ARCHITECTURE AND DIRECTIONAL SCALES OF HETEROGENEITY IN ALLUVIAL-FAN AQUIFERS - DISCUSSION

In a recent article, Neton, Dorsch, Olson, and Young (1994) attempt to rationalize alluvial-fan aquifer characteristics within the context o f sedimentary facies and stratigraphy based on their perceptions of fa ns combined with selective use of the previous geological literature. We find two aspects of this article disturbing, and in need of comment . First, the article contains a multitude of statements on alluvial-fa n facies, stratigraphy, and aquifers, many with significant geological implications, that are entirely unsubstantiated by data either from t he authors or from previous works. Second, the article abounds with mi sreferencing and widespread misrepresentations of the results of previ ous workers. The potential of such an article to mislead those not wel l versed in alluvial-fan sedimentology has compelled us to write this discussion.