The proposed project will study and monitor hydrologic conditions in the sub-surface, in order to develop a better understanding of groundwater recharge processes and in an effort to identify aquifer recharge areas in the Keene region. We will determine soil infiltration rates and monitor evaporation rates, soil moisture content, soil tension, soil temperature, and water table levels. The collected data will be entered in a Geographic Information System for analysis and production of a map of infiltration capacities and recharge areas for the Keene region.
Our objectives for this project are: to gain experience in a variety of scientific field measurement techniques and the analysis and interpretation of data; to produce a map of soil infiltration capacities for the Keene region; and also to develop a better understanding of ground water recharge processes and rates. We believe that recharge can be influenced by a variety of factors, including soil type, and location, as well as variations in the hydrologic fluxes (precipitation and evapotranspiration.)
This project deals with the infiltration of water through the unsaturated zone, for the purposes of identifying aquifer recharge areas and quantifying recharge rates. We intend to monitor precipitation and evaporation fluxes, soil moisture, and other conditions at several field sites (Dingman, 1994); and to measure soil infiltration capacities (Tricker, 1978, 1981) for the Keene region (Moore et al., 1994). This information will help us understand ground water recharge processes and identify aquifer recharge areas.
This work is important because ground water is an invaluable but limited resource. The information that will be gained from our research can serve as a tool for state and federal geologists, as well as city and regional planners. This project also serves as an educational experience providing important field training.
Moore,R.B. , Johnson, C.D., and Douglas, D. M., 1994. Geohydrology and water Quality of Stratified-Drift Aquifers in the Lower Connecticut River Basin, Southwestern New Hampshire. US Geological Survey, Bow, New Hampshire.
Dingman,S.L. 1994. Physical Hydrology. Macmillan Publishing Co., New York, NY.
Tricker, A.S., 1978. The Infiltration Cylinder: Some Comments On It's Use. Journal of Hydrology, 36:383-391.
Tricker, A.S., 1981. Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Infiltration. Journal Of Hydrology, 49:261-277.
We will:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Evaporation Pan | 100.00 |
| 1 foot Jet-Fill Tensiometer | 65.50 |
| 3 foot Jet-Fill Tensiometer | 70.15 |
| 12" REOTEMP thermometer probe | 53.40 |
| 36" REOTEMP thermometer probe | 77.00 |
| 3 1/4 Mud Auger Bucket | 117.00 |
| Rubber Coated Cross Handle | 26.00 |
| 3 Threaded 4 foot Extension Rods (40 ea) | 120.00 |
| Core Sampler with Slide Hammer | 232.00 |
| Core Sampler Liner | 4.35 |
| Core Sampler End Caps | 21.65 |
| Soil Sample Bags | 5.00 |
| "Rite in Rain" Field Notebooks, 2 Spiral bound | 10.00 |
| "Rite in Rain" Space Pens, 2 | 14.00 |
| Travel within field area, 100 miles @ $0.30/mile | 30.00 |
| Total | 946.05 |
The items listed above are necessary to conduct this research project. The Evaporation pan, tensiometers, thermometers and soil sampling equipment are crucial for obtaining the required data about the infiltration of water through the unsaturated zone. Infiltration Cylinders and some other equipment are already available from the Geology Department. There is also a limited amount of travel required for commuting to field monitoring sites.