Hydrogeology Section

The mission of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) - Florida Geological Survey (FGS) Hydrogeology Section is to disseminate hydrogeologic information, conduct hydrogeologic research, and administer such research through outsourcing in support of the need for unbiased, scientific knowledge of Florida’s water resources with specific emphasis on aquifer system dynamics and the sustainability of ground water and watersheds. This knowledge is applicable to rule making, regulatory, and policy decisions that facilitate efficient, science-based protection of the quantity and quality of Florida’s water resources – a critical component of Florida’s environment.

Hydrogeology Home

Focus Areas

Activities

Focus Areas

Physical Aquifer Characterization - Aquifer-system mapping (identify permeable zones and confining units), geophysical characterization of aquifer-system properties, identify relation between geologic units and aquifer systems through generation of cross sections and contour maps; maintain database of aquifer hydraulic properties; provide knowledge of the hydrogeologic framework to facilitate source-water protection and improved aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) and injection well site location, design and monitoring plans, data sources for vulnerability modeling.

Surface Water-Groundwater Interaction – Investigate ground-water contribution to surface water via springs and seeps, including seepage of groundwater in coastal zones; support data collection and modeling efforts that address karst hydrogeologic settings; quantify interactions for regulatory purposes.

Hydrogeochemistry Studies - Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) water-rock interaction, metals mobilization studies, Everglades Restoration research, Florida springs and aquifer system ambient geochemistry data collection and interpretation, water-quality trends analysis.

Geographic Information System Coverages and Databases Develop and provide hydrogeology coverages including aquifer framework data; facilitate access to the FGS_wells database, upgrade the lithologic database; develop digital geophysical log database; develop and maintain data in support of aquifer vulnerability mapping.

Hydrogeologic Resources – Develop, model and disseminate hydrogeology coverages, develop interactive data access for aquifer framework data for use in ground-water modeling; conduct aquifer vulnerability mapping for application in land-use, resource management and conservation activities; geophysical characterization of karst features, sinkhole studies and mapping, archive cave maps, locate and characterize onshore and coastal fresh water submarine springs, evaluate submarine springs as potential public water supplies for coastal communities.

Education and Communication – Facilitate communication among Florida’s hydrogeologists as well as those requiring hydrogeologic expertise through the organization or sponsorship of technical workshops; participate in FDEP committees and working groups, liaison with Water Management Districts, other local, state and federal agencies, non-profit scientific organizations; produce environmental/earth-science education resources and curricula; public communication; publish and disseminate maps and reports in a variety of media.

Activities

Selected current projects

Cooperative Activities

Last updated: August 31, 2007