Characterizing Perennial Bedrock Springs in the Low-Yield Aquifer Region of Southwest-Central Indiana
Session Type
Technical Sessions: Conservation Science
Start Date
18-8-2020 1:15 PM
Description
The extensive karst aquifers of southwest-central Indiana are characterized by springs where emergent groundwater has been an important resource for rural communities for drinking water, agriculture, and commercial uses. Historical surveys of select karst springs have provided flow measurements and geochemistry data, but have not focused on the geospatial variations between physiographic regions, underlying geology, or changes in spring chemistry over time that may be related to changes in land use or climate. In collaboration with the Center for Rural Engagement at Indiana University, we are characterizing 100 springs and aiming to combine historical data with new data to create a baseline of water quantity and quality that reflects spatial changes across 10 counties in southwest-central Indiana. In our first field season we sampled from 30 springs in Monroe and Greene counties. Field measurements include basic water-quality parameters and discharge. From collected samples, we are measuring E. coli, nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, ortho-phosphate), principal ions (including sulfate and totalalkalinity), and trace metals. Additionally, we will ana-lyze the suite of samples for stable isotopes of hydro-gen, oxygen, and dissolved inorganic carbon. For those sites having elevated total dissolved solids (e.g., miner-al springs), we will also measure the stable isotopes of sulfur to evaluate water-rock interaction pathways and their influence on water type and aquifer quality .Baseline data will be used to build a publicly accessible geospatial database, fostering community engagement, awareness, and conservation around these important groundwater sources.
Recommended Citation
Rasnake,, Lindsey Presenter, "Characterizing Perennial Bedrock Springs in the Low-Yield Aquifer Region of Southwest-Central Indiana" (2020). Conservation of Fragile Karst Resources Proceedings. 16.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/con_karst_res_proc/con_karst_pro_2020/day_one/16
Characterizing Perennial Bedrock Springs in the Low-Yield Aquifer Region of Southwest-Central Indiana
The extensive karst aquifers of southwest-central Indiana are characterized by springs where emergent groundwater has been an important resource for rural communities for drinking water, agriculture, and commercial uses. Historical surveys of select karst springs have provided flow measurements and geochemistry data, but have not focused on the geospatial variations between physiographic regions, underlying geology, or changes in spring chemistry over time that may be related to changes in land use or climate. In collaboration with the Center for Rural Engagement at Indiana University, we are characterizing 100 springs and aiming to combine historical data with new data to create a baseline of water quantity and quality that reflects spatial changes across 10 counties in southwest-central Indiana. In our first field season we sampled from 30 springs in Monroe and Greene counties. Field measurements include basic water-quality parameters and discharge. From collected samples, we are measuring E. coli, nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, ortho-phosphate), principal ions (including sulfate and totalalkalinity), and trace metals. Additionally, we will ana-lyze the suite of samples for stable isotopes of hydro-gen, oxygen, and dissolved inorganic carbon. For those sites having elevated total dissolved solids (e.g., miner-al springs), we will also measure the stable isotopes of sulfur to evaluate water-rock interaction pathways and their influence on water type and aquifer quality .Baseline data will be used to build a publicly accessible geospatial database, fostering community engagement, awareness, and conservation around these important groundwater sources.
Comments
This presentation was part of the Technical Sessions on Conservation Science. Presentation topics ranged from cave conservation techniques, environmental education, community engagement, resource protection assessment, and scientific and cultural research from across the globe. Formats vary from traditional PowerPoints to films to story maps and informal interviews.