thumbnail

Generalized hydrogeologic framework and groundwater budget for a groundwater availability study for the glacial aquifer system of the United States

Scientific Investigations Report 2017-5015
Water Availability and Use Science Program
By: , , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175015

Links

Abstract

The glacial aquifer system groundwater availability study seeks to quantify (1) the status of groundwater resources in the glacial aquifer system, (2) how these resources have changed over time, and (3) likely system response to future changes in anthropogenic and environmental conditions. The glacial aquifer system extends from Maine to Alaska, although the focus of this report is the part of the system in the conterminous United States east of the Rocky Mountains. The glacial sand and gravel principal aquifer is the largest source of public and self-supplied industrial supply for any principal aquifer and also is an important source for irrigation supply. Despite its importance for water supply, water levels in the glacial aquifer system are generally stable varying with climate and only locally from pumping. The hydrogeologic framework developed for this study includes the information from waterwell records and classification of material types from surficial geologic maps into likely aquifers dominated by sand and gravel deposits. Generalized groundwater budgets across the study area highlight the variation in recharge and discharge primarily driven by climate.

Suggested Citation

Reeves, H.W., Bayless, E.R., Dudley, R.W., Feinstein, D.T., Fienen, M.N., Hoard, C.J., Hodgkins, G.A., Qi, S.L., Roth, J.L., and Trost, J.J., 2017, Generalized hydrogeologic framework and groundwater budget for a groundwater availability study for the glacial aquifer system of the United States: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017–5015, 49 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175015.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

ISSN: 2328-031X (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Groundwater Availability Issues for Glacial Aquifer System
  • Approach
  • Hydrogeologic Framework and Groundwater Budget
  • Summary
  • Acknowledgments
  • Reference
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Generalized hydrogeologic framework and groundwater budget for a groundwater availability study for the glacial aquifer system of the United States
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2017-5015
DOI 10.3133/sir20175015
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center, Michigan Water Science Center, Minnesota Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, Wisconsin Water Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Description vii, 49 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial Glacial Aquifer System
Online Only (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details