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Methods of Data Collection and Analysis for an Assessment of Karst Aquifer Systems Between Albany and Buffalo, New York

Scientific Investigations Report 2021-5094
Prepared in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215094

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, catalogued aquifers and closed depressions in a karst-prone area between Albany and Buffalo, New York to provide resource managers information to more efficiently manage and protect groundwater resources. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been working with the agricultural industry to raise awareness of karst aquifer contamination susceptibility and how to reduce effects on surface water and groundwater resources, especially in karst areas. There is also a need to make industries, State and local regulators, planners, and the public aware of New York’s karst resources to properly protect and manage these resources and the quality of surface water and groundwater that flows through the karst aquifer.

Publicly available geospatial data were identified, collated, and analyzed for a region of karst terrain extending from Albany to Buffalo. The region was divided into 10 subareas. A series of geospatial datasets were assembled to determine the location and extent of karstic rock; bedrock geology and depth to bedrock; average water-table configuration; surficial geology; soil type, thickness, and hydraulic conductivity; land cover; and closed depressions in the land surface.

Repeated glaciation and recession across New York have left the landscape pockmarked with closed depressions, which may or may not be related to the underlying bedrock. Closed depressions in areas where carbonate or evaporite karst are present are of primary concern to this study because of the increased potential of karst aquifer contamination from focused recharge. Closed depressions present in areas not associated with karst bedrock can also be evaluated to better understand their ability to transmit surface water to the groundwater system. Information on closed depressions can be used to develop land-management plans to protect local and regional water resources.

Suggested Citation

Sporleder, B.A., Fisher, B.N., Keto, D.S., Kappel, W.M., Reddy, J.E., and DeMott, L.M., 2021, Methods of data collection and analysis for an assessment of karst aquifer systems between Albany and Buffalo, New York (ver. 2.0, July 2022): U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2021–5094, 8 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215094

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Geology of Karst Between Albany and Buffalo, New York
  • Methods of Data Collection and Analysis
  • Geologic Mapping of Karst Regions
  • Closed-Depression Identification Methods
  • Limitations of the Assessment
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Methods of data collection and analysis for an assessment of karst aquifer systems between Albany and Buffalo, New York
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2021-5094
DOI 10.3133/sir20215094
Edition Originally posted October 18, 2021; Revised July 29, 2022
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 8 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State New York
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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