Hydrogeology and geochemistry in Bear Creek and Union Valleys, Near Oak Ridge, Tennessee
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Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
Geology topics
Z. C. Bailey
Publications and source records attributed to Z. C. Bailey.
Statistical and simulation analysis of hydraulic-conductivity data for Bear Creek and Melton Valleys, Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee
A total of 338 single-well aquifer tests from Bear Creek and Melton Valley, Tennessee were statistically grouped to estimate hydraulic conductivities for the geologic formations in the valleys. A cross-sectional simulation model linked to a regression model was used to further refine the statistical estimates for each of the formations and to improve understanding of ground-water flow in Bear Creek Valley. Median hydraulic-conductivity values were used as initial values in the model. Model-calculated estimates of hydraulic conductivity were generally lower than the statistical estimates. Simulations indicate that (1) the Pumpkin Valley Shale controls groundwater flow between Pine Ridge and Bear Creek; (2) all the recharge on Chestnut Ridge discharges to the Maynardville Limestone; (3) the formations having smaller hydraulic gradients may have a greater tendency for flow along strike; (4) local hydraulic conditions in the Maynardville Limestone cause inaccurate model-calculated estimates of hydraulic conductivity; and (5) the conductivity of deep bedrock neither affects the results of the model nor does it add information on the flow system. Improved model performance would require: (1) more water level data for the Copper Ridge Dolomite; (2) improved estimates of hydraulic conductivity in the Copper Ridge Dolomite and Maynardville Limestone; and (3) more water level data and aquifer tests in deep bedrock.
Tennessee↗
Reconnaissance of surficial geology, regolith thickness, and configuration of the bedrock surface in Bear Creek and Union Valleys, near Oak Ridge, Tennessee
A preliminary interpretation of the lithology, thickness of regolith, and configuration of the bedrock surface underlying Bear Creek and Union Valleys near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was made based on geologic and geophysical data from boreholes and cores in Bear Creek Valley and on related work of other investigators. Analysis of drillers ' logs and lithologic logs and comparison of these data with a topographic map indicated that topography and depth of weathering are interdependent and are ultimately controlled by lithology. Topographic patterns were, therefore, used to extend localized geologic data to a larger scale. Maps of the surficial geology, thickness of regolith, and configuration of the bedrock surface are presented. (Author 's abstract)
Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
Ground-water resources of the glacial outwash along the White River, Johnson and Morgan counties, Indiana
An 88-square-mile segment of the White River valley contains an unconfined sand and gravel aquifer ranging-from a featheredge zero, to 120 feet in saturated thickness. Hydraulic conductivity is 340 feet per day, and transmissivity is as much as 35,000 square feet per day. The aquifer, recharged primarily by precipitation, gains same recharge through interbedded till and outwash boundaries and through losing streams. A two-dimensional digital model was used to simulate the steady-state ground-water flow system. Sensitivity analyses tested the reaction of the model to adjustments in hydraulic conductivity, steam bed leakance, and recharge. Simulated pumpage of 20-, 66-, and 122-million gallons per day reduced streamflow by 5, 15, and 30% , respectively. A real drawdown did not exceed 25 feet. Ground water was a calcium bicarbonate type having a median pH of 7.1, a mean alkalinity of 240 milligrams per liter, a mean hardness of 280 milligrams per liter, a mean dissolved oxygen concentration of 2.2 milligrams per liter, a mean redox potential of +347 millivolts, and a mean dissolved-solids concentration of 366 milligrams per liter. Iron and manganese concentrations exceeded National Drinking Water Regulations in 15 and 49% of the analyses, respectively. Temperature and concentration of dissolved organic carbon varied seasonally. Dissolved carbon and manganese varied with seasonally. Dissolved carbon and manganese varied with differing boundary material, till and bedrock. (USGS)
Indiana↗