbonate)

(39036)

 Bicarbonate

(mg/L)

(29804)

 Bicarbonate 

(mg/L)

(00453)

 Bromide 

(mg/L)

(71870)

Chloride 

(mg/L)

(00940) 

 Fluoride

(mg/L)

(00950)

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 516.5 07/18/2007 09:40 – – – – – 0.1 28.3 1.09

1N/6E-35A3 LYS 07/19/2007 09:40 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:50 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:51 – – – – – 0.2 24.2 1.05

11/29/2007 07:40 4.14 53 – – – 0.24 19.3 –

01/14/2008 12:30 3.89 50.6 – – – 0.18 17.8 0.91

01/15/2008 08:45 – – – – – – – –

03/05/2008 17:20 3.34 43.2 120 145 143 0.15 15.9 –

05/07/2008 08:30 3.57 49.5 – – – 0.17 16.1 –

05/07/2008 08:31 – – – – – 0.2 17 0.95

05/08/2008 06:55 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 06:56 – – – – – 0.1 16.9 1.01

07/28/2008 09:20 3.53 46.5 – – – 0.15 16.7 –07/28/2008 09:21 – – – – – 0.1 17.1 1.04

09/12/2008 11:40 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 17:10 3.83 48.5 – – – 0.11 16.2 –

03/11/2009 11:05 3.48 44.4 – – – 0.14 16.1 –

06/05/2009 15:03 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:10 – – – – – – – –

09/17/2009 14:08 3.37 44.1 – – – 0.15 – E1.03

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 346 08/16/2007 12:25 – – – –

1N/6E-35A9 LYS 11/29/2007 07:20 116 3,630 – – – 30.3 <0.12 –

01/14/2008 12:55 – – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – –

03/05/2008 17:45 44.2 1,100 – – – 10.1 2,550 –05/07/2008 08:45 36.5 866 – – – 6.3 1,580 –05/07/2008 08:46 – – – – – 5.7 1,580 0.57

05/08/2008 07:05 – – – – – 5.4 1,310 0.61

07/28/2008 09:40 29.5 633 – – – 4.56 1,160 –07/28/2008 09:41 – – – – – 4.2 1,140 0.65

09/12/2008 11:30 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 17:30 – – – – – – – –

06/05/2009 15:08 – – – – – – – –

Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
84 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Silica (mg/L as SiO2

)

(00955)

 Sulfate

(mg/L)

(00945)

 Ammonia 

plus organic 

nitrogen 

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00623)

 Ammonia

(mg/L as 

nitrogen) 

(00608)

 Nitrate 

plus nitrite

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00631)

Nitrate

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00618) 

 Nitrite

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00613)

 Orthophophate

(mg/L as 

phosphorus) 

(00671)

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 516.5 07/18/2007 09:40 – 27.6 – – 1.63 – 2.93 0.04

1N/6E-35A3 LYS 07/19/2007 09:40 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:50 – – 13 0.124 3.27 1.46 1.81 0.018

08/16/2007 12:51 – 24.7 – – 1.5 – 1.93 0.05

11/29/2007 07:40 18.4 22.1 – – – – – –

01/14/2008 12:30 18.3 21.2 – – – – – –

01/15/2008 08:45 – – 5.7 <.020 5.11 4.99 0.123 0.014

03/05/2008 17:20 18.2 19.6 – – – – – –

05/07/2008 08:30 18.4 20 8.6 0.163 5.19 5.11 0.081 –

05/07/2008 08:31 – 19.5 – – 5.33 5.25 0.08 <0.020

05/08/2008 06:55 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 06:56 – 21.2 – – 5.75 5.69 0.06 <0.020

07/28/2008 09:20 17.5 19.6 – – – – – –07/28/2008 09:21 – 18.7 – – – – 0.07 E.020

09/12/2008 11:40 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 17:10 17.8 19.3 14 0.352 5.11 4.98 0.133 E.005

03/11/2009 11:05 17.2 19.2 – – – – – –

06/05/2009 15:03 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:10 – – 9.4 0.496 4.97 4.85 0.126 0.01

09/17/2009 14:08 E19.0 – 7.6 0.21 5.23 5.01 0.217 0.01

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 346 08/16/2007 12:25 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35A9 LYS 11/29/2007 07:20 43.1 <0.18 – – – – – –

01/14/2008 12:55 – – 22 2.53 87.3 85.9 1.39 .036

01/15/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – –

03/05/2008 17:45 47.8 969 – – – – – –05/07/2008 08:45 50.8 766 8.7 0.308 102 101 1.16 –05/07/2008 08:46 – 805 – – 102 101 1.28 0.26005/08/2008 07:05 – 709 – – 101 101 0.070 0.13007/28/2008 09:40 38 628 – – – – – –07/28/2008 09:41 – 643 – – 103 – <0.010 0.160

09/12/2008 11:30 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 17:30 – – 15 0.694 101 101 0.028 0.046

06/05/2009 15:08 – – – – – – – –

Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
Geochemical Data 85

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

Phosphorus

(mg/L as

 phosphorus)

(00666) 

 Aluminum

(μg/L) 

(01106)

Barium

(μg/L) 

(01005) 

Chromium

(μg/L) 

