Relationships between hydraulic conductivity and subsurface geology in the Floridan Aquifer of northwest Florida
In northwest Florida, the hydraulic conductivity of the carbonate Floridan Aquifer System is highly variable and ranges from 0.5 to 5000 ft/day. Data from 270 single-well and multi-well aquifer tests have been utilized to determine which geologic factors are related to the distribution of hydraulic conductivity values. Within the study area hydraulic conductivities of the Floridan Aquifer can be shown to be related to the following factors: 1) geologic structural regions, 2) presence or thickness of the confining unit overlying the aquifer; and 3) the stratigraphic unit of the aquifer penetrated by a well. The geologic structure and the confining unit control the degree to which the development of secondary porosity in the aquifer has occurred at a given location within the study area. Therefore, the areal distribution of hydraulic conductivities is closely related to geologic structural regions. Within a given structural region the range of hydraulic conductivity values may be largely controlled by a system of fractures which has caused a non-homogeneous development of secondary porosity. The stratigraphic units which make up the Floridan Aquifer possess distinguishable hydraulic properties which are likely related to differences in original lithology and different susceptibility to porosity enhancement. The relationships established yield insight into the mechanisms which affect the development of secondary porosity in shallow carbonate aquifers.
- Research Organization:
- Northwest Florida Water Management District, Havana (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6863674
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8510489-
- Journal Information:
- Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Vol. 17; ISSN GAAPB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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