Tracing Subsurface Flow in Karst Regions Using Artificially Colored Spores

Abstract

Research Article| January 01, 1976 Tracing Subsurface Flow in Karst Regions Using Artificially Colored Spores GEORGE D. GARDNER; GEORGE D. GARDNER George D. Gardner and Richard E. Gray are with GAI Consultants, Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar RICHARD E. GRAY RICHARD E. GRAY George D. Gardner and Richard E. Gray are with GAI Consultants, Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Environmental & Engineering Geoscience (1976) xiii (3): 177–197. https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xiii.3.177 Article history first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation GEORGE D. GARDNER, RICHARD E. GRAY; Tracing Subsurface Flow in Karst Regions Using Artificially Colored Spores. Environmental & Engineering Geoscience 1976;; xiii (3): 177–197. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xiii.3.177 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental & Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract Subsurface drainage divides in limestone karst regions often are not coincident with surface divides because of complex, often unpredictable solution channels in the limestone. Accurate delineation of these divides is requisite for determining the leakage potential of reservoirs and for pollution potential studies in karst areas. Conventional methods used for establishing subsurface conditions, such as water wells and piezometers do not always work in karst terrains, and direct tracing of subsurface flow is required.Among the tracers commonly used for tracing in karst regions, dyed-spores is one of the most successful. The technique involves coloring the minute spores from clubmoss (Lycopodium), which are available in bulk due to their use in the pharmaceutical industry, with biological stains, injecting the dyed-spores into sinkholes and trapping the spores with plankton nets that are strategically placed at all the potential resurgences. Dyed-spores make excellent tracers in karst regions because they are extremely small (30μ dia.) and can pass through very small openings; they have a density only slightly greater than cave water and will not readily settle out in somewhat turbulent flow; they are virtually indestructible and not affected by water chemistry; they are not harmful to biota or industrial processes; they travel at velocities close to that of the actual flow; they can be easily identified in trapped sediment using a microscope; and most importantly, at least five different tracings can be conducted simultaneously. Many commonly used techniques do not have all these attributes. The main disadvantages of the technique are that somewhat turbulent flow is required, and preparation and analysis are time consuming. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.