{"id":2260,"date":"2017-04-26T14:00:12","date_gmt":"2017-04-26T18:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solinst.com\/onthelevel-news\/?p=2260"},"modified":"2023-04-06T15:42:52","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T19:42:52","slug":"levelogger-data-aids-karst-spring-initiative-in-tennessee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solinst.com\/onthelevel-news\/water-level-monitoring\/water-level-datalogging\/levelogger-data-aids-karst-spring-initiative-in-tennessee\/","title":{"rendered":"Levelogger Data Aids Karst Springs Initiative In Tennessee"},"content":{"rendered":"
\nDownload Newsletter<\/a><\/div>\n

The Karst Springs Initiative<\/h2>\n

Two \u201ccitizen scientists\u201d in Tennessee have taken on the task of studying more closely, the vast network of karst springs in the state. Past research has done a good job in mapping and identifying these features, but there remains a knowledge gap when looking at which karst springs are the largest in terms of discharge, and the relationships between recharge and resurgence areas.<\/p>\n

Brian Ham and Ben Miller started the Karst Springs Initiative in early 2016. Their aim is to add to current information, and increase the understanding of karst hydrogeologic systems in Tennessee using measured data.<\/p>\n

Karst topography is a unique landscape made up of soluble rocks, such as limestone and dolomite. Because of their geology, karst systems are characterized by underground drainage systems, including caves formed by the dissolution of the soluble rocks. Karst springs are important monitoring points for water quality since they can represent the overall health of the entire recharge area\/groundwater basin.<\/p>\n

Karst Spring Flow Measurements<\/h2>\n

To begin the project, individual flow measurements were conducted at several springs to begin establishing a database of spring flows, which is now regularly updated with new measurements and data.<\/p>\n

The flow data is being compared and used to determine the largest springs, and therefore, which ones to monitor more closely and continuously. The measurements will also help to interpret the flow characteristics in these karst environments.<\/p>\n

\"karst<\/a>

Conducting High Flow Measurements<\/p><\/div>\n

Karst Spring Gauging Stations<\/h2>\n

In March 2016, their first permanent gauging station was installed in the East Fork Obey River Rise\u2014thought to be one of the biggest springs in Tennessee. A stilling well was installed to house a Solinst LTC Levelogger Junior<\/a> water level datalogger. A Barologger Edge<\/a> is installed nearby in a protective PVC enclosure; its data is used to barometrically compensate Levelogger water level data. The dataloggers are set to record at 15-minute intervals. Depending on conditions, data is downloaded every 3 months.<\/p>\n

\"programming<\/a>

Programming the LTC Levelogger Junior<\/p><\/div>\n

Here’s a video that shows Brian and Ben installing the stilling well and conducting flow measurements:<\/em><\/p>\n