Date of Award
8-1990
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Richard N. Passero
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan E. Kehew
Third Advisor
Dr. W. Thomas Straw
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Hydrogeochemical analyses and hydrogeologic interpretations provide the basis for an understanding of local ground-water flow, in a 12 square mile study area, transected by the Tekonsha Moraine and bound by glaciofluvial deposits. Glacial tills separate an upper and lower aquifer system throughout most of the area.
Degraded and tritiated ground water is present in the lower aquifer system. A negative correlation (-0.62) between tritium concentrations and depth is statistically significant (.04). In this local system, hydrochemical trends are characterized by decreases in sulfate percentages and increases in bicarbonate in the direction of ground-water flow. Statistical evaluation of the hydrochemical data suggests that ground-water recharge to the lower aquifer system is partially derived from the upper aquifer system. Hydrochemical data generally conform to the glacial geology.
Thus, the glacial tills do not appear to insure isolation from vertically infiltrating ground water or potential surface contaminants.
Recommended Citation
Melbardis, Victor V., "Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry of the Tekonsha Moraine and Adjacent Interlobate Deposits in Charleston Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan" (1990). Masters Theses. 1027.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1027