(01030) 

Iron

(μg/L) 

(01046) 

 Lithium 

(μg/L)

(01130)

 Manganese

(μg/L) 

(01056)

Strontium, 

(μg/L)

(01080) 

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 516.5 07/18/2007 09:40 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35A3 LYS 07/19/2007 09:40 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:50 0.05 – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:51 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 07:40 – 8.1 0.39 8 – 24.9 –

01/14/2008 12:30 – 16.3 10.3 – <8 11 34.4 186

01/15/2008 08:45 E0.03 – – – – – – –03/05/2008 17:20 – – 17.6 2.8 <8 – 35.4 –

05/07/2008 08:30 – 27.2 17.7 – <8 8 21.6 197

05/07/2008 08:31 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 06:55 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 06:56 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:20 – – 20.4 4.5 13 – 15.5 –

07/28/2008 09:21 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:40 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 17:10 <0.04 – 21.6 3.1 <4 – 7.3 –

03/11/2009 11:05 – – 21.0 2.1 E3 – 9.4 –

06/05/2009 15:03 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:10 <0.04 – – – – – – –

09/17/2009 14:08 <0.04 23.1 22.4 – <4 8 17.3 219

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 346 08/16/2007 12:25 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35A9 LYS 11/29/2007 07:20 – – 120 21.1 9 – 138 –

01/14/2008 12:55 0.32 – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – –

03/05/2008 17:45 – – 68.0 6.3 <40 – 53.6 –05/07/2008 08:45 – 5.5 52.0 – <32 92 26.8 3,130

05/07/2008 08:46 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 07:05 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:40 – – 47.2 5.6 E13 – 16.5 –07/28/2008 09:41 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:30 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 17:30 0.24 – – – – – – –

06/05/2009 15:08 – – – – – – – –

Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
86 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Arsenic

(μg/L)

(01000) 

Boron

(μg/L)

(01020) 

 Iodide

(mg/L)

(71865)

Organic 

carbon 

(mg/L)

(00681) 

 Deuterium/

protium 

ratio 

(per mil)

(82082)

 Nitrogen-15/

nitrogen-14 

ratio in nitrate 

fraction 

(per mil)

(82690)

Oxygen-18/

oxygen-16 

ratio in nitrate 

fraction 

(per mil)

(63041) 

Oxygen-18/

oxygen-16 

ratio

(per mil)

(82085) 

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 516.5 07/18/2007 09:40 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35A3 LYS 07/19/2007 09:40 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:50 – – – – –75.70 20.30 –7.64 –10.70

08/16/2007 12:51 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 07:40 1.9 146 0.006 – –76.00 – – –10.74

01/14/2008 12:30 2.0 112 0.008 – – – – –01/15/2008 08:45 – – – 435 –77.60 – – –11.04

03/05/2008 17:20 1.8 100 0.006 – –76.90 – – –10.94

05/07/2008 08:30 1.8 96 0.007 – –76.30 – – –11.01

05/07/2008 08:31 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 06:55 – – – 382 –77.60 – – –11.01

05/08/2008 06:56 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:20 1.7 87 0.009 – –76.50 – – –10.92

07/28/2008 09:21 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:40 – – – 386 – – – –

01/07/2009 17:10 1.6 70 0.009 – – – – –

03/11/2009 11:05 1.4 83 0.009 – –78.00 11.60 0.19 –10.90

06/05/2009 15:03 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:10 – – – – – – – –

09/17/2009 14:08 1.5 81 0.011 295 –77.70 – – –10.97

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 346 08/16/2007 12:25 – – – – –73.60 – – –10.18

1N/6E-35A9 LYS 11/29/2007 07:20 30.4 1,580 1.99 – –74.50 – – –10.13

01/14/2008 12:55 – – – – –72.60 – – –10.40

01/15/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – –

03/05/2008 17:45 25.8 1,350 1.01 – –74.60 – – –10.48

05/07/2008 08:45 24.4 1,180 0.700 – –75.10 – – –10.47

05/07/2008 08:46 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 07:05 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:40 21.1 1,000 0.592 – –74.90 – – –10.46

07/28/2008 09:41 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:30 – – – 428 – – – –

01/07/2009 17:30 – – – – – – – –

06/05/2009 15:08 – – – – – – – –

Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; SiO2, 

silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
Geochemical Data 87

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Absorbance, 

UV, 254 nm, 

1-cm 

pathlength, 

(units per cm)

(50624)

 Dissolved 

oxygen, 

water, 

unfiltered, 

(mg/L)

(00300)

 pH, water, 

unfiltered, 

field, 

(standard 

units) 

(00400)

Specific 

conductance, 

(μS/cm) 

(00095) 

 Temperature, 

water, 

(°C) 

(00010)

 Dissolved 

solids dried 

at 180°C, 

(mg/L)

(70300)

 Calcium, 

water, filtered, 

(mg/L)

(00915)

 Magnesium, 

water, filtered, 

(mg/L)

(00925)

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 91 07/18/2007 10:30 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35A20 LYS 07/19/2007 10:30 – – 7.4 9,170 – – – –

08/16/2007 12:05 – – 7.6 8,980 – – – –

08/16/2007 12:06 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 07:00 – – 8 8,510 – – 1,140 185

