Spring flow in a portion of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Groundwater flow in four side canyons of Grand Canyon National Park—Hermit, Monument, Salt, and Horn Creeks—is structurally controlled by two major faults: the Hermit Fault near Hermit Creek and the Bright Angel Fault east of Horn Creek. These northeast-trending faults act as hydrologic collector structures, channeling water downward from the south rim through impermeable strata. The study found a dual groundwater system feeding the springs, with flow paths influenced by fracture zones. Lag times between precipitation on the rim and spring discharge (less than one month for Hermit Creek, 1–2 months for others) and water chemistry indicate distinct flow paths. This interconnected, fault-dominated system dominates the hydrology of the study area.

Goings, D. (1985). Spring flow in a portion of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. https://doi.org/10.34917/3339568