Railroad Valley (Nevada)

Railroad Valley is a basin located in east-central Nevada, United States. It is a closed basin, meaning it has no outlet to a river or the ocean, and is part of the larger Great Basin. The valley is bounded by the Pancake Range to the west and the Grant Range to the east.

Geologically, Railroad Valley is a graben, a down-dropped block of land between two faults. This geological feature contributes to its closed basin nature, collecting runoff and groundwater.

Historically, the valley was sparsely populated and used primarily for ranching. The name "Railroad Valley" is somewhat misleading, as no railroad ever directly served the valley. The name likely refers to proposed but never built railroad lines.

Economically, Railroad Valley is significant for its oil production. It has been a site of petroleum extraction since the 1950s, making it a notable oil-producing region within Nevada.

Hydrologically, the valley is characterized by groundwater discharge zones, creating ephemeral lakes and wetlands. These areas support a variety of plant and animal life adapted to the arid environment. Studies have been conducted on the groundwater resources and their sustainability given the ongoing oil extraction.