Paper No

Paper No. 13-12
Presentation Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM=
*HYDROSTRATIGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PATOKA AND SHELBURN AQUIFER SYSTEMS IN SOUTHWESTERN INDIANA*
ELPERS, Gena= , WALTON, Carly, DOSS, Paul K., and MAASBERG, Kieth, Geology and Physics, Un= iv of Southern Indiana, 8600 Univ. Blvd, Evansville, IN 47712, pdoss@usi.edu= The Inglefield sandstone member of the Pennsylvanian Patoka Formation = and the Shelburn Formation are the primary aquifers for domestic water supply= in southwestern Indiana. The objectives of this study were to generate conceptual models of the regional hydrostratigraphy, and to produce potentiometric maps of these aquifer horizons. The study used water level= s, ground elevations, and stratigraphic data from logs of wells drilled over= a forty-year period in Southwe= stern Vanderburgh County, Indiana to construct cross-sections and potentiometric maps. Map locations, well depths, and analyses of basal stratigraphy identified the specific aquifer horizon for each well. Water levels measu= red in wells that were screened in the Patoka Formation during the ten wettest and ten driest years of the forty-year period were used to construct potentiometric maps. These maps suggest a local recharge zone that parall= els the Ohio River valley, and is nearly coincident with areas of recent and rapid commercial development. Potentiometric maps need to be constructed using current and synchronous water-level data to verify recharge and discharge zones. Constructed cross-sections identified high-angle normal faults beneath the research a= rea, as indicated by offsets in the West Franklin Limestone; the West Franklin Limestone separates the Patoka and Shelburn aquifers. In addition to pote= ntial hydrostratigraphic implications of these faul= ts, their identification may have bearing on seismic studies of the Wabash Va= lley Seismic Zone. This study has provided a working conceptual model to furth= er design investigations of the stratigraphic, hydrogeologic, and water-qual= ity characteristics of the Patoka and Shelburn aquifer horizons in and around= Evansville, IN.
North-C= entral Section - 37th Annual Meeting (March 24–25, 2003) General Information for this Meeting
Session No. 13--Booth# 12 Showcase of Undergraduates (Posters) Kansas City Airport Hilton: Shawnee<= /st1:City> A 5:00 PM-9:00 PM, Monday, March 24, 2003

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