Project Number:
WR04R006
Funding Year:
2004
Contract Period:
7/1/2004 - 6/30/2005
Funding Source:
UWS
Investigator(s):
PIs:- David L. LePain, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
- Kenneth R. Bradbury, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
- Michael K. Cobb, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
Abstract:
Background/ Need
The bedrock that provides the primary water supply for west-central Wisconsin is both lithologically and hydraulically diverse, forming a complex sequence of aquifers and confining units, variably interconnected, and each of unique hydrogeologic character. Though this heterogeneity is an accepted fact, documented in studies in neighboring areas, there has been no significant work to develop a hydrogeologic framework specific to the bedrock of the region. A detailed hydrostratigraphic model – giving the sequence and properties of bedrock based on distinct hydrogeologic character – is sorely needed. Such a model will be a synthesis of a wide assortment of data, ideally incorporating all parameters affecting groundwater occurrence and flow for each distinct interval in the bedrock section. At the commencement of this project, it was unclear what useful hydrostratigraphic data might already exist, and hence where additional study was most needed.
Objectives
This project takes the first step toward a comprehensive hydrostratigraphic model of west-central Wisconsin. The objectives were as follows:
- Identify and compile all of the relevant hydrostratigraphic data that exist;
- Review these available data resources with respect to relevance and data quality;
- Synthesize, to the degree feasible, the data that do exist; and
- Identify major data gaps remaining.