Measure vertical gradients in the chemistry and age of
water in the Ogallala Formation, northern High Plains
aquifer.
Provide a better understanding of contaminant sources/sinks
in the Ogallala Formation.
Identify principal geochemical reactions controlling water
chemistry.
Develop an understanding of ground-water residence times
and recharge rates in the Ogallala Formation.
Approach:
Install and sample nested wells at 5 sites located along a regional flow
path and have large saturated thicknesses (see
map). Each nested well site will have a well screened at the water table,
base of the aquifer, and two intermediate depths.
Timing:
Drilling begins April, 2002; sampling in April, 2003.
Targeted Constituents:
Physical parameters, major ions, nutrients, trace elements,
radon, pesticides, DOC, and multiple chemical and isotopic
tracers needed to address the above objectives.
