Research Article| January 01, 2009 Prominence of ichnologically influenced macroporosity in the karst Biscayne aquifer: Stratiform “super-K” zones Kevin J. Cunningham; Kevin J. Cunningham * 1U.S. Geological Survey, 3110 SW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315, USA *E-mail: kcunning@usgs.gov Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Michael C. Sukop; Michael C. Sukop 2Department of Earth Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Haibo Huang; Haibo Huang 2Department of Earth Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Pedro F. Alvarez; Pedro F. Alvarez 2Department of Earth Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA †Present address: 13252 S.W. 52nd Terrace, Miami, Florida 33175, USA. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar H. Allen Curran; H. Allen Curran 3Department of Geology, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Robert A. Renken; Robert A. Renken 4U.S. Geological Survey, 3110 SW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Joann F. Dixon Joann F. Dixon 4U.S. Geological Survey, 3110 SW 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (2009) 121 (1-2): 164–180. https://doi.org/10.1130/B26392.1 Article history received: 20 Dec 2007 rev-recd: 16 Apr 2008 accepted: 17 Apr 2008 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Kevin J. Cunningham, Michael C. Sukop, Haibo Huang, Pedro F. Alvarez, H. Allen Curran, Robert A. Renken, Joann F. Dixon; Prominence of ichnologically influenced macroporosity in the karst Biscayne aquifer: Stratiform “super-K” zones. GSA Bulletin 2009;; 121 (1-2): 164–180. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/B26392.1 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 SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract A combination of cyclostratigraphic, ichnologic, and borehole geophysical analyses of continuous core holes; tracer-test analyses; and lattice Boltzmann flow simulations was used to quantify biogenic macroporosity and permeability of the Biscayne aquifer, southeastern Florida. Biogenic macroporosity largely manifests as: (1) ichnogenic macroporosity primarily related to postdepositional burrowing activity by callianassid shrimp and fossilization of components of their complex burrow systems (Ophiomorpha); and (2) biomoldic macroporosity originating from dissolution of fossil hard parts, principally mollusk shells. Ophiomorpha-dominated ichnofabric provides the greatest contribution to hydrologic characteristics in the Biscayne aquifer in a 345 km2 study area. Stratiform tabular-shaped units of thalassinidean-associated macroporosity are commonly confined to the lower part of upward-shallowing high-frequency cycles, throughout aggradational cycles, and, in one case, they stack vertically within the lower part of a high-frequency cycle set. Broad continuity of many of the macroporous units concentrates groundwater flow in extremely permeable passageways, thus making the aquifer vulnerable to long-distance transport of contaminants. Ichnogenic macroporosity represents an alternative pathway for concentrated groundwater flow that differs considerably from standard karst flow-system paradigms, which describe groundwater movement through fractures and cavernous dissolution features.Permeabilities were calculated using lattice Boltzmann methods (LBMs) applied to computer renderings assembled from X-ray computed tomography scans of various biogenic macroporous limestone samples. The highest simulated LBM permeabilities were about five orders of magnitude greater than standard laboratory measurements using air-permeability methods, which are limited in their application to extremely permeable macroporous rock samples. Based on their close conformance to analytical solutions for pipe flow, LBMs offer a new means of obtaining accurate permeability values for such materials.We suggest that the stratiform ichnogenic groundwater flow zones have permeabilities even more extreme (~2–5 orders of magnitude higher) than the Jurassic “super-K” zones of the giant Ghawar oil field. The flow zones of the Pleistocene Biscayne aquifer provide examples of ichnogenic macroporosity for comparative analysis of origin and evolution in other carbonate aquifers, as well as petroleum reservoirs. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.