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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Simulation of anoxic lenses as exporters of reactivity in alluvial aquifer sediments

Sedimentary interfaces between contrasting hydrogeological facies in alluvial aquifers drive the development of biogeochemical interfaces that influence subsurface and surface water quality. Here, we calibrate a reactive transport model on a series of dual-domain column experiments, where centimeter-scale, low-permeability, organic-rich anoxic lenses are embedded in coarser-grained aquifer material. Simulations explicitly account for C, Fe, and S cycling at the interface between the lenses and the aquifer in water-saturated conditions. Our results highlight the role of fine-grained, organic-rich inclusions not only as sources or sinks for redox-sensitive species, but also as exporters of nutrients that stimulate downgradient biogeochemical cycling. By releasing large amounts of organic carbon into the surrounding aquifer, such lenses drive the development of proximal secondary reduction zones ("halos"), characterized by high microbial activity (e.g., sulfate reduction) and accumulation of reduced reaction products (e.g., iron sulfide). If similar secondary reduction zones develop within the hydraulically conductive domain of an aquifer, they would be highly susceptible to changes in hydrologic conditions, for instance oxygen pulses associated with seasonal snowmelt. Furthermore, our results also emphasize the limitations of relying solely on aqueous species measurements to inform reactivity in systems where fast redox cycling and/or sizeable particulate transport may limit the signature of reactivity in the dissolved phase.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Accounting for uncertainty in complex alluvial aquifer modeling by Bayesian multi-model approach

Alluvial aquifers by nature are complex caused by varied depositional environments. Developing a reliable groundwater model to represent an alluvial aquifer is non-trivial. Also, relying on a single best calibrated model may not be sufficient because of an inadequate choice of model parameter values. To better understand groundwater dynamics and improve model prediction reliability, this study presents a Bayesian multi-model uncertainty quantification (BMMUQ) framework to account for model parameter uncertainty in complex alluvial groundwater modeling. The methodology was applied to the agriculturally intensive Mississippi River alluvial aquifer (MRAA), Northeast Louisiana. An aquifer architecture was first constructed using 7,259 well logs in the MRAA area which covers three fluvial deposits (alluvium, braided-stream terrace, and braided-stream terrace-loess). A 12-layer MODFLOW model was then developed to address the alluvial aquifer complexity and well calibrated through a genetic algorithm. This study quantified model parameter uncertainty in hydraulic conductivity and specific storage of sand facies. Bayesian model averaging (BMA) with the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm was adopted to derive posterior model weights and head variances of 50 alternative conceptual groundwater flow models, and thereby obtains BMA ensemble model predictions instead of only relying on the best calibrated conceptual model. Overall, results show that an estimated around 950 million m3 of groundwater storage loss occurs in 2015 with respect to the beginning of 2004, due to high groundwater demand for irrigation in the MRAA area. Explicitly quantifying model uncertainty can produce more reliable groundwater level predictions from BMA ensemble model. The presented groundwater modeling framework improves our understanding of the MRAA and provides a valuable tool to assist agricultural water management.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Large-scale paleo water-table rise in a deep desert aquifer recorded by dissolved noble gases

Illuminating past hydrological and climatological conditions in arid regions may provide insights into future trends in groundwater availability. The main objective of this study is to explore paleorecharge processes in the deep regional Nubian Sandstone Aquifer (NSA), which stretches below the hyperarid deserts of the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) and the Negev (Israel), using dissolved noble gas data. Extremely high amounts of dissolved excess air (Ne concentrations up to 4 × solubility equilibrium) were observed in the ancient ( 81 Kr-depleted) groundwater that was recharged during past pluvial epochs in the basin. Here, the observed unique excess air signal and the clear spatiotemporal structure of the noble gas compositions in the aquifer are hypothesized to reflect two major characteristics of the groundwater system: (a) large-scale, long-term rises in the water table that facilitate the entrapment and dissolution of air bubbles under increased hydrostatic pressure, and (b) the geological settings in the southern recharge area in Sinai, including an almost horizontal position of the layers and intercalation of low-permeability rock formations within the aquifer, which inefficiently reject air bubbles from groundwater, thereby allowing for substantial entrapment of bubbles that dissolve as the water table rises. Enhanced dissolution of entrapped air was also observed in other paleo-groundwater-containing regional sandstone aquifers across North Africa, which, together with the recent findings from the NSA, suggest that largescale water table fluctuations have likely extensively occurred during past pluvial periods over these (and possibly other) arid regions. A preliminary assessment of noble gas recharge temperatures (NGTs) indicates an apparent decoupling of surface and water table temperatures in the case of deep aquifers with a thick (hundreds of m) unsaturated zone. This observed decoupling calls for a re-evaluation of previously obtained NGT records and a need for future work to consider the modification of NGTs due to soil air fractionation and geothermal heating of the underlying deep unsaturated zones.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reproducibility of Radiokrypton in Deep Desert Aquifers: Insights from a Decade of Research

