Hydrology of potential mining areas in the Warrior coal field, Alabama

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5228869

Puente, C; Newton, J G

Hydrologic data for four small basins and for numerous other sites in the Warrior coal field are used to define the potential impact of surface mining on water resources. Bear and Blue Creek basins are underlain predominantly by relatively impermeable consolidated rocks in the Pottsville Formation. Turkey and Yellow Creek basins are underlain predominantly by permeable unconsolidated rocks in the Coker Formation. With the exception of locally objectional concentrations of dissolved iron and manganese, ground water in the basins is suitable for most uses. Streamflow distribution reflects seasonal precipitation. Storm runoff is characterized by concentrated peakflows of short duration that rapidly recede to low flow. Streams draining basins underlain mainly by the Pottsville Formation frequently go dry, whereas those draining basins underlain chiefly by the Coker Formation have well-sustained low flows. Surface water is generally acidic and low in dissolved solids. Water in streams draining basins underlain chiefly by the Pottsville Formation is slightly more mineralized and less acidic than water in streams draining areas underlain chiefly by the Coker Formation. Climatic, physiographic, hydrologic, and land-use data are analyzed by regressions to derive relations for estimating water quality in streams draining mined and unmined areas. The impacts of mining on the hydrologic systems are identified as increased erosion and sedimentation, baseflow augmentation, decline in groundwater levels, and degradation of water quality. A digital model was calibrated to simulate streamflow for Bear, Blue, and Yellow Creeks under unmined conditions and mined conditions permitting a general examination of surface-water characteristics (quantity and quality), and estimation of hydrologic impacts that will result from surface mining. 40 references, 27 figures, 11 tables.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Tuscaloosa, AL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5228869
• Report Number(s): USGS-OFR-82-105; ON: DE84900470
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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