01/14/2008 13:20 0.386 – 7.8 9,030 – – – –

01/15/2008 09:10 – – 8.1 9,440 – – – –

01/16/2008 09:00 – – 8.4 10,100 – – – –

03/05/2008 18:00 – – 7.3 10,100 – – 1,320 201

05/07/2008 08:52 – – – – – 9,150 1,550 226

05/07/2008 08:53 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 07:10 – – 7.8 11,200 – – – –

05/08/2008 07:11 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:25 – – – – – – 1,600 249

07/28/2008 09:26 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:15 0.493 – 7.4 12,400 – – – –

03/11/2009 10:30 – – 7.4 13,400 – – – –

06/05/2009 15:13 – – 7.1 13,000 – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 – – – – – – 1,690 266

09/17/2009 13:30 – – – – – 11,200 1,920 288

Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
88 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued [The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown] Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Potassium, water, filtered (mg/L) (00935) Sodium, water, filtered (mg/L) (00930) Alkalinity (mg/L as) calcium carbonate (39036) Bicarbonate (mg/L) (29804) Bicarbonate (mg/L) (00453) Bromide (mg/L) (71870) Chloride (mg/L) (00940) Fluoride (mg/L) (00950) JTUZ-1 LYS @ 91 07/18/2007 10:30 – – – – – 11.1 1,280 0.86 1N/6E-35A20 LYS 07/19/2007 10:30 – – – – – – – – 08/16/2007 12:05 – – – – – – – – 08/16/2007 12:06 – – – – – 11.6 1,290 0.49 11/29/2007 07:00 12.5 551 90 108 104 11.2 1,270 – 01/14/2008 13:20 – – – – – – – – 01/15/2008 09:10 – – – – – – – – 01/16/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – – 03/05/2008 18:00 7.86 487 72 87 87 12.7 1,370 – 05/07/2008 08:52 8.59 607 – – – 14.1 1,500 0.16 05/07/2008 08:53 – – – – – 14.1 1,580 0.17 05/08/2008 07:10 – – – – – – – – 05/08/2008 07:11 – – – – – 16.3 1,830 0.16 07/28/2008 09:25 8.26 627 – – – 14.9 1,630 – 07/28/2008 09:26 – – – – – 14.7 1,690 1.16 09/12/2008 11:15 – – – – – – – – 03/11/2009 10:30 – – – – – – – – 06/05/2009 15:13 – – – – – – – – 07/01/2009 16:00 8.01 1,220 – – – 17.2 1,910 – 09/17/2009 13:30 8.78 1,450 – – – 19.2 1,850 0.11
Geochemical Data 89

Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Silica

(mg/L as 

SiO2)

(00955)

 Sulfate

(mg/L)

(00945)

 Ammonia 

plus organic 

nitrogen 

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00623)

 Ammonia

(mg/L as 

nitrogen) 

(00608)

 Nitrate 

plus nitrite

(mg/L as 

nitrogen) 

(00631)

Nitrate

(mg/L as 

nitrogen) 

(00618) 

 Nitrite

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00613)

 Orthophophate 

(mg/L as 

phosphorus) 

(00671)

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 91 07/18/2007 10:30 – 605 – – 737 736 0.800 <0.020

1N/6E-35A20 LYS 07/19/2007 10:30 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:05 – – 2.9 <0.020 711 711 0.347 0.045

08/16/2007 12:06 – 579 – – 635 635 0.380 <0.020

11/29/2007 07:00 34.9 529 – – – – – –

01/14/2008 13:20 – – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:10 – – 2.6 0.152 761 760 0.596 0.040

01/16/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – –

03/05/2008 18:00 31.8 674 – – – – – –

05/07/2008 08:52 34.1 781 3.2 <0.100 864 863 0.277 –

05/07/2008 08:53 – 836 – – 924 924 0.390 <0.020

05/08/2008 07:10 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 07:11 – 1,040 – – 902 – <0.010 <0.020

07/28/2008 09:25 26.1 952 – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:26 – 970 – – 959 958 1.18 <0.020

09/12/2008 11:15 – – – – – – – –

03/11/2009 10:30 – – – – – – – –

06/05/2009 15:13 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 32.8 1,360 0.33 0.181 991 990 0.174 0.040

09/17/2009 13:30 32.4 1,370 0.96 0.307 1,010 1,010 0.434 0.035
90 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued [The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown] Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Phosphorus (mg/L as phosphorus) (00666) Aluminum (μg/L) (01106) Barium (μg/L) (01005) Chromium (μg/L) (01030) Iron (μg/L) (01046) Lithium (μg/L) (01130) Manganese (μg/L) (01056) Strontium (μg/L) (01080) JTUZ-1 LYS @ 91 07/18/2007 10:30 – – – – – – – – 1N/6E-35A20 LYS 07/19/2007 10:30 – – – – – – – – 08/16/2007 12:05 0.12 – – – – – – – 08/16/2007 12:06 – – – – – – – – 11/29/2007 07:00 – – 181 0.78 <40 – 941 – 01/14/2008 13:20 – – – – – – – – 01/15/2008 09:10 0.08 – – – – – – – 01/16/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – – 03/05/2008 18:00 – – 142 1.8 <48 – 464 – 05/07/2008 08:52 – 17.4 121 – <48 71 288 9,900 05/07/2008 08:53 – – – – – – – – 05/08/2008 07:10 – – – – – – – – 05/08/2008 07:11 – – – – – – – – 07/28/2008 09:25 – – 99.9 2.0 <48 – 122 – 07/28/2008 09:26 – – – – – – – – 09/12/2008 11:15 – – – – – – – – 03/11/2009 10:30 – – – – – – – – 06/05/2009 15:13 – – – – – – – – 07/01/2009 16:00 0.04 – 73.7 3.5 E30 – 5.4 – 09/17/2009 13:30 E0.03 <40.0 71.3 – E26 73 4.2 12,700
Geochemical Data 91