Great technical advances have been achieved since the first atom-trap trace analysis (ATTA) -based radiokrypton application in Egypt, where 1 Myr old groundwater was discovered. Beyond advances in ATTA measurement capabilities, including reduction in sample size, analysis duration, and analytical uncertainty, major progress has been achieved over the past two decades in the sample collection and preparation techniques. These advances paved the expansion of ATTA-based noble gas applications to many other aquifers worldwide, illuminating the nature and flow pattern of deep groundwater systems. While the potential of this new analytical technique for old groundwater dating is well recognized, another important aspect yet to be examined is the reproducibility of radiokrypton in aquifers over time, i.e., how representative is a discrete groundwater sample, collected at a specific time and location, for the natural groundwater system? The likelihood of a negative answer is increased by flow-field disturbance in aquifers following massive groundwater abstraction. Here, in this work, we present repeated 81 Kr sampling and measurements in twenty-one sites over Israel, mostly of deep (up to 1 km) wells tapping confined aquifers in the arid to hyperarid Negev desert. The results demonstrate that radiokrypton measurements are indeed reproducible, even in cases where samples were collected as long as nine years apart and from highly productive (∼1 Mm 3 /yr order) pumping wells. Furthermore, many of the repeated measurements in this study (17 out of the 21 sites) were conducted with different ATTA Instruments in two different laboratories using slightly different sampling, preparation, and analysis techniques, yet with an overall good agreement. The consistency in the ATTA-based 81 Kr-dating results over time highlights the robustness of this state-of-the-art technique as a tool to unravel groundwater flow patterns and encourages further applications to many other yet-to-be-explored deep aquifers.

atom-trap trace analysis↗
DOE OSTI2024

Semi–Analytical Modeling of Transient Stream Drawdown and Depletion in Response to Aquifer Pumping

Analytical and semi–analytical models for stream depletion with transient stream stage drawdown induced by groundwater pumping are developed to address a deficiency in existing models, namely, the use of a fixed stream stage condition at the stream–aquifer interface. Here field data are presented to demonstrate that stream stage drawdown does indeed occur in response to groundwater pumping near aquifer–connected streams. A model that predicts stream depletion with transient stream drawdown is developed based on stream channel mass conservation and finite stream channel storage. The resulting models are shown to reduce to existing fixed–stage models in the limit as stream channel storage becomes infinitely large, and to the confined aquifer flow with a no–flow boundary at the streambed in the limit as stream storage becomes vanishingly small. The model is applied to field measurements of aquifer and stream drawdown, giving estimates of aquifer hydraulic parameters, streambed conductance, and a measure of stream channel storage. The results of the modeling and data analysis presented herein have implications for sustainable groundwater management.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nitrate Controls on the Extent and Type of Metal Retention in Fine-Grained Sediments of a Simulated Aquifer

