Arizona Geological Survey

Thumbnail image of Natural Hazards in Arizona map

Map of Arizona geologic hazards

Thumbnail image of Compilation Geologic Map of the Ray-Superior area, Central Arizona report cover

This geologic map was produced to compile and reinterpret published geologic information, and present the result of new geologic mapping in the Ray-Superior area. This data set serves as the basis for ongoing efforts to better understand the geologic history of this area, particularly with respect to the distribution and origin of mineral deposits.

Thumbnail image of The Horseshoe Fault - Evidence for Prehistoric Surface-Rupturing Earthquakes in Central Arizona article cover with photo of Horseshoe Dam and reservoir

Have earthquakes strong enough to rupture the ground surface occurred on faults in central Arizona during the recent geologic past? Could such earthquakes happen in the future? If so, where are they most likely to occur? The Seismotectonics and Geophysics Section of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has, during the last 6 years, been working on answering these questions

Thumbnail image of Seismotectonic Investigation for Horseshoe and Bartlett Dams, Salt River Project, Arizona report cover

Horseshoe and Bartlett Dams are located In the Transition Zone of central Arizona. Within this province, faults with evidence of Quaternary activity are widely scattered, and selsmiclty Is low In comparison to other parts of the western United States.

Thumbnail image of Fieldnotes bulletin first page with cover photo of flooding Santa Cruz River

The Mogollon (muh-ge-own) Escarpment of central Arizona is one of the State's spectacular natural attractions, especially when viewed from the rim of its precipitate cliffs.

Thumbnail image of Seismic Hazard Posed by the Sugarloaf Fault document cover

This report presents an assessment of the seismic hazard associated with the Sugarloaf fault, which crosses State Route (SR) 87 near Mesquite Wash in central Arizona. The Sugarloaf fault is a 20 km (12 mile) long, northwest- to north-trending normal fault with displacement down to the east. We conducted a multi-faceted investigation in order to evaluate the late Quaternary behavior of the Sugarloaf fault and assess the seismic hazard associated with it.

Thumbnail image of Reconnaissance Analysis of Possible Quaternary Faulting in Central Arizona report cover

This report presents the results of a reconnaissance analysis of Quaternary faulting in central Arizona, conducted for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The goal of this study has been to thoroughly delineate locations of possible Quaternary faulting in the area surrounding existing and potential dam sites in central Arizona.

Probable quaternary faults in Arizona have been mapped by systematic interpretation of aerial photographs, extensive geomorphic field studies, and compilation of previous work. Greatest concentrations of late Quaternary normal faults are found near the Colorado Plateau margin in northwestern and north-central Arizona, with lesser concentrations in central and southeastern Arizona and the Lake Mead area. Late Quaternary faults are rare in southwestern Arizona and none have been recognized in the interior of the Colorado Plateau province in northeastern Arizona.

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Media Point of Contact

Amanda Oliver
amanda.oliver@usda.gov

Apache Leap Special Management Area
Apache Leap SMA website