Table 14. Chemical composition of unsaturated-zone water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35A3 LYS, 1N/6E-35A9 LYS, 1N/6E-35A20 LYS, in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; °C, degrees Celsius; μg/L, microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; –, no data; <, less than value shown]

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

Arsenic

(μg/L) 

(01000) 

Boron

(μg/L) 

(01020) 

 Iodide

(mg/L)

(71865)

Organic 

carbon

(mg/L)

(00681) 

 Deuterium/

protium 

ratio

(per mil)

(82082)

 Nitrogen-15/

mitrogen-14 

ratio in 

nitrate 

fraction

(per mil)

(82690)

Oxygen-18/

oxygen-16 

ratio in 

nitrate 

fraction

(per mil)

(63041) 

Oxygen-18/

oxygen-16 

ratio

(per mil)

(82085) 

JTUZ-1 LYS @ 91 07/18/2007 10:30 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35A20 LYS 07/19/2007 10:30 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 12:05 – – – – –70.80 10.00 2.82 –9.01

08/16/2007 12:06 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 07:00 3.7 212 0.046 – –72.40 – – –9.04

01/14/2008 13:20 – – – 62.8 – – – –

01/15/2008 09:10 – – – – –70.90 – – –8.98

01/16/2008 09:00 – – – – – – – –

03/05/2008 18:00 2.2 232 0.039 – –71.60 – – –8.99

05/07/2008 08:52 2.4 228 0.037 – –72.70 – – –8.91

05/07/2008 08:53 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 07:10 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 07:11 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 09:25 2.3 196 0.039 – –71.90 – – –8.74

07/28/2008 09:26 – – – – – – – –

09/12/2008 11:15 – – – 66.2 – – – –

03/11/2009 10:30 – – – 62.7 –71.80 9.76 3.55 –8.70

06/05/2009 15:13 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 2.9 269 0.028 – – – – –

09/17/2009 13:30 3.8 264 0.025 21.2 –71.30 – – –8.68
92 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Table 15. Chemical composition of water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35B3 LYS and 1N/6E-35B7 LYS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09. [The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; μg/L; microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; °C, degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown] Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Absorbance, UV, 254 nm, 1-cm pathlength (units per cm) (50624) Dissolved oxygen, water, unfiltered (mg/L) (00300) pH, water, unfiltered, field (standard units) (00400) Specific conductance 

(μS/cm)

(00095) 

 Temperature, 

water

(°C)

(00010)

 Dissolved 

solids dried 

at 180°C

(mg/L)

(70300)

 Calcium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00915)

 Magnesium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00925)

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 70 01/14/2008 13:55 – – – 27,400 – – – –

1N/6E-35B3 LYS 01/15/2008 09:30 – – – 19,000 – – – –

01/16/2008 09:20 – – – 16,600 – – – –

05/07/2008 07:35 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:36 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:05 – – – – – – – –

03/11/2009 08:35 – – 8.9 3,760 – – – –

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 61 07/18/2007 15:20 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35B7 LYS 07/19/2007 11:20 – – 9.1 2,650 – – – –

08/16/2007 09:37 – – 8.3 1,560 – – – –

11/29/2007 09:20 – – – 1,100 – – – –

01/14/2008 14:05 – – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:40 0.074 – 8.1 1,120 – – – –

01/16/2008 09:30 – – – – – 763 61.4 17.3

03/05/2008 19:30 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:45 – – – – – 631 48.2 12.7

05/07/2008 07:46 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:15 – – 8.1 971 – – – –

05/08/2008 08:16 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 10:00 – – – – – – 67.7 16.8

07/28/2008 10:01 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 16:10 – – 8 934 – – – –

03/11/2009 08:35 – – 8.4 898 – – – –

06/05/2009 16:08 – – – 886 – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 – – – – – – 65.6 13.9

09/17/2009 15:30 – – – – – – 67.2 13.9
Geochemical Data 93

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

 Potassium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00935)

 Sodium, 

water, 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00930)

 Alkalinity 

(mg/L as 

calcium 

carbonate)

(39036)

 Bicarbonate

(mg/L)

(29804)

 Bicarbonate 

(mg/L)

(00453)

 Bromide 

(mg/L)

(71870)

Chloride 

(mg/L)

(00940) 

 Fluoride

(mg/L)

(00950)

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 70 01/14/2008 13:55 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35B3 LYS 01/15/2008 09:30 – – – – – – – –

