Poster Number 227
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Innovative Methods for Investigating Flow and Transport in Karst Systems (Posters)
Abstract:
This study will examine the role of epikarst in controlling water quality by comparing chemical characteristics of precipitation, internal stormwater runoff, and cave drip water (representing autogenic recharge). One surface station and three drip stations in James Cave (Pulaski County, Virginia) have been instrumented and are currently measuring and data-logging precipitation rate, cave drip rate, and basic geochemical parameters (pH, temp, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction potential). To evaluate how epikarst controls water quality in James Cave, the following will be performed: 1) conduct an electrical resistivity tomography survey to map high conductivity pathways in the epikarst; 2) survey the relative orientation and elevation of drip stations; and 3) analyze precipitation, cave drip water, and cave stream water for major ions, dissolved organic carbon, water and carbon isotopes, and the presence/absence of agricultural pollutants (e.g., fecal coliform, nitrate) in each cave zone. Results from such analyses will help to answer how the characteristics of epikarst (e.g., thickness, presence of hydraulically connected pathways) affect water quality.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Innovative Methods for Investigating Flow and Transport in Karst Systems (Posters)