Spring Characterization Methods & Springshed Mapping
2008-09-26
Loading...
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
Spring Characterization Methods & Springshed Mapping
Published Date
2008-09-26
Publisher
Proceedings of the 11th Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst. © 2008 American Society of Civil Engineers. Published online: June 20, 2012
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Southeastern Minnesota's karst lands support numerous trout streams created by coldwater springs emanating from Paleozoic bedrock. While trout streams have been traditionally managed as surface water resources they are fundamentally supported by clear, relatively constant temperature groundwater. In karst areas this groundwater resource is as vulnerable as surface waters to human activities. Designing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect groundwater fed springs should improve the overall protection of Minnesota's trout streams. Dye tracing has been the tool of choice for mapping the recharge area or groundwater basin that feed a particular spring. These karst groundwater basins have been termed "springsheds". In order to accelerate springshed mapping, a two~year study was funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). To improve the effectiveness of dye tracing we are applying a variety of new tools to increase our knowledge of the underlying karst systems. Techniques being investigated include temperature and discharge monitoring, detailed structural mapping of the aquifers, unit hydrographs, chemical and isotopic studies. These new methods to define the size and geometry of springsheds can be tested against basins previously defined by dye tracing. In previously untraced basins these predictive tools can be used to design more efficient tracing programs. The following paper demonstrates the application of structural mapping to dye tracing.
Description
A summary of springshed delineation techniques using the integration of historic dye tracing information, borehole geophysics and chemistry measurements. Fountain, Mahoney, Waterhole, Wykoff, Starless River and Cold Spring springshed delineations included. Interpretations are subject to change as new traces and information becomes available. A collaborative effort between the University of Minnesota and the Department of Natural Resources.
Related to
Replaces
License
Collections
Series/Report Number
Funding information
Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Waters.
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/41003(327)46
Suggested citation
Alexander, Scott C; Luhmann, Andrew J; Alexander Jr., E. Calvin; Green, Jeffrey A; Peters, Andrew J. (2008). Spring Characterization Methods & Springshed Mapping. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/185403.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.