Reconnaissance study of the hydrology of American Memorial Park, Island of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Perreault JA. 2007. Reconnaissance study of the hydrology of American Memorial Park, Island of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Scientific Investigations Report. 2007-5042. U.S. Geological Survey. Reston, VA
A reconnaissance study of the American Memorial Park was undertaken during August and September 2005. The goals of the study were (1) to describe the occurrence and salinity of surface and ground water within the park; (2) to develop a hydrologic model of the park area of the island, with emphasis on the 27-acre estuarine system; and (3) to identify additional data needed to further develop this model. With regard to surface water, three freshwater inputs to the park's natural wetland are possible: direct rainfall, seaward-flowing ground water, and overland flow. Direct rainfall, which is an important source of freshwater to the wetland, commonly exceeds evapotranspiration both seasonally and per storm. The seaward flow of ground water is likely to be a source of freshwater to the wetland because ground water generally has an upward vertical component in the nearshore environment. Overland flow upgradient of the park could potentially contribute a significant input of freshwater during periods of intense rainfall, but roads that flank the park's perimeter act as a barrier to surficial inflows.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Perreault, Jeff
- Date of Issue
- 2007
- Publisher
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Units
- AMME , PACN
- Keywords
- Freshwater, Hydrology, Saipan, Water Quality