Aquifer groundwater quality is largely controlled by sediment composition and physical heterogeneity, which commonly sustain a unique redox gradient pattern. Attenuation of heavy metals within these heterogeneous aquifers is reliant on multiple factors, including redox conditions, and redox-active species that can further influence biogeochemical cycling. Here, we simulated an alluvial aquifer system using columns filled with natural coarse-grained sediments and two domains of fine-grained sediment lenses. Our goal was to examine heavy metal (Ni and Zn) attenuation within a complex aquifer network and further explore nitrate-rich groundwater conditions. The fine-grained sediment lenses sustained reducing conditions and served as a sink for Ni sequestration – in the form of Ni-silicates, Ni-organic matter, and a dominant Ni-sulfide phase. Further, the silicate clay and sulfide pools were also important retention mechanisms for Zn; however, Ni was associated more extensively with organic matter compared to Zn that formed layered double hydroxides. Nitrate-rich conditions promoted denitrification within the lenses that was coupled to the oxidation of Fe(II) and the concomitant precipitation of an Fe(III) phase with higher structural distortion. A decreased metal sulfide pool also resulted, where nitrate-rich conditions generated in an average 20% decrease in solid phase Ni, Zn, and Fe. Ultimately, nitrate plays a significant role in the aquifer’s biogeochemical cycling and capacity to retain heavy metals.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Type–Curve Approach for Evaluating Aquifer Properties by Interpreting Shallow Strain Measured During Well Tests

Strains occur at shallow depths in response to pressure changes during well tests in an underlying aquifer, and recent developments in instrumentation have made it feasible to measure essentially the full strain tensor. Simulations using poroelastic analyses indicate that shallow normal strains are approximately proportional to the logarithm of time when a well is injecting into or pumping from a deep aquifer or reservoir. The drawdown is also a linear function of log time, as shown by the classic Cooper-Jacob type-curve analysis. The time when the semilog straight line intercepts the zero-strain axis is similar to the time determined from the Cooper-Jacob pressure analysis, and it can be used to estimate hydraulic diffusivity, suggesting that horizontal strain data can be used directly to estimate aquifer properties. This approach was validated using measurements from shallow (30-m deep) borehole strainmeters during an injection test at a 530-m-deep sandstone aquifer/reservoir in Oklahoma. The results show intercept times for the shallow normal strain data are essentially the same as for deep pressure data from an equivalent radial distance. The slopes of the semilog plots of the pressure and the strain increase at the same time, suggesting that they both respond to a lateral aquifer boundary. Significantly, though, strain was measured at shallow depths while the pressure data were measured at 530-m depth. This suggests that strain data from shallow depths could be an effective way to improve the characterization of an underlying aquifer.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Bayesian Poroelastic Aquifer Characterization From InSAR Surface Deformation Data. 2. Quantifying the Uncertainty

Uncertainty quantification of groundwater (GW) aquifer parameters is critical for efficient management and sustainable extraction of GW resources. These uncertainties are introduced by the data, model, and prior information on the parameters. We develop a Bayesian inversion framework that uses Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) surface deformation data to infer the laterally heterogeneous permeability of a transient linear poroelastic model of a confined GW aquifer. The Bayesian solution of this inverse problem takes the form of a posterior probability density of the permeability. Exploring this posterior using classical Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods is computationally prohibitive due to the large dimension of the discretized permeability field and the expense of solving the poroelastic forward problem. However, in many partial differential equation (PDE)-based Bayesian inversion problems, the data are only informative in a few directions in parameter space. For the poroelasticity problem, we prove this property theoretically for a one-dimensional problem and demonstrate it numerically for a three-dimensional aquifer model. Here we design a generalized preconditioned Crank-Nicolson (gpCN) MCMC method that exploits this intrinsic low dimensionality by using a low-rank-based Laplace approximation of the posterior as a proposal, which we build scalably. The feasibility of our approach is demonstrated through a real GW aquifer test in Nevada. The inherently two-dimensional nature of InSAR surface deformation data informs a sufficient number of modes of the permeability field to allow detection of major structures within the aquifer, significantly reducing the uncertainty in the pressure and the displacement quantities of interest.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Leakage From Coexisting Geologic Forcing and Injection‐Induced Pressurization: A Semi‐Analytical Solution for Multilayered Aquifers With Multiple Wells

