The development of an expanded conceptual karst hydrogeologic framework in this project will be used to assist development of procedures for numeric simulations to improve the monitoring and assessment of the response of the ground-water system to hydrologic changes caused by CERP-related changes in sstage within the Everglades wetlands, including seepage-management pilot project implementation. Specifically, the development of procedures for ground-water modeling of the karst Biscayne aquifer in the area of Northern Shark Slough will help determine the appropriate hydrologic response to rainfall and translate that information into appropriate performance targets for input into the design and operating rules to manage water levels and flow volumes for the two Seepage Management Areas. Mapping of the karstic stratiform ground-water flow passageways in the Biscayne aquifer is recent and limited to a small area of Miami-Dade County adjacent to the Everglades wetlands. Extension of this karst framework between the Everglades wetlands and coastal Biscayne Bay will aid in the simulation of coupled ground-water and surface-water flows to Biscayne Bay. The development of procedures for modeling in the karst Biscayne aquifer will useful to the establishment of minimum flows and levels to the Biscayne Bay and seasonal flow patterns. Also, these improved procedures for simulations will assist in ecologic modeling efforts of Biscayne Bay coastal estuaries.
Cunningham, Kevin, Unpublished Material, Linking a conceptual karst hydrogeologic model of the Biscayne aquifer to ground-water flow simulations from Everglades National Park to Biscayne National Park - Phase 1.Online Links:
Project personnel include Melinda Wolfert, Christian Langevin, Michael Wacker, G. Lynn Wingard, Edward Robinson, Michael Wacker, Joann Dixon, W. Lee Florea, Barclay Shoemaker, Michael C. Sukop, Jeff Lee, H. Allen Curran, and Cameron Walker
954 377-5913 (voice)
954 377-5901 (FAX)
kcunning@usgs.gov
Research is needed to determine how planned Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) seepage control actions within the triple-porosity karstic Biscayne aquifer in the general area of Northeast Shark Slough will affect ground-water flows and recharge between the Everglades wetlands and Biscayne Bay. A fundamental problem in the simulation of karst ground-water flow and solute transport is how best to represent aquifer heterogeneity as defined by the spatial distribution of porosity, permeability, and storage. The triple porosity of the Biscayne aquifer is principally: (1) matrix of interparticle and separate-vug porosity, providing much of the storage and, under dynamic conditions, diffuse-carbonate flow; (2) touching-vug porosity creating stratiform ground-water flow passageways; and (3) less common conduit porosity composed mainly of bedding plane vugs, thin solution pipes, and cavernous vugs. The objectives of this project are to: (1) build on the Lake Belt area hydrogeologic framework (recently completed by the principal investigator), mainly using cyclostratigraphy and digital optical borehole images to map porosity types and develop the triple-porosity karst framework between the Everglades wetlands and Biscayne Bay; and (2) develop procedures for numerical simulation of ground-water flow within the Biscayne aquifer multi-porosity system.
1. Drilling about 10 test coreholes
Drilling and completion of approximately 10 test coreholes by wireline coring methods. This work provides critical data for development of a new karst hydrogeologic framework of the Biscayne aquifer that will be used in developing procedures for hydrologic modeling of the karstic Biscayne aquifer that includes areas adjacent to Biscayne Bay; produces wells that will provide information to be used in developing procedures for modeling that will benefit monitoring and assessment of the pilot projects information needs; and produces wells that will be used to develop a high-resolution hydrogeologic framework, and procedures for hydrologic modeling that can be used in research and possible model refinement to establish operating protocols of the seepage barriers.
2. Geophysical logging
Geophysical logs are acquired at completion of each test corehole above. Processing of sonic data to be accomplished using LogCruncher software. Flowmeter and fluid-temperature and resistivity data used to assist in selection of preferred ground-water flow paths in the karst Biscayne aquifer. This work will produce data necessary to produce a conceptual karst hydrogeologic model by integrating core analyses, (including molluscan and benthic foraminiferal data and interpretation of lithofacies and depositional facies), borehole geophysical logs, cyclostratigraphy, and hydrologic data.
Electronic files of geophysical logs will be archived at the USGS-FISC-CWRS office, and paper copies and PDF file versions of log montages of all geophysical logs will be produced using WellCAD software.
3. Cyclostratigraphy and hydrostratigraphy
Data from core descriptions, thin-section petrography, paleontology of mollusks and foraminifers, construction of hydrogeologic cross sections, and measurement of porosity and permeability of core samples will be used to develop a high-resolution conceptual karst hydrogeologic framework of the Biscayne aquifer in the study area. Task will produce a conceptual karst hydrogeologic model by integrating core analyses, (including molluscan and benthic foraminiferal data and interpretation of lithofacies and depositional facies), borehole geophysical logs, cyclostratigraphy, and hydrologic data.
