Characterization of the Karstic Biscayne Aquifer in Southeastern Florida Using Ground-Penetrating Radar, Digital Optical Borehole Images and Cores
Cunningham KJ and Aviantara A. 2001. Characterization of the Karstic Biscayne Aquifer in Southeastern Florida Using Ground-Penetrating Radar, Digital Optical Borehole Images and Cores. In Kuniansky EL: U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group proceedings. St. Petersburg, Florida. February 13-16, 2001. United States Geological Survey. Atlanta
Ground-penetrating radar is a useful tool in the characterization of shallow carbonate aquifers. This technique was applied to karstic carbonate rocks of the upper Biscayne aquifer in southeastern Florida. Resultant ground penetrating radar profiles showed the following geologic features: (1) paleo-sinkholes, (2) paleo-outliers, (3) paleotopographic relief on subaerial exposure surfaces, (4) low-angle accretion bedding and (5) vertical stacking of upward-shallowing cycles. These features were then ground-truthed by comparing them to features recognized in digital optical borehole images, cores, and outcrops. Ground-penetrating radar was used to map a hydrologically important low-permeability layer which, at least in local areas, retards vertical movement of groundwater. This hydrologic layer spans the geologic contact between the Miami Limestone and the underlying Fort Thompson Formation, and includes multiple subaerial-exposure surfaces.
- Type
- Conference Proceeding Paper
- Authors
- Cunningham, Kevin; Aviantara, Alexander
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- accretion bedding, conceptual model, paleo-outliers, paleo-sinkholes, paleotopographic relief, vertical stacking