Integrating hydrologic and geophysical data to constrain coastal surficial aquifer processes at multiple spatial and temporal scales

By: , and 
Edited by: David W. HyndmanFrederick D. Day-Lewis, and Kamini Singha

Links

Abstract

Since 1997, repeated, coincident geophysical surveys and extensive hydrologic studies in shallow monitoring wells have been used to study static and dynamic processes associated with surface water-groundwater interaction at a range of spatial scales at the estuarine and ocean boundaries of an undeveloped, permeable barrier island in the Georgia part of the U.S. South Atlantic Bight. Because geophysical and hydrologic data measure different parameters, at different resolution and precision, and over vastly different spatial scales, reconciling the coincident data or even combining complementary inversion, hydrogeochemcial analyses and well-based groundwater monitoring, and, in some cases, limited vegetation mapping to demonstrate the utility of an integrative, multidisciplinary approach for elucidating groundwater processes at spatial scales (tens to thousands of meters) that are often difficult to capture with traditional hydrologic approaches. The case studies highlight regional aquifer characteristics, varying degrees of lateral saltwater intrusion at estuarine boundaries, complex subsurface salinity gradients at the ocean boundary, and imaging of submarsh groundwater discharge and possible free convection in the pore waters of a clastic marsh. This study also documents the use of geophysical techniques for detecting temporal changes in groundwater salinity regimes under natural (not forced) gradients at intratidal to interannual (1998-200 Southeastern U.S.A. drought) time scales.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Integrating hydrologic and geophysical data to constrain coastal surficial aquifer processes at multiple spatial and temporal scales
ISBN 9781118666463
DOI 10.1029/171GM13
Volume 171
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Publisher location New York, NY
Contributing office(s) Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 22 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Title Subsurface hydrology: Data integration for properties and processes
First page 161
Last page 182
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details