01/16/2008 09:20 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:35 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:36 – – – – – 12.6 3,390 1.08

05/08/2008 08:05 – – – – – 12.7 3,400 1

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – – – – – –

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 61 07/18/2007 15:20 – – – – – 2 584 0.69

1N/6E-35B7 LYS 07/19/2007 11:20 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 09:37 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 09:20 – – – – – – – –

01/14/2008 14:05 – – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:40 – – – – – – – –

01/16/2008 09:30 6.12 156 – – – 0.15 53 0.14

03/05/2008 19:30 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:45 4.65 128 – – – 0.13 41.8 –

05/07/2008 07:46 – – – – – 0.1 45.3 0.11

05/08/2008 08:15 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:16 – – – – – 0.1 45.2 0.16

07/28/2008 10:00 4.18 119 – – – 0.11 43.3 –

07/28/2008 10:01 – – – – – 0.1 44.7 0.09

01/07/2009 16:10 – – – – – – – –

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – – – – – –

06/05/2009 16:08 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 2.25 76.8 – – – 0.11 43 –

09/17/2009 15:30 2.36 77.5 – – – 0.1 38.7 –

Table 15. Chemical composition of water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35B3 LYS and 1N/6E-35B7 LYS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; μg/L; microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; °C, degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
94 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Silica (mg/L as SiO2

)

(00955)

 Sulfate

(mg/L)

(00945)

 Ammonia 

plus organic 

nitrogen

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00623)

 Ammonia 

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00608)

 Nitrate 

plus nitrite

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00631)

Nitrate 

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00618) 

Nitrite 

(mg/L as 

nitrogen)

(00613)

 Orthophophate

(mg/L as 

phosphorus) 

(00671)

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 70 01/14/2008 13:55 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35B3 LYS 01/15/2008 09:30 – – – – – – – –

01/16/2008 09:20 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:35 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:36 – 1,040 – – 19.6 – <0.010 0.3

05/08/2008 08:05 – 1,040 – – 18.9 – <0.010 0.23

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – – – – – –

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 61 07/18/2007 15:20 – 182 – – 34 31.2 2.79 0.26

1N/6E-35B7 LYS 07/19/2007 11:20 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 09:37 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 09:20 – – – – – – – –

01/14/2008 14:05 – – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:40 – – 0.36 0.05 37.8 37.6 0.108 0.208

01/16/2008 09:30 45.5 143 – – – – – –

03/05/2008 19:30 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:45 48.8 100 2.6 <0.020 19.7 18.7 1.03 –05/07/2008 07:46 83 – – 18.8 18.6 0.21 0.21

05/08/2008 08:15 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:16 – 107 – – 43 42 1.04 0.22

07/28/2008 10:00 40.7 70.8 – – – – – –

07/28/2008 10:01 – 73 – – 42.1 42.1 0.03 0.13

01/07/2009 16:10 – – 1.8 <0.020 30.7 26.7 3.96 0.122

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – – – – – –

06/05/2009 16:08 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 46.6 58.6 0.6 0.075 25 24.4 0.619 0.157

09/17/2009 15:30 46.3 57.6 0.81 0.377 28.7 27.4 1.29 0.128

Table 15. Chemical composition of water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35B3 LYS and 1N/6E-35B7 LYS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; μg/L; microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; °C, degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
Geochemical Data 95

Site Instrumentation 

name 

Date 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

Time 

(hh:mm)

Phosphorus, 

(mg/L as 

phosphorus)

(00666) 

 Aluminum, 

(μg/L)

(01106)

Barium, 

(μg/L)

(01005)

Chromium,

(μg/L)

(01030) 

Iron,

(μg/L)

(01046) 

Lithium, 

(μg/L)

(01130)

Manganese, 

(μg/L)

(01056)

Strontium, 

(μg/L)

(01080)

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 70 01/14/2008 13:55 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35B3 LYS 01/15/2008 09:30 – – – – – – – –

01/16/2008 09:20 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:35 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:36 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:05 – – – – – – – –

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – – – – – –

JTUZ-2 LYS @ 61 07/18/2007 15:20 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E-35B7 LYS 07/19/2007 11:20 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 09:37 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 09:20 – – – – – – – –

01/14/2008 14:05 – – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:40 0.24 – – – – – – –

01/16/2008 09:30 – 3.7 59.9 – <8 17 2.1 499

03/05/2008 19:30 – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:45 – 2.8 43.2 – <8 24 5.6 389

05/07/2008 07:46 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:15 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:16 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 10:00 – – 59.2 1.2 <8 – 3.7 –

07/28/2008 10:01 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 16:10 0.17 – – – – – – –

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – – – – – –

06/05/2009 16:08 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 0.16 – 55.8 0.81 24 – 1.2 –

09/17/2009 15:30 0.13 – 60.5 0.94 9 – 1.3 –

Table 15. Chemical composition of water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35B3 LYS and 1N/6E-35B7 LYS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; μg/L; microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; °C, degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
96 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Site Instrumentation name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Time (hh:mm) Arsenic

(μg/L) 

(01000) 

Boron

(μg/L)

(01020) 

 Iodide

(mg/L) 