Abstract Abnormal fluid pressures (above or below hydrostatic pressure) can develop and persist in sedimentary basins. The common occurrence of abnormal pressures may cause challenges for project permitting of geological carbon sequestration (GCS), particularly in reservoirs with pre‐injection overpressure. The leaky wells that may exist in some sedimentary basins can provide flow paths between deep brine aquifers and shallower freshwater aquifers. Pre‐injection relative overpressures can cause brine leakage through leaky wells even before any injection occurs. The tendency for flow through leaky wells is coupled with the process of pressure dissipation that occurs through aquitards. Specifically, with non‐zero permeability, aquitards can dissipate pressure over large areal extents and thereby reduce leakage rates through leaky wells. This study presents development of a semi‐analytical solution for hydraulic head and brine leakage in multilayered aquifer–aquitard systems with geologic pressure forcing. The geologic forcing that causes abnormal pressures in the multilayered system can coexist with any number of injection, extraction, and leaky wells that also affect fluid pressure. The semi‐analytical model is applied to explore how leakage through leaky wells varies as functions of pressurization rate, along with aquitard and leaky well properties in an overpressured multilayered system. The results show that although injection‐induced pressures can dissipate rapidly through suitably permeable aquitards, coexisting geologic forcing may create sustained rates of brine leakage into freshwater aquifers through leaky wells. In GCS, a very low‐permeability aquitard with high capillary entry pressure to free‐phase CO 2 is desired to serve as the caprock to prevent leakage of CO 2 from the storage reservoir. Nevertheless, the results from this study show that the brine leakage impact to shallow freshwater aquifers through leaky wells might substantially decrease with increasing aquitard permeability values, as long as small aquitard permeability and high capillary entry pressure serve to prevent CO 2 leakage.

Cihan, A.↗
NASA NTRS1970

Remote sensing for defining aquifers in glacial drift

Investigations were undertaken to determine the properties of shallow aquifers and related features that influence electromagnetic energy, to determine how these properties can be detected remotely, and to establish remote sensing procedures for aiding in ground water mapping. The direct influence of aquifier characteristics on surface thermal contrasts is discussed. Conclusions reached for late summer, predawn missions were: (1) Dynamic thermal changes near the surface can be used for thermal infrared sensing to detect shallow aquifers in glacial drift. (2) Under ideal conditions, surface temperatures may be used to predict certain features related to the occurrence of shallow aquifers. (3) The timing of missions and the optimum meteorological conditions occurring prior to and during the mission are critical for night thermal missions. (4) Repetitive flights made under variable conditions provide additional evidence to verify the occurrence of shallow aquifers. (5) Imagery from this investigation, along with ERTS-simulated imagery, indicates the feasibility of applying ERTS A and B data to reconnaissance studies for detection of shallow aquifers.

Myers, V. I.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Formation of Martian flood features by release of water from confined aquifers

It is proposed that the rapid release of water under great pressure from deeply buried aquifers is responsible for the formation of the Martian channels suggestive of catastrophic flooding (outflow channels). Fine channels in the Martian surface suggest the presence of surface water early in the history of the planet, which would have entered the ground water system through the porous near-surface rocks. Subsequent global cooling would have trapped the ground water under a thick permafrost layer and formed a system of confined aquifers. High pore pressures within the aquifers are considered to have triggered the breakout of water from the aquifers at rates of from 10 to the 5th to 10 to the 7th cu m/sec, which would be prevented from reentering the ground water system by the layer of permafrost. Outflow from the aquifer is also considered to have caused the undermining of adjacent areas and the collapse of the surface to form areas of chaos, often associated with channels.

Carr, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Initial in Situ Measurements of Perennial Meltwater Storage in the Greenland Firn Aquifer

A perennial storage of water in a firn aquifer was discovered in southeast Greenland in 2011. We present the first in situ measurements of the aquifer, including densities and temperatures. Water was present at depths between approx. 12 and 37m and amounted to 18.7 +/- 0.9 kg in the extracted core. The water filled the firn to capacity at approx. 35m. Measurements show the aquifer temperature remained at the melting point, representing a large heat reservoir within the firn. Using model results of liquid water extent and aquifer surface depth from radar measurements, we extend our in situ measurements to the Greenland ice sheet. The estimated water volume is 140 +/- 20 Gt, representing approx. 0.4mm of sea level rise (SLR). It is unknown if the aquifer temporary buffers SLR or contributes to SLR through drainage and/or ice dynamics.

measurements↗
NASA NTRS2022

Mississippi Embayment Water Resources: Utilizing NASA Earth Observations to Understand Groundwater Recharge in the Mississippi Regional Aquifer System

