thumbnail

Effects of projected climate (2011–50) on karst hydrology and species vulnerability—Edwards aquifer, south-central Texas, and Madison aquifer, western South Dakota

Fact Sheet 2014-3046
Prepared in cooperation with the Department of Interior South-Central Climate Science Center
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20143046

Links

Abstract

Karst aquifers—formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone—are critical groundwater resources in North America, and karst springs, caves, and streams provide habitat for unique flora and fauna. Springflow and groundwater levels in karst terrane can change greatly over short time scales, and therefore are likely to respond rapidly to climate change. How might the biological communities and ecosystems associated with karst respond to climate change and accompanying changes in groundwater levels and springflow?

Sites in two central U.S. regions—the Balcones Escarpment of south-central Texas and the Black Hills of western South Dakota (fig. 1)—were selected to study climate change and its potential effects on the local karst hydrology and ecosystem. The ecosystems associated with the Edwards aquifer (Balcones Escarpment region) and Madison aquifer (Black Hills region) support federally listed endangered and threatened species and numerous State-listed species of concern, including amphibians, birds, insects, and plants. Full results are provided in Stamm and others (2014), and are summarized in this fact sheet.

Suggested Citation

Mahler, B.J., Stamm, J.F., Symstad, A.J., Poteet, M.F., Musgrove, MaryLynn, Long, A.J., and Norton, P.A., 2015, Effects of projected climate (2011–50) on karst hydrology and species vulnerability—Edwards aquifer, south-central Texas, and Madison aquifer, western South Dakota: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2014–3046, 4 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20143046.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Highlights
  • Model Linkage Provides the Bridge
  • Climate—from Global to Regional Scales
  • Hydrology is a Key Variable
  • Focus on the Species—Vulnerability to Projected Climate and
    Hydrologic Response
  • Evaluation of the Approach
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Effects of projected climate (2011–50) on karst hydrology and species vulnerability—Edwards aquifer, south-central Texas, and Madison aquifer, western South Dakota
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2014-3046
DOI 10.3133/fs20143046
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, South Dakota Water Science Center, Dakota Water Science Center
Description 4 p.
Country United States
State South Dakota, Texas
Other Geospatial Balcones Escarpment, Black Hills, Edwards Aquifer, Madison Aquifer
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details