Analysis of Existing Core in the Floridan Aquifer

Project Investigator: Robert Renken Project Start Date: 2002 End Date: 2002 Scope of Work Metadata Publications Related Links Project Location Map

The analysis of existing core samples represents an early-phase task authorized by the regional Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project Management Team. This effort is designed to characterize the lithology, stratigraphy, pore systems, and estimated permeability of the Upper Floridan Aquifer in the Lake Okeechobee area with the aim of predicting zones of preferred flow with the aquifer. Relating rock properties derived from core analysis to borehole geophysical log data in specific wells can serve as a comparative guide to the geology in nearby non-cored wells.

The proposed scope of work is divided into several phases: (1) collection of existing core samples and slab preparation of core samples, (2) lithologic examination, and (3) report preparation.

Key Findings:

1. An analysis was conducted to describe and interpret the lithology of a part of the Upper Floridan aquifer penetrated by the Regional Observation Monitoring Program (ROMP) 29A test corehole in Highlands County, Florida. Information obtained was integrated into a conceptual model that delineates likely CERP ASR storage zones and confining units in the context of sequence stratigraphy. Carbonate sequence stratigraphy correlation strategies appear to reduce risk of miscorrelation of key ground-water flow units and confining units.
2. A hierarchical arrangement of rock unit cycles can be identified; High Frequency Cycle formed of peritidal, subtidal, and deeper subtidal) form High Frequency Sequence, and those can be grouped into Cycle Sequences. There appears to be a spatial relation among wells that penetrate water-bearing rocks having relatively high and low transmissivities.
3. Assuming hydrogeologic conditions observed in the ROMP 29A well are representative of in south-central Florida, the uppermost (Lower Hawthorn-Suwannee) of two likely CERP ASR storage zones does not appear to be viable with respect to the proposed 200 CERP ASR facility planned to be sited northwest of Lake Okeechobee. Insufficient data were available to adequately characterize the lower flow zone contained within the Avon Park Formation.

Scope of Work

• 2003

Metadata

• Analysis of Existing Core in the Floridan Aquifer (project metadata)

Publications

Open File Reports

• Sequence-Stratigraphic Analysis of the Regional Observation Monitoring Program (ROMP) 29A Test Corehole and Its Relation to Carbonate Porosity and Regional Transmissivity in the Floridan Aquifer System, Highlands County, Florida (Prepared as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03-201, available from the Water Resources of Florida website)

Related Links

• A Retrospective and Critical Review of Aquifer Storage and Recovery Sites and Frameworks within the Upper Floridan Aquifer in South Florida
• Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Coordination