Hydrologic Connectivity in the Edwards Aquifer between San Marcos Springs and Barton Springs during 2009 Drought Conditions
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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Keywords

Edwards Aquifer
Barton Springs
San Marcos Springs
MODFLOW
groundwater flow
drought

How to Cite

Land, Larry F., Brian B. Hunt, Brian A. Smith, and Paula Jo Lemonds. 2011. “Hydrologic Connectivity in the Edwards Aquifer Between San Marcos Springs and Barton Springs During 2009 Drought Conditions”. Texas Water Journal 2 (1). College Station, Texas:39-53. https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v2i1.1951.

Abstract

A study of water level data collected during the 2009 drought was conducted to determine if there is a hydrologic connection between the San Antonio segment and Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. These results showed con-tinuity in the direction of groundwater flow along a preferential groundwater flow zone from San Marcos Springs to Barton Springs during the drought. Using a USGS MODFLOW model, the flow passing San Marcos Springs and flowing toward Bar-ton Springs was estimated at about five cfs.

Near the city of Kyle, major discontinuities in hydraulic gradient and water levels were evident, which indicate a zone of relatively low transmissivity. Southwest of Kyle, an area of nearly flat water levels exists and is believed to be a zone of high transmissivity. Faults do not appear to be a controlling factor between the zones of relatively high and low transmissivity nor blockage or conduits of groundwater flow. Rapid population growth and increased water demands suggests a continual groundwater level monitoring program between San Marcos Springs and Buda to provide data for future local and regional hydrogeologic analyses.

Citation: LE Land, BB Hunt, BA Smith, PJ Lemonds. 2011. Hydrologic connectivity in the Edwards Aquifer between San Marcos Springs and Barton Springs during 2009 drought conditions. Texas Water Journal. 2(1):39-53. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v2i1.1951.

https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v2i1.1951
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Copyright (c) 2011 Larry F. Land, Brian B. Hunt, Brian A. Smith, Paula Jo Lemonds