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TREC: Hydrology Concern over the purity of both surface and groundwater is a growing issue. As the worlds population grows it becomes more important to understand how to manage and protect our fresh water supplies. Hydrologist study water on the earth’s surface, in streams, rivers, and lakes, and water that is underground (groundwater). Of particular interest to hydrologist are the pathways water takes as it is transferred from one reservoir to another, such as the movement of surface water through the soil zone to the groundwater table.
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Graduate student Natasha Demrovsky examines the "new spigot" in Scott Hollow Cave, West Virginia. Under the direction of Dr. Ira Sasowsky, she is studying the water chemistry, records of well drilling, and the overall geology of the region. She hopes to understand how these streams were initiated, and what effect they are having on the environment. |
One area of hydrology that TREC faculty and students are involved with includes investigations of natural and constructed wetlands. Wetlands are important because in addition to being unique biological resources they represent zones of surface and groundwater interaction. Dr Steer and his students are conducting research on artificial wetlands in Ohio that are being used to treat runoff from abandoned coal mines, agricultural lands and domestic wastewater. Dr. Szabo and his students are currently investigating the hydrology of a natural fen in Geauga County that is threatened by development.
Dr. Szabo is bailing the borehole before installation of the piezometer being held by the student on the left. Piezometer is being set in an artesian aquifer unerlying White Pine Bog in Geauga County, Ohio. |
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M.S. candidate, Valerie Keinath, is fastening the cover over a canister that holds an electronic data logger that measures water levels. |
Two Piezometers ae set at each site around White Pine Bog. The piezometer on the left is for the artesian aquifer. That on the right monitors water levels in the peat. An air line connected to a pressure sensor runs between the narrow diameter piezometer in the peat to a recorder on the right. |
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Natural springs are areas where groundwater is discharged to the surface. Dr. Foos and her students have been investigating the chemistry and flow of natural springs in Northeast Ohio. Their studies have been used to infer the flow of water, contaminated with road salt, through the Sharon Sandstone aquifer. |
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