Spring Inventory & Characterization
Spring inventory and characterization involves understanding the hydrogeologic setting of springs. Controls on spring recharge and discharge are critical to managing and preserving these valuable natural resources. To characterize springs on both regional and local scales, GGI has developed a protocol for spring characterization that can be applied to springs in a variety of hydrogeologic settings.
Spring Characterization
Discharge measurements and Long-term Monitoring
Geologic and Geomorphic Mapping
Water quality analysis and Geochemistry/Isotope evaluation
Depending on specific project goals, a typical spring investigation may include:
Mapping to determine the geologic and geomorphic setting of the spring and structural controls on spring discharge
Identification of the source aquifer
Identification of human modifications to the natural spring orifice
Field screening of water quality parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and turbidity)
Collection of samples for laboratory analysis of water quality and isotope chemistry
Measurement of spring discharge
Installation of permanent flow measuring devices
Classification of the spring type based on the data collected in the field
Selected Projects:
“Preserving and managing our natural resources.”
