Geological Society of America

T114 Karst Hydrology and Hydrogeology (Posters)

Monday, 23 September 2019
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Hall AB, North Building

USING A 12-YEAR RECORD TO EXAMINE HYDROLOGIC CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PRECIPITATION, DRIPWATER AND STREAM DISCHARGE IN JAMES CAVE (VIRGINIA)

Paper number: T114-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Authors

Madeline Schreiber Presenting Author
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Megan Junod
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Katarina Kosič Ficco
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program, Christiansburg, VA
Thomas Malabad
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program, Christiansburg, VA
William D. Orndorff
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program, Christiansburg, VA

Abstract

In 2007, we instrumented James Cave (Pulaski Co., Virginia) to study the hydrologic connections between precipitation, cave drips and the cave stream with the larger goal of delineating mechanisms and quantifying rates of recharge to the underlying karst aquifer. Currently, we have collected almost 12 years of high-frequency measurements in the cave. We are using the datasets of precipitation, dripwater rates and stream discharge rates to evaluate hydraulic connections and patterns of recharge. From 2007 to 2018, recharge to the underlying aquifer occurred during a 3 to 5 month period from winter (Dec-March) to mid-spring (May). However, in 2018-19, which had a wet summer, recharge began much earlier (September) and occurred over a longer period (8 months). In addition to using the data to address specific scientific questions, another goal of this project is to create and maintain a long-term cave hydrology dataset that can be accessed by other researchers and the public.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 51, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2019AM-339118

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