OFR08-06, Geologic Investigations to Support Ground-Water Management II, Rochester metropolitan area, Minnesota, Project Summary Report to Rochester Public Utilities

Abstract

This informal report describes the results of a project in which the Minnesota Geological Survey constructed bedrock geologic and hydrogeologic framework models for the greater Rochester metropolitan area. The framework depicts aquifer and aquitard geometery that will be used for a ground-water model being developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) provided the funding for both the Minnesota Geological Survey and USGS roles in this effort. It is anticipated that the model will also provide a useful visual tool for public education and discussion of issues related to ground water in the greater Rochester metropolitan area. Detailed data gathering and interpretation was focused on Cascade, Haverhill, Marion, and Rochester Townships comprising the greater Rochester metropolitan area. Surfaces of the geologic and hydrogeologic units in the framework models were extended beyond the county boundary to accommodate hydrologic boundary conditions to be used in the ground-water model.