Alternative Title

BSEACD Report of Investigations 2006-0530

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Publication Date

January 2006

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the City of Austin, injected non-toxic organic dyes into four karst features within the western portion of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer in May 2005. The objectives of the study were to determine time-of-travel, direction, and destination of groundwater flow, and to better delineate the groundwater divide between the Barton Springs and San Antonio segments of the Edwards Aquifer south of Onion Creek. The study was conducted during relatively high-flow conditions while Barton Springs discharged at 104 cfs. Rapid groundwater flow rates from creek and upland recharge features to Barton Springs were documented and ranged from 2.3 to 7.4 miles per day. This study revealed a hydraulic connection between Cripple Crawfish Cave in Onion Creek and San Marcos Springs under the study conditions. Cripple Crawfish Cave was injected with dye that was detected at wells and both Barton and San Marcos Springs, although the concentrations at San Marcos were small compared to Barton Springs. A previous injection of Cripple Crawfish Cave in 2002, under different hydrologic conditions, was not detected at San Marcos Springs. These results indicate that the groundwater divide separating the Barton Springs and San Antonio segments may fluctuate according to hydrologic (and hydraulic head) conditions. Groundwater flow routes were documented in the eastern and confined portion of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer and further support a flow route along the eastern boundary of the aquifer. Open Access - Permission by Publisher See Extended description for more information.

Keywords

Barton Springs (Austin, Texas, United States), United States, Geology

Type

Text

Language

English

Identifier

K26-04291

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In Copyright