Geologic mapping for groundwater resource protection and assessment

Conference · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:6076760

Shafer, J M ^[1]; Berg, R C ^[2]

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1. Univ. of South Carolina, Columbia, SC (United States). Earth Sciences and Resources Inst.
2. Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, IL (United States)

Groundwater is a vital natural resource in the US and around the world. In order to manage and protect this often threatened resource one must better understand its occurrence, extent, and susceptibility to contamination. Geologic mapping is a fundamental approach to developing more detailed and accurate assessments of groundwater resources. The stratigraphy and lithology of earth materials provide the framework for groundwater systems, whether they are deep confined aquifers or shallow, water table environments. These same earth materials control, in large part, the rates of migration of water and contaminants into and through groundwater systems thus establishing the potential yields of the systems and their vulnerability to contamination. Geologic mapping is used to delineate and display the vertical sequencing of earth materials either in cross-section or over lateral areas as in the stack-unit geologic map. These geologic maps, along with supportive hydrogeologic information, are used to identify the three-dimensional positioning and continuity of aquifer and non-aquifer earth materials. For example, detailed stack-unit mapping to a depth of 30 meters has been completed for a portion of a northern Illinois county. Groundwater contamination potentials were assigned to various vertical sequences of materials. Where aquifers are unconfined, groundwater contamination potentials are greatest. Conversely, other considerations being equal, the thicker the confining unit, the lower the contamination potential. This information is invaluable for land use decision-making; water supply assessment, development, and management; and environmental protection planning.

• OSTI ID: 6076760
• Report Number(s): CONF-9304188--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 25:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540250 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (1990-)
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
AQUIFERS
CONTROL
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
GEOLOGY
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROLOGY
ILLINOIS
LAND POLLUTION CONTROL
LAND USE
LITHOLOGY
MANAGEMENT
MAPPING
NORTH AMERICA
OVERBURDEN
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLOGY
POLLUTION CONTROL
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
RESOURCES
STRATIGRAPHY
USA
WATER
WATER RESOURCES