Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS05 Groundwater at Aquatic Margins (Environmental Connections)

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2001, Time: 9:45:00 AM

Location: Cimarron

Gold, A, J, University of Rhode Island, Natural Resources Science, Kingston, RI, USA, agold@uri.edu

Addy, K, , University of Rhode Island, Natural Resources Science, Kingston,RI, USA, kaddy@uri.edu

Nowicki, B, L, University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI, USA, bnowicki@gsosun1.gso.uri.edu

Kellogg, D, Q, University of Rhode Island, Natural Resources Science, Kingston, RI, USA, qkellogg@uri.edu

CHARACTERIZING GROUNDWATER CONTRIBUTIONS TO AQUATIC SYSTEMS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AT AQUATIC MARGINS

Groundwater represents a major pathway connecting upland activities with aquatic systems in many watersheds. Whereas most groundwater environments are characterized by low rates of biogeochemical transformations, at the land/water interface a number of factors combine that can dramatically and rapidly alter groundwater chemistry over short distances. Recent research in freshwater riparian zones illustrates key principles and methods that can be used to examine groundwater nitrate transformations at marine coastal margins. In-situ and mesocosm methods provide insight into the occurrence and spatial patterns of "hot spots" of biogeochemical transformation in the riparian zone. Well networks and tracer techniques can be useful in determining hydrologic flowpaths, nitrate/carbon interactions, groundwater nitrate removal rates, and denitrification rates. The importance of landscape structure, physiography and land use history to the function of riparian systems needs to be defined at a variety of scales, from site to watershed. Experience with freshwater riparian groundwater systems can help in identifying useful approaches and new challenges for the study of groundwater dynamics at the interface of estuarine systems.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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