(71865)

Organic 

carbon 

(mg/L) 

(00681) 

 Deuterium/

protium 

ratio

(per mil) 

(82082)

 Nitrogen–15/

nitrogen–14 

ratio in 

nitrate 

fraction

(per mil) 

(82690)

Oxygen–18/

oxygen–16 

ratio in 

nitrate 

fraction

(per mil) 

(63041) 

Oxygen–18/

oxygen–16 

ratio

(per mil) 

(82085) 

JTUZ–2 LYS @ 70 01/14/2008 13:55 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E–35B3 LYS 01/15/2008 09:30 – – – – – – – –

01/16/2008 09:20 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:35 – – – – – – – –

05/07/2008 07:36 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:05 – – – – – – – –

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – 22.9 –77.3 – – –10.91

JTUZ–2 LYS @ 61 07/18/2007 15:20 – – – – – – – –

1N/6E–35B7 LYS 07/19/2007 11:20 – – – – – – – –

08/16/2007 09:37 – – – – – – – –

11/29/2007 09:20 – – – – – – – –

01/14/2008 14:05 – – – – – – – –

01/15/2008 09:40 – – – 10.4 –74.4 – – –10.98

01/16/2008 09:30 6.3 185 0.019 – –76.1 – – –10.86

03/05/2008 19:30 – – – – –75.7 – – –10.95

05/07/2008 07:45 7.8 194 E.024 – –75.7 – – –10.97

05/07/2008 07:46 – – – – – – – –

05/08/2008 08:15 – – – – –76.7 – – –11.03

05/08/2008 08:16 – – – – – – – –

07/28/2008 10:00 7 164 0.022 – –76 – – –10.96

07/28/2008 10:01 – – – – – – – –

01/07/2009 16:10 – – – – – – – –

03/11/2009 08:35 – – – – – 8.87 –5.87 –

06/05/2009 16:08 – – – – – – – –

07/01/2009 16:00 5 165 0.012 – – – – –

09/17/2009 15:30 5.1 180 0.014 3.2 –77 – – –11.02

Table 15. Chemical composition of water from suction-cup lysimeters: 1N/6E-35B3 LYS and 1N/6E-35B7 LYS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ-2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09.—Continued[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific constituent or property. Location of site is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: cm, centimeter; E, Estimated; ft, feet; hh:mm, hour:minute; mg/L, milligram per liter; nm, nanometer; mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; 

SiO2, silicon dioxide; UV, ultraviolet; μg/L; microgram per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; °C, degrees Celsius; –, no data; <, less than value shown]
Geochemical Data 97

Suction-cup lysimeters were used to collect samples by 

applying a vacuum (about 60 centibars) to the vacuum tube, 

which induces water to flow from the unsaturated zone into the 

lysimeters. Once in the lysimeters, the water was forced to the 

land surface by pressurizing the system by applying nitrogen 

gas to one tube of the two-tube system. If the matric potential 

of the unsaturated zone near the lysimeters is more negative 

than inside the lysimeter, water will not enter the lysimeters. 

For most lysimeters, it was necessary to apply a vacuum many 

times over a period of several months before the lysimeters 

yielded water and the first sample could be collected. Although 

water-yielding capabilities varied considerably from one 

lysimeter to another, about 2 to 4 weeks were required after 

a vacuum was applied to ensure a maximum accumulation of 

water within most lysimeters cups. Umari and others (1995) 

reported that shorter sampling periods resulted in partial loss 

of the sample through leakage back into the soil.

There is some uncertainty about whether the samples 

from the suction-cup lysimeters reliably represent the water 

in the unsaturated zone. Possible problems with data from 

suction-cup lysimeters include contamination of the sample 

by lysimeter materials, inability to collect sufficient sample 

volume for analysis, variability in sample collection because 

of variability in applied vacuum, and changes that take place 

in the sample, such as chemical precipitation during collection 

and storage within the body of the lysimeter (Umari and 

others, 1995).

Chemistry of Unsaturated-Zone Gases

Unsaturated-zone gas samples were collected once from 

the gas samplers over a period of 2 years and analyzed for 

argon, oxygen, nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, ethane, 

nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide. Unsaturated-zone gassample data are given in table 16 for JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2.

Gas samplers were purged at a rate of 1 to 2 L/min 

for 4 to 6 hours three times over the course of a year prior 

to sample collection to purge the formation of any gases 

introduced during ODEX drilling (Weeks and McMahon, 

2007). Samples of gases were collected in evacuated glass 

bulbs placed in-line between the low-density polyethylene 

(LDPE) tubing connecting the gas samplers to the surface 

and the porous tygon tubing of a peristaltic pump used to 

withdraw gas from the unsaturated zone. The bulbs ranged 

in volume from 0.5 to 2 L. Samples were collected by slowly 

opening the stopcock and allowing the bulb to fill with gas. 

After the bulb equilibrated for about 5 minutes, the stopcock 

was closed, the bulb was removed from the LDPE tube and 

peristaltic pump, and the sample bulb was shipped overnight 

to the USGS Laboratory in Menlo Park, California for analysis 

of unsaturated-zone gases.

