34 Ground Water in Crystalline Rocks of the Eastern U.S.: How Much is There?

Friday, 26 March 2004
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

ARTESIAN AND FLOWING ARTESIAN GROUND WATER CONDITIONS IN IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS OF THE SOUTHERN PIEDMONT AND BLUE RIDGE PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCES

Paper number: 34-6
Program: THEME SESSIONS
Time: 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM

Authors

Abstract

Artesian and flowing artesian wells are common, well known, and well understood in the sedimentary rocks of the southeastern Coastal Plain Province. Artesian wells and flowing artesian wells are also common in the metamorphic and igneous rocks of the southern Piedmont and Blue Ridge Provinces; however, these are neither well known nor well understood. This paper presents various models for artesian ground water conditions in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Precise definitions of the terms “aquifer”, "confined aquifer”, “artesian aquifer”, “water table well”, “artesian well”, and “flowing artesian well” have been, for a long time, primarily of academic interest (or disinterest). However, as these terms have found their way into State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations, the need for non-contradictory, demonstrably unique, relationships of these terms has become evident – but not seriously addressed. Examples of “artesian” conditions in metamorphic and igneous rocks in the southern Piedmont/Blue Ridge are presented in hope of increasing the dialogue and understanding concerning this important aspect of ground water.