Geological Society of America

5 Undergraduate Research Poster Session I

Friday, 28 March 2025
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
North Great Hall

EVALUATING SURFACE WATER TEMPERATURE CHANGES FOLLOWING FLOODPLAIN-WETLAND RESTORATION VIA LEGACY SEDIMENT REMOVAL AT BIG SPRING RUN

Paper number: 5-22
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Bryce Roach Presenting Author
Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Mia Aaronson
Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Ting Feng
Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Lucy Olsen
Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Robert Walter
Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Timothy Bechtel
Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Todd M. Hurd
Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA

Abstract

This study examines the impact of floodplain-wetland restoration on surface water temperature along Big Spring Run (BSR) in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA. Legacy sediment removal (~20,000 metric tons) and aquatic ecosystem restoration were completed in 2011. Monitoring by USGS (1993-2001) and by our research group at F&M (2003-present) collected water temperature data before and after the restoration. In addition, during the summer of 2024 continuous in-stream temperature data were collected via in situ temperature loggers deployed in the stream upstream, downstream, and within the restoration area. Temperature comparisons during peak summer conditions revealed a significant reduction in surface water temperatures within the restoration site. This reduction, attributed to improved groundwater-surface water exchange, and exposed springs, highlights the effectiveness of floodplain-wetland restoration towards lowering water temperatures and improving the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025NE-408037

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