Core samples will be described using a 10-power hand lens and binocular microscope to determine vertical patterns of microfacies, sedimentary structures, and lithostratigraphic boundaries, to characterize porosity, and to estimate "relative" permeability. Limestones to be classified by combining the schemes of Dunham (1962), Embry and Klovan (1971), and Lucia (1995). Core-sample descriptions to be classified as rock-fabric facies and presented graphically. Horizontal and vertical permeability of numerous whole-core samples and porosity and grain density to be measured at Core Laboratories, Inc., Midland, Texas. Borehole images acquired from each test corehole will be used to quantify vuggy porosity using a method described in Cunningham and others (2004, Journal of Applied Geophysics). Molluscan analyses to be conducted by G. Lynn Wingard at the USGS Paleontology Laboratory in Reston. Core samples will be examined under a binocular microscope to observed diagnostic characteristics and compared to published species. Clay squeezes or latex casts will be made of the molluscan molds where appropriate to aid in identification. Identification of benthic foraminifera to be conducted by Edward Robinsonof University of West Indies. Thin section samples will be examined petrographically to observed diagnostic features for identification of foraminiferal type and associated depositional environments.
This task will aid in the construction of two-dimensional hydrogeologic cross sections. Development of a three-dimensional conceptual hydrogeologic framework of area encompassed by approximately 10 new coreholes. Model will be output using Environmental Visualization Systems NT-PRO software.
4. Hydrologic modeling
Initiate procedures for the application of the MODFLOW-2000 Hydrogeologic Unit Flow (HUF) pack and/or CAVE (Carbonate Aquifer Void Evolution) to hydrologic modeling of the karstic Biscayne aquifer in the study area. Development of modeling procedures for a karstic aquifer will allow more reliable simulations of ground-water flow and solution transport in the variable-density ground-water model of Miami-Dade County.
Test use of relations between porosity and permeability using e.g., the Kozeny-Carmen equation, initiate application of the MODFLOW-2000 Hydrogeologic Unit Flow package, and begin application of parameter estimation techniques to apportion the bulk permeability values to individual flow zones.
Acquired geophysical logs at completion of each of the 8 test corehole. Processing of sonic data accomplished using the LogCruncher software. Use of flowmeter and fluid-temperature and resistivity data assists in selection of preferred ground-water flow paths in the karst Biscayne aquifer. Task will produce data necessary to produce a conceptual karst hydrogeologic model by integrating core analyses, (including molluscan and benthic foraminiferal data and interpretation of lithofacies, ichnofacies, and depositional facies), borehole geophysical logs, cyclostratigraphy, and hydrologic data.
Electronic files of geophysical logs will be archived at the USGS-FISC-CWRS office, and paper copies and PDF file versions of log montages of all geophysical logs will be produced using WellCAD software.
Core samples to be described using a 10-power hand lens and binocular microscope to determine vertical patterns of microfacies, ichnofacies, sedimentary structures, and lithostratigraphic boundaries, to characterize porosity, and to estimate "relative" permeability. Limestones to be classified by combining the schemes of Dunham (1962), Embry and Klovan (1971), and Lucia (1995). Core-sample descriptions to be classified as rock-fabric facies and presented graphically. Horizontal and vertical permeability of numerous whole-core samples and porosity and grain density to be measured at Core Laboratories, Inc., Midland, Texas. Borehole images acquired from each test corehole will be used to quantify vuggy porosity using a method described in Cunningham and others (2004, Journal of Applied Geophysics). Molluscan analyses to be conducted by G. Lynn Wingard at the USGS Paleontology Laboratory in Reston. Core samples will be examined under a binocular microscope to observe diagnostic characteristics and compared to published species. Clay squeezes or latex casts will be made of the molluscan molds where appropriate to aid in identification. Identification of benthic foraminifera to be conducted by Edward Robinson at the University of West Indies. Thin section samples will be examined petrographically to observed diagnostic features for identification of foraminiferal type and associated depositional environments. H. Allen Curran, Smith College, will assist in study of the relation between ichnology and highly permeable ground-water flow zones. Research will include Computed Tomography (CT-scan) digitization of highly permeable ichnofacies from the Biscayne aquifer and core analyses.
Interpretation of cyclostratigraphy and hydrostratigraphy and development of a new karst hydrgeologic framework for the 8 new coreholes between ENP and BNP is in progress.
3-D computer-aided tomographic (CT) renderings were produced of solid and porous portions of 6 very-highly permeable limestone samples that represent ichnofacies-dominated-porosity of the Biscayne aquifer from University of Texas-Austin CT- Imaging Laboratory. Images are used in lattice Boltzmann modeling and in production of solid-epoxy 3-dimensional models of macroporous limestone representative of the Biscayne aquifer to be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments.
