Date of Award

4-2016

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geological and Environmental Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Duane R. Hampton

Second Advisor

Dr. Paul Doss

Third Advisor

Dr. R. V. Krishnamurthy

Keywords

Hydrology, Stable Isotopes, Michigan groundwater, Aquifer Recharge, Groundwater-surface water interactions

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Potential changes to climate and precipitation patterns from anthropogenic influences like global climate change could have an impact on Michigan’s groundwater resources. Indirectly this could have an effect on Michigan’s surface waters as well, since groundwater and surface waters are intimately linked to form one system.

This investigation utilized stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen found in precipitation, groundwater and surface waters to better understand the contribution of different types of precipitation to recharge of a shallow aquifer in Manistee National Forest, MI. The study also examines the contribution of this shallow groundwater to streamflow in the nearby White River. When combined with various physical and chemical hydrologic approaches, the dynamics of precipitation, groundwater flow and groundwater discharge into the stream become clearer.

Samples from the different waters were collected from February 2015 to January 2016. During sampling groundwater head, stream discharge and other parameters were measured. These data provide valuable insight that will help the U.S. Forest Service better manage this natural resource.

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