Measurement System for Localizing Groundwater Flows into an Estuarine Environment

Principal Investigator (s):

Charles C. Sarabun
Daniel G. Ondercin
Linda Frizzell-Makowski
The Johns Hopkins University
Applied Physics Laboratory

William S.L. Banks
Jonathan J.A. Dillow
U.S. Geological Survey

Work Accomplishments

Tasks for the Period.

1. Plan and conduct thermal survey of Otter Point Creek (OPC).
   
2. Take and analyze water samples from Otter Point Creek and adjacent well(s).
   
3. Finalize and begin fabrication of sensor array.
   
   

Work Plan to Accomplish Tasks

Concerns or Difficulties.

1. High rainfall levels and therefore high surface runoff might mask Otter Point Creek water characteristics. Dealt with by conducting a second sampling survey.
   
   

Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives in Scheduled Project Period.

1. Activities are progressing slightly behind schedule however continued higher than average rainfall should keep groundwater head up. We anticipate successful surveys.
   
   

Preliminary data

1. Results from the water sample analyses showed no difference in VOCs between well and OPC water however four (possibly) five metals showed significant differences. We will probably focus on manganese as our sensor development group feels that we can easily measure Mn. See accompanying slides for figures.
   
2. Results from the thermal survey have suggested several regions in which to focus on the initial survey(s). The accompanying PowerPoint package shows the results of the survey and highlights the regions where the temperature survey indicate the possibility of groundwater.
   

Tasks and Activities for the Next Report Period.

Tasks for the Next Report Period.

1. Complete and test the sensor suite. This task is ~85% complete.
   
2. Conduct OPC surveys. Analyze results.
   
3. Conduct detailed surveys in regions identified in IIAb.

Work Plan to Accomplish Tasks.

1. By 15 August complete and test sensor suite.
   
2. 15-31 August conduct initial large area surveys and analyze results.
   
3. 21-31 August conduct detailed localization surveys.
   
4. 1-30 September analyze and document results.
   
5. Starting 1 September begin preparations for 2001 work at a different NERR site.
   
6. Starting 1 September brief results to interested agencies (currently USGS, Maryland DNR and MDE, EPA). Initially the briefing package will consist of the current results. As the analysis of the survey data progresses, these results will be added to the briefing package. Formal publication of results will wait for analysis of all results to be complete.
   

Concerns or Difficulties

Original concerns were that this late in the year the groundwater head would be low resulting in weak flow. However, higher than average rainfall seems to have mitigated this problem.

Expenditures