Precision of analytics performed on samples of 

unsaturated-zone gases was evaluated with replicate 

samples in JTUZ-2. The replicate sample at 68 ft depth 

had concentrations of all gases that were within 1 percent 

of the environmental sample except for argon, which was 

within 5 percent; the replicate sample at 14 ft depth had 

concentrations that were within 2 percent of the environmental 

sample for all constituents analyzed. These replicate data are 

also presented in table 16.
98 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09 Table 16. Unsaturated-zone gasses from gas samplers: 1N/6E-35A4 GS, 1N/6E-35A7 GS, 1N/6E-35A10 GS, 1N/6E-35A14 GS, 1N/6E-35A17 GS, 1N/6E-35A21 GS in unsaturated- zone monitoring site (JTUZ-1) and 1N/6E-35B5 GS, 1N/6E-35B9 GS, 1N/6E-35B13 GS, 1N/6E-35B15 GS in unsaturated-zone monitoring site (JTUZ 2) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California 2007–09. [Analyses performed by William Evans at U.S. Geological Survey National Research Program Laboratory, Menlo Park, California. Location of sites is shown in figure 2. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: mm/dd/yyyy, month/day/year; REP, relicate data; vol-%, percent volume at standard pressure and temperature; <, less than; ’, foot; @, at] State well number Common name Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Argon, Ar (vol-%) Oxygen, 

O2

(vol-%)

Nitrogen, 

N2

(vol-%)

Methane, 

CH4

(vol-%)

Carbon 

dioxide, 

CO2

(vol-%)

Ethane, 

C H2 6

(vol-%)

Nitrous oxide, 

N O2

(vol-%)

Carbon 

monoxide, 

CO 

(vol-%)

1N/6E-35A4 GS JTUZ-1 @ 515’ 07/14/2008 0.9263 20.6691 77.5603 0.0005 0.1150 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001

1N/6E-35A7 GS JTUZ-1 @ 467’ 07/14/2008 0.9120 20.4320 77.0390 <0.0002 0.1155 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001

1N/6E-35A10 GS JTUZ-1 @ 344’ 07/14/2008 0.9425 20.5104 77.8540 <0.0002 0.1470 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001

1N/6E-35A14 GS JTUZ-1 @ 176’ 07/14/2008 0.9426 20.3589 77.5519 <0.0002 0.2041 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001

1N/6E-35A17 GS JTUZ-1 @ 136’ 07/14/2008 0.9179 20.3041 77.0615 <0.0002 0.1682 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001

1N/6E-35A21 GS JTUZ-1 @ 90’ 07/14/2008 0.9359 20.3383 77.5328 <0.0002 0.3480 <0.0002 0.0003 <0.001

1N/6E-35B5 GS JTUZ-2 @ 68’ 07/14/2008 0.9460 20.3632 77.8437 <0.0002 0.5491 <0.0002 0.0002 <0.001

1N/6E-35B5 GS JTUZ-2 @ 68’ 07/14/2008, REP 0.9047 20.2909 77.4275 <0.0002 0.5474 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001

1N/6E-35B9 GS JTUZ-2 @ 59’ 07/14/2008 0.9307 20.3971 77.8539 0.0001 0.5681 <0.0002 0.0002 <0.001

1N/6E-35B13 GS JTUZ-2 @ 37’ 07/14/2008 0.9293 20.1009 76.9756 <0.0002 0.6048 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001

1N/6E-35B15 GS JTUZ-2 @ 14’ 07/14/2008 0.9149 20.5676 78.5203 <0.0002 0.6337 <0.0002 0.0002 <0.001

1N/6E-35B15 GS JTUZ-2 @ 14’ 07/14/2008, REP 0.9261 20.2425 77.4627 <0.0002 0.6465 <0.0002 <0.0005 <0.001
Microbiology of Cores and Cuttings 99

Microbiology of Cores and Cuttings

Concentrations of denitrifying and nitrate-reducing 

bacteria were estimated for samples from select drill 

cuttings and select cores to determine if denitrification or 

nitrate reduction is taking place in the unsaturated zone. 

Microbiological data are presented in tables 17 and 18 for 

JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2, respectively.

Implements used to collect samples for microbiological 

analysis, including core liners, implements used to handle 

the sample material, and the canula used to inject nitrogen 

gas into the aluminum pouch, were flame sterilized prior to 

use. Cutting and core materials collected for microbiological 

analysis were stored immediately after collection in heatsealable aluminum pouches. Nitrogen gas was used to displace 

ambient atmosphere from the pouches before they were 

sealed. The sealed pouches were placed in a cool container, 

transported to the USGS San Diego Water Quality Laboratory 

at the end of the day’s drilling, and analyzed within 24 hours.

Before being analyzed in the laboratory, samples were 

sieved to remove gravel to create a more uniform sample 

media and to facilitate comparison of data from different 

samples having a range of particle-size distributions. 