The Memphis Sand Aquifer (MSA) is located in the Mississippi Embayment which extends 250,000 square kilometers across nine states. Groundwater recharge factors that influence the narrow recharge zone of the MSA include precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and landcover changes. The unsustainable water practices and increasing landcover change from urban development in the MSA's narrow recharge zone threaten the aquifer’s groundwater storage. In partnership with Protect Our Aquifer, the team used data from Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM IMERG), National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD), and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). These datasets included annually-averaged precipitation, evapotranspiration, potential evapotranspiration, biannual landcover change, and monthly total water storage which were used to create groundwater recharge factors maps and timeseries. The evaporative stress index map, water balance map, and landcover change maps were used to identify thriving areas. The team found precipitation did not express a strong linear trend and showed high precipitation years in 2017 and 2018, and a drought year in 2011. The potential evapotranspiration showed a weak negative linear trend. The landcover change showed shifts in forested areas and urban development. The team identified four thriving areas in the western side of Tennessee that successfully contribute to aquifer recharge due to increased forest area, sufficient water use, low changes in total water storage, and lateral positioning to streams. These end products allowed our partners to make informed decisions about areas that are thriving in the Mississippi Embayment recharge zone for conservation efforts of the aquifer.

Lauren Mahoney↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Western Tennessee Water Resources: Leveraging High Resolution Remotely Sensed Data to Assess Water Availability and Vulnerability in the Memphis Aquifer Area in West Tennessee

The West TN portion of the Memphis aquifer, located within the Hatchie-Obion watershed is experiencing increased urban development, especially with the construction of "Blue Oval City", a battery manufacturing site for Ford's new electric trucks. Hayfood and Fayette counties fall within the sensitive recharge zone of the aquifer, and also contain the manufacturing megasite, making this an area of interest to highlight the consequences of increased urbanization to the aquifer. To understand the aquifers health, we averaged aquifer recharge factors seasonally to assess relationships from 2019-2022. Seasonal relationships were considered to highlight the hydrological factors that contribute to recharge, such as water balance, runoff, and evaporative stress that flux season to season (i.e. less precipitation in summer).

Katera Lee↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evaluating the Feasibility of Using Strain Measured During Sinusoidal Rate Pumping Tests to Characterize an Aquifer

Pumping tests with sinusoidal variation in pumping rate have been proposed as a method for improving aquifer characterization. These tests can interrogate a larger aquifer volume than slug tests and they can be more sensitive to small variations in drawdown. Current methods of using sinusoidal variations of rate are based on measuring pressure signals from the reservoir or aquifer, which requires access to monitoring wells. An alternative approach has been developed that measures the strain in the vadose zone instead of pressure in the reservoir. An instrument has been developed at Clemson University that can measure small strains using optical fiber sensors, and we propose that it can be used to measure strain during sinusoidal pumping tests. The objective of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of measuring and interpreting the vertical strain in the vadose zone generated during a sinusoidal rate pumping tests to estimate aquifer and/or overburden properties. Pumping tests were performed at a site with a water table at 9 m and saturated saprolite from 9 to 30m depth. Sinusoidal pumping tests in the saprolite used different pumping amplitudes and periods while pressure was measured at three piezometers and vertical strain was measured in the vadose zone from 1 to 7 m depth. The delay time of the pressure increased linearly with distance, and it increased with the square root of the period, while the amplitude of the pressure decreased with distance and increased with amplitude. Vertical strain in the vadose zone varied with the same period as the pumping rate and the delay times were similar to those for pressures measured at similar radial distances. Delay times for the strain increased with an increasing propagation of the strain field. The hydraulic diffusivity was estimated using delay times for pressure and strain, and the results were compared with the values estimated from a constant-rate pumping test. The hydraulic diffusivity from the constant rate test was 0.039 m2/sec, whereas it was 0.053 (±0.05) m2/sec and 0.035 (±0.03) m2/sec from the pressure data and 0.08 (±0.022) m2/sec and 0.035 (±0.001) m2/sec from the strain data from sinusoidal tests of various periods and amplitudes. There is no statistical difference among these values. This study indicates that strain measurements in the vadose zone can be used to estimate aquifer properties during sinusoidal pumping tests.

