Publication Date
5-2020
Abstract
The subsurface hydrogeologic connection between Main Barton Spring and Eliza Spring has long been known and assumed due to proximity, geologic structure, presence of unique species, water chemistry, and groundwater tracing studies. Fifteen-minute water quality monitoring data from both springs paired with three accidental releases of sediment to the aquifer and resulting changes in spring turbidity provided new information at a higher resolution than previously available. The turbidity response consistently arrived at Eliza Spring 15 minutes after the response at Main Barton Spring; however, our sampling interval was 15 minutes, so the travel time between springs may have been slightly more or less than 15 minutes. The duration of the turbidity pulse was similar at each spring. Sediment is not a traditional groundwater tracing tool, but this event provided a unique opportunity to compare responses at the two springs. The 23-year history of aquifer dye tracing in the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer provides a robust context to evaluate the dynamics between individual springs. Main Barton Spring feeds a popular and historic municipal pool inhabited by two species of endangered salamanders, the Barton Springs Salamander and the Austin Blind Salamander. These salamanders are also observed, typically in greater abundance, at Eliza Spring. Understanding the aquifer dynamics between the two springs is important for management of the endangered species habitat.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5038/9781733375313.1049
Hydrogeologic connectivity of two major spring orifices: Main Barton and Eliza Springs, Texas
The subsurface hydrogeologic connection between Main Barton Spring and Eliza Spring has long been known and assumed due to proximity, geologic structure, presence of unique species, water chemistry, and groundwater tracing studies. Fifteen-minute water quality monitoring data from both springs paired with three accidental releases of sediment to the aquifer and resulting changes in spring turbidity provided new information at a higher resolution than previously available. The turbidity response consistently arrived at Eliza Spring 15 minutes after the response at Main Barton Spring; however, our sampling interval was 15 minutes, so the travel time between springs may have been slightly more or less than 15 minutes. The duration of the turbidity pulse was similar at each spring. Sediment is not a traditional groundwater tracing tool, but this event provided a unique opportunity to compare responses at the two springs. The 23-year history of aquifer dye tracing in the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer provides a robust context to evaluate the dynamics between individual springs. Main Barton Spring feeds a popular and historic municipal pool inhabited by two species of endangered salamanders, the Barton Springs Salamander and the Austin Blind Salamander. These salamanders are also observed, typically in greater abundance, at Eliza Spring. Understanding the aquifer dynamics between the two springs is important for management of the endangered species habitat.