Denitrifying and nitrate-reducing bacteria abundances, in 

most probable number (MPN), were estimated by using 10 g 

of material incubated at 28°C in a nutrient broth containing 

0.1-percent potassium nitrate by using methods described by 

Britton and Greeson (1987). According to the method, the 

production of nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria is identified 

after the 14-day incubation period by a visual assessment 

for the presence of a nitrogen gas bubble accumulated in an 

inverted tube (Durham Tube) within the culture tube. Nitrite 

produced by nitrate-reducing bacteria is identified by adding 

a zinc-copper-manganese-dioxide mixture to the culture 

tube. Nitrate remaining within the culture tube, indicative of 

incomplete or no nitrate reduction, reacts with this reagent 

and produces a deep red color. Enumeration of bacteria over 

a range from 30 to 21,000 MPN per sample was through 

five serial dilutions from the initial culture tubes by using 

procedures described in American Public Health Association 

(1985). In the laboratory, all sieves, bottles, test tubes, sample 

containers, and sample-handling implements were autoclaved 

before use. All equipment and sample media were cleaned and 

autoclaved after use and stored or discarded.

Precision of analytics performed on microbiological 

samples were evaluated with quality-control analyses 

(replicate samples). These replicate analyses are highly 

variable and only comparable on an order of magnitude scale. 

This is expected for this type of constituent. Replicate data 

are presented in tables 17 and 18 for JTUZ-1 and JTUZ-2 

respectively.
100 Data from a Thick Unsaturated Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09

Table 17. Denitrifying and nitrate-reducing bacteria for drill cuttings from 1N/6E-35A1S (JTUZ-1) in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino 

County, California, May, 2007.

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify a specific 

constituent or property. Bacterial data presented in National Water Information System as most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliter of water extracted 

from drill cuttings. To convert this value to MPN per gram of alluvium, divide by 10. Sample depth in feet below land surface. Abbreviations: ft, feet; 

REP, replicate data; <, less than]

Depth to top of sample interval 

(ft) 

(72015)

Depth to bottom of sample interval 

(ft) 

(72016)

Bacteria, 

denitrifying, 

(MPN)

Bacteria, 

nitrate-reducing, 

(MPN)

20.5 21.5 93,000 90,000

20.5 21.5 150 9,300 REP

43.5 44.5 230 7,000

58.5 59.5 230 2,400,000

63.5 Core <30 <30

77.5 78.5 230 30

78.5 79.5 40 23,000

95.5 96.5 230 400

107.5 108.5 <30 40

140.5 141.5 <30 <30

160.5 161.5 40 <30

180.5 181.5 90 4,300

200.5 201.5 <30 40

202 Core <30 1,100

214.5 215.5 430 30

242.5 243.5 40 <30

242.5 243.5 70 <30 REP

261.5 262.5 430 <30

261.5 262.5 230 <30 REP

267.5 268.5 30 <30

281.5 282.5 <30 <30

289.5 290.5 40 40

300.5 301.5 <30 <30

302.5 Core <30 <30

304.5 305.5 140 70

304.5 305.5 90 110 REP

318.5 319.5 <30 <30

326.5 327.5 40 <30

340.5 341.5 90 <30

342 Core 40 <30

348.5 349.5 70 <30

361.5 362.5 <30 40

367.5 368.5 <30 <30

380.5 381.5 40 40

385.5 386.5 <30 <30

400.5 401.5 <30 <30

407.5 408.5 <30 <30

420.5 421.5 <30 <30

422.5 Core 40 300

423.5 424.5 <30 <30

437.5 438.5 <30 <30

445.5 446.5 <30 <30

455.5 456.5 <30 <30

462.5 463.5 43,000 150,000

474.5 475.5 <30 <30

485.5 486.5 <30 3,000

494.5 495.5 <30 40

499.5 500.5 <30 <30

510.5 511.5 <30 <30

517.5 518.5 75,000 230,000

517.5 518.5 120,000 70,000 REP

526.5 527.5 1,100,000 30

541 Drill bit 150 3,000
References Cited 101

Table 18. Denitrifying and nitrate-reducing bacteria for 

drill cuttings from 1N/6E-35B1S (JTUZ 2) in Joshua Tree, 

San Bernardino County, California, June, 2007.

[The five-digit number in parentheses below the constituent name is the 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) parameter code used to uniquely identify 

a specific constituent or property. Bacterial data presented in National 

Water Information System (NWIS) as most probable number (MPN) per 

100 milliliters of water extracted from drill cuttings. To convert this value to 

MPN per gram of alluvium, divide by 10. Sample depth in feet below land 

surface. Abbreviations: ft, feet; REP, replicate data; <, less than] 

Depth to 

top of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72015)

Depth to 

bottom of 

sample 

interval

(ft)

(72016)

Bacteria, 

denitrifying, 

(MPN)

Bacteria, 

nitrate-reducing, 

(MPN)

5 6 460,000 <30

5 6 7,500 REP 28,000 REP

8 9 93,000 300

17 18 4,300 430,000

29 29.5 930 240,000

40 41 230 12,000

46 47 4,300 <30

55 56 2,100 90,000

63 64 200 40

76.5 77 230 30

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Publishing support provided by the U.S. Geological Survey 

Science Publishing Network, Sacramento and Raleigh Publishing Service Centers

For more information concerning the research in this report, contact the

 Director, California Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

6000 J Street, Placer Hall

Sacramento, California 95819

http://ca.water.usgs.gov

Burgess and others—Data from a Thick Unsaturateed Zone in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, 2007–09—Data Series 717