Blais, Riley↗
DOE OSTI2024

Impact of Pressure-Dependent Interfacial Tension and Contact Angle on Capillary Heterogeneity Trapping of CO2 in Storage Aquifers

Summary Carbon dioxide (CO2) capillary trapping increases the total amount of CO2 that can be effectively immobilized in storage aquifers. This trapping, manifesting itself as accumulated CO2 columns at a continuum scale, is because of capillary threshold effects that occur below low-permeability barriers. Considering that capillary pressure is dictated by heterogeneous pore throat size, the trapped CO2 column height and associated CO2 saturation will vary spatially within a storage aquifer. This variation will be influenced by two pressure-dependent interfacial parameters—CO2/brine interfacial tension (IFT) and CO2/brine/rock contact angle. Our objective is to understand how the pressure dependence of these two parameters affects the heterogeneity of capillary trapped CO2 at a continuum scale. Our conceptual model is a 1D two-zone system with the upper zone being a flow barrier (low permeability) and the lower zone being a flow path (high permeability). The inputs to this model include microfacies-dependent capillary pressure vs. saturation curves and permeability values. The input capillary pressure curves were collected in the literature that represents carbonate microfacies (e.g., dolograinstone) in a prevalent formation in the Permian Basin. We then used the Leverett j-function to scale the capillary pressure curve for the two zones that are assigned with the same or different microfacies. During scaling, we considered the influence of pressure on both the IFT and contact angle of CO2/brine/dolomite systems. We varied the zone permeability contrast ratio from 2 to 50. We then assumed capillary gravity equilibriums and calculated the CO2 saturation buildup corresponding to various trapped CO2 column heights. The CO2 saturation buildup is defined as the CO2 saturation in the lower layer minus that in the upper one. We found that the saturation buildup can be doubled when varying pressure in a storage aquifer, after considering pressure-dependent IFT and contact angles. Thus, assuming these two parameters to be constant across such aquifers would cause large errors in the quantification of capillary trapping of CO2. The whole study demonstrates the importance of considering pressure-dependent interfacial properties in predicting the vertical distribution of capillary trapped CO2. It has important implications in developing a better understanding of leakage risks and consequent storage safety.

Engineering↗
DOE OSTI2025

Slug Test Characterization Results for the Upper Three Runs Aquifer at the Chemicals, Metals, and Pesticides Pits Operable Unit

Slug tests were performed on 21 wells screened within the Upper Three Runs aquifer (UTRA) at the Chemical, Metals, and Pesticide (CMP) Pits Operable Unit (OU) to determine unit-specific hydraulic properties. The UTRA is the water table aquifer at CMP Pits and is comprised of three discrete zones that are separated by two semi-continuous confining zones. These zones include the transmissive zone (TZ, unconfined), the middle aquifer zone (MAZ, semi-confined), and the lower aquifer zone (LAZ, semi-confined). The LAZ, the most substantial portion of the UTRA in the area, extends vertically to the green clay confining zone (GCCZ). A subset of wells from each zone was selected for slug testing. The objective of the project was to determine hydraulic properties of the three zones of the UTRA for use in future updates to the CMP pits groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2022

Western Tennessee Water Resources: Leveraging High Resolution Remotely Sensed Data to Assess Water Availability and Vulnerability in the Memphis Aquifer Area in West Tennessee

The Memphis Aquifer (MA) is located in the Mississippi Embayment that extends 250,000 square kilometers across eight states. Fayette and Haywood counties in West Tennessee are situated within the recharge zone of the MA and include the forthcoming Ford “mega campus” named Blue Oval City (BOC), which will consist of a vehicle-production facility and battery assembly division. Increased water demand and land cover change resulting from urban development, such as BOC in the MA’s narrow recharge zone, threaten the aquifer’s groundwater storage and recharge rate. Groundwater recharge factors that influence the narrow recharge zone of the MA include precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, and land cover type. In partnership with Protect Our Aquifer (POA) and the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESAR) at the University of Memphis, the team used data from the ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS), Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM IMERG), and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). The team also used ancillary data from the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) and the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) Noah Land Surface Model. These results identified “thriving” recharge locations, which are areas most conducive to aquifer recharge in Fayette County. The partners may use the results to prioritize specific areas in need of protection before they become susceptible to the effects of urbanization and industrialization.

precipitation↗