Final programming and benchmark testing of the Conduit Flow Process (CFP) was completed. The CFP creates new ability for MODFLOW-2005 to simulate a dual-porosity aquifer, such as the karst Biscayne aquifer.
Experiments continued at Florida Internatioanl University-Depaartment of Geological Sciences to implement use of lattice Boltzmann modeling to calculate macroporosity and hydraulic conductivity of a representative very-highly permeable ichnofacies-dominated-porous zone of the Biscayne aquifer. This group calculated macroporosity and intrinsic permeability on computer renderings of 7 macroporous limestone samples representative of ground-water flow zones within the Biscayne aquifer using lattice Boltzmann computer modeling methods. They also demonstrated that they can create 3-dimensional computized volume renderings from digital optical borehole wall images and compute macroporosity and intrinsic permeability from these data.
One group member expedited the production of a 3-dimensionnal solid-epoxy model of a macroporous limestone outcrop sample of the Biscayne aquifer for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments at the New Mexico Resonance Laboratory during FY08.
Multi-channel high-resolution marine reflection seismic surveys were run over approximately 65 nautical line-miles (nmi) of program consisting of about 9 lines in Biscayne National Park, and 2 lines east of Elliot Key partly outside the Park boundary. This data will be processed and interpreted during FY08. Interpretation with be done using seismic interpretation software on a desktop PC.
A group member began acquiring aquatic geochemical data every 2 weeks and instrumented a cave within a karstified hammock in Everglades National Park.
At least one test corehole will be installed on Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park and available for research requirements of this study and future research needs, such as, selected samples for use in Computed Tomography (CT-scan) renderings that can be used for quantification of permeability using Lattice-Boltzmann modeling, a critical component of developing ground-water modeling procedures.
Processing of sonic data to be accomplished using LogCruncher software. Use of flowmeter and fluid-temperature and resistivity data assists in selection of preferred ground-water flow paths in the karst Biscayne aquifer. Task will produce data necessary to produce a conceptual karst hydrogeologic model by integrating core analyses, (including molluscan and benthic foraminiferal data and interpretation of lithofacies, ichnofacies, and depositional facies), borehole geophysical logs, cyclostratigraphy, and hydrologic data.
Digital borehole image log computerized volume renderings can be used for quantification of permeability using Lattice-Boltzmann modeling, a critical component of developing ground-water modeling procedures. Electronic files of geophysical logs will be archived as electronic files at the USGS-FISC-CWRS office, and paper copies and PDF file versions of log montages of all geophysical logs will be produced using WellCAD software.
Integrate data from core descriptions, thin-section petrography, paleontology of mollusks and foraminifers, ichnology (trace fossils), construction of hydrogeologic cross sections, and measurement of porosity and permeability of core samples to develop a high-resolution conceptual karst hydrogeologic framework of the Biscayne aquifer in the study area. Task will produce a conceptual karst hydrogeologic model by integrating core analyses, (including molluscan and benthic foraminiferal data and interpretation of lithofacies, ichnofacies, and depositional facies), borehole geophysical logs, cyclostratigraphy, and hydrologic data.
Constuction of two-dimensional hydrogeologic cross sections. Development of a three-dimensional conceptual hydrogeologic framework of area encompassed by approximately 21 new coreholes. Model will be output using Environmental Visualization Systems NT-PRO software. STL files of digitized CT scans of porous limestone for use in VRML software.
Draft of white-paper journal article, interpreted seismic sections, and structural maps of key seismic horizons.
Quantification of hydraulic conductivity of highly-permeable ground-water flow zone of the Biscayne aquifer using Lattce-Boltzmann modeling. Test use of porosity and permeability relations derived from lattice Boltzmann modeling with the MODFLOW-2000 Hydrogeologic Unit Flow package, and begin application of parameter estimation techniques to apportion the bulk permeability values to individual Biscayne aquifer flow zones. Results to include submittal of one journal article on application of lattice-Boltzmann modeling to calculation of permeability in the Biscayne aquifer. One journal article on the Conduit Flow Process package is in journal review, one USGS report on documentation of the Conduit Flow Process package has been approved for publication, one journal article on integration of lattice Boltzmann modeling and hydrgeologic results is in preparation, and one Master’s Thesis at Florida International University on application of lattice Boltzmann modeling to Biscayne aquifer material has been completed.
Two projects are being undertaken as post-doctoral research. The first investigates the geochemistry, microbiology, and isotopic fractionation of surface water, cave water, and shallow groundwater in a karstified limestone hammock of Everglades National Park. The project is designed to increase understanding of karst processes (especially cave formation) within the Biscayne aquifer between the Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park and possible role in fresh ground-water flows. A second project explores the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) imaging to quantify the hydraulic properties of groundwater flow through preferred flow units in the Biscayne aquifer.
