Mathematical Model Approach for Karst Aquifers
Mathematical Model Approach for Karst Aquifers
Presented on Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Karst aquifers are a major source of potable water supply and the understanding of the aquifers, their management and protection, pose unique challenges. The challenges result from the multi-porosity of the aquifers and their vulnerability to contamination due to rapid infiltration rates and short travel times. Karst aquifers also are vulnerable to drought because they respond rapidly to climatic changes. The major karst aquifers in the eastern United States are the Floridan aquifer system, the Biscayne aquifer, the Castle-Hayne aquifer, the Valley and Ridge aquifers, the Mississippian aquifers, and the Ordovician aquifers. The U.S. Geological Survey through the Cooperative Water and Groundwater Resources programs is involved in studies to address groundwater availability. This session will cover studies in the complex karst aquifers in the southeastern United States with three presentations and then a 20-minute discussion period.
Eve L. Kuniansky
U.S. Geological Survey, Norcross, GA
Eve Kuniansky has more than 30 years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, and hydraulics. In 1983 she began a career with the U.S. Geological Survey, gaining experience in surface water modeling, project management, borehole geophysics, geologic mapping, field data collection, groundwater flow simulation of near shore sediments, carbonate rock aquifers, and karst systems. She has developed and applied code for both finite-element and finite-difference simulation of groundwater flow and transport. Kuniansky currently is the groundwater specialist for the USGS in the southeastern United States, providing technical assistance to groundwater projects throughout that region, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
