A hydrologic study of the sulphur artesian groundwater system and associated waters at Chickasaw National Recreational Area, Sulphur, Oklahoma
Harp JF, Laguros JG, McLin SS, West LB, Barthel CJ. 1985. A hydrologic study of the sulphur artesian groundwater system and associated waters at Chickasaw National Recreational Area, Sulphur, Oklahoma. O.R.A. 155-421 / Contract #702930013. The Bureau of Water Resources Research, Oklahoma Research Administration, The University of Oklahoma. Norman, Oklahoma
Increasing cessation of fresh water artesian spring flow in the Travertine District, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, prompted this investigation to address the parameters that define subsurface flow in the Sulphur, Oklahoma area. The Sulphur Fault is responsible for the origin of the fresh water artesian springs, Buffalo and Antelope, and controls groundwater movement from the recharge area downdip to the springs. Buffalo and Antelope Springs derive their water from the confined Arbuckle Aquifer. The intensely fractured dolomites of the Arbuckle group outcrop east of Sulphur, constituting the recharge area of 2 approximately 5 mi for the fresh water springs. Observation wells and spring hydrograph analysis help to establish a relationship between discharge, piezometric elevation of the confined Arbuckle Aquifer, and seasonal precipitation events. The long-term trend of the hydrographs reveal that the piezometric elevation of the Sulphur artesian basin is declining at a rate of .65ft/year. If this trend continues, permanent cessation of spring flows will occur in about 40 years. Statistical and spring hydrograph analysis have provided the basis for the classification scheme of Antelope and Buffalo Springs. As a result, Antelope and Buffalo are classified as third-magnitude, intermediateresponse, diffuse-flow, fresh water artesian springs. Finally, a hydrologic budget was developed for the Sulphur, Oklahoma area. The recharge area for the City 2 of Sulphur is approximately 15 mi with an average annual recharge rate of about 4.6 inches per year; the total amount of water available on a yearly basis is approxi- 9 mately 1.2 x 10 gallons per year. However, current 9 analysis reveals that in excess of 1.4 x 10 gallons per year is withdrawn from the Sulphur artesian basin.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Harp, J; Laguros, J; McLin, S; West, L; Barthel, C
- Date of Issue
- 1985-06
- Publisher
- The Bureau of Water Resources Research, Oklahoma Research Administration, The University of Oklahoma
- Units
- CHIC , WRD
- Keywords
- Aquatic Sciences, Aquifer, Clemson, Discharge, Groundwater Flow, Hydrology, Watershed