The cave study in Everglades National Park measures and examines 1) the variation of the calcite saturation index through seasonal changes of water levels and recharge, 2) organic and inorganic carbon flux from the surface through the porous rock and into a cave, and 3) the role of bacteria in the dissolution of the limestone rock of the Everglades. The MRI study is designed to use existing digital reproductions of intensely-burrowed limestone samples by using Computerized Tomography (CT-scans). A subset of these digital data form the basis for benchtop 3-dimensional replicas produced using prototype printers. The intent is to use MRI to reveal the velocity vectors of flowing water in the model and allow the evaluation of the advective and dispersive properties of preferred flow zones of the Biscayne aquifer. These data should provide a benchmark for concurrent numerical models using Lattice-Boltzman techniques.
Person who carried out this activity:
954 377-5913 (voice)
954 377-5901 (FAX)
kcunning@usgs.gov
Cunningham, Kevin J. Wacker, Michael A.; Robinso, 2004, Hydrogeology and Ground-Water Flow at Levee 31N, Miami-Dade County, Florida, July 2003 to May 2004: Scientific Investigations Map I-2846, U.S. Geolgoical Survey, Reston VA.Online Links:
Dunham, R. J., 1962, Classification of carbonate rocks according to depositional textures: AAPG Memoir 1, American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Tulsa, OK.
Ham, W. E., ed.
Embry, A. F. Klovan, J. E., 1971, A late Devonian reef tract on Northeastern Banks Island, N. W. T.: Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology v. 19, n. 4, Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists, Calgary, Canada.
Lucia, F. J., 1995, Rock-fabric/petrophysical classification of carbonate pore space for reservoir characterization: AAPG Bulletin v. 79, n. 9, American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Tulsa, OK.
Cunningham, Kevin J. Carlson, Janine I., Hurley,, 2004, New method for quantification of vuggy porosity from digital optical boreholes images as applied to the karstic Pleistocene limestone of the Biscayne aquifer, southeastern Florida: Journal of Applied Geophysics v. 55, Elsevier Science BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands.Online Links:
Cunningham, Kevin J., 2004, Application of ground-penetrating radar, digital borehole images, and cores for characterization of porosity hydraulic conductivity and paleokarst in the Biscayne aquifer, southeastern Florida, USA: Journal of Applied Geophysics v. 55, Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands.Online Links:
Cunningham, K. J. Carlson, J. L.; Wingard, G., 2004, Characterization of aquifer heterogeneity using cyclostratigraphy and geophysical methods in the upper part of the Biscayne aquifer, southeastern Florida: relation to rock fabric and sequence stratigraphy: USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4208, U.S. Geological Survey, Tallahassee, FL.Online Links:
Wolfert-Lohmann, M. A. Langevin, C. D.; Jones, S. , 2008, U. S. Geological Survey Science Strategy for Biscayne National Park and Surrounding Areas in Southeastern Florida: USGS Open-File Report 2007-1288, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.Online Links:
Cunningham, K. J. Renken, R. A.; Wacker, M. A, 2006, Application of carbonate cyclostratigraphy and borehole geophysics to delineate porosity and preferential flow in the karst limestone of the Biscayne aquifer, SE Florida: GSA Special Paper 404, Geological Society of America, Boulder, CO.
Cunningham, K. J. Wacker, M. A.; Robinson, E., 2006, A cyclostratigraphic and borehole geophysical approach to development of a three-dimensional conceptual hydrogeologic model of the karstic Biscayne aquifer, southeastern Florida: USGS Scientific Investigaton Report 2005-5235, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.Online Links:
Renken, R. A. Cunningham, K. J.; Zygnersk, 200511, Assessing the vulnerability of a municipal well field to contamination in a karst aquifer: Environmental and Engineering Geoscience v. 11, n. 4, Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists, Denver, CO.Online Links:
Shoemaker, W. B. Kuniansky, E. L.; Birk, S.;, 2007, Documentation of a Conduit Flow Process (CFP) for MODFLOW-2005: USGS Techniques and Methods Book 6, chapter A24, U.S. Geological Survey, Tallahassee, FL.Online Links:
Sukop, M. C. Anwar, S..; Lee, J. S.; Cun, 2008, Modeling ground-water flow and solute transport in karst with Lattice Boltzmann Methods: U.S. Geological Survey, Norcross, GA.Online Links:
E. L. Kuniansky, ed.
Shoemaker, W. B. Cunningham, K. J.; Kuniansk, 2008, Impacts of turbulence on hydraulic heads and parameter sensitivities in preferential groundwater flow layers: Water Resources Research v. 44, W03501, American Geophysical Union, Washington, DC.Online Links:
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