Hydrogeology is the study of the hydrological and geological processes that control groundwater flow and groundwater quality. Groundwater characteristics can be impacted by natural events as well as human influence. Hydrogeology research in the Department of Geology at UW-Eau Claire focuses on a variety of societally-relevant water resource and contaminant issues. Students who participate in student-faculty collaborative research in our program gain a strong skill set to prepare them for careers or graduate school programs in geology and environmental science. Read below to learn more about Hydrogeology research at UW-Eau Claire.
Measuring Stream Baseflow in Western Wisconsin
This study seeks to measure baseflow conditions in West-Central Wisconsin to aid in determining the impacts of groundwater withdrawals on local streams. Data have been collected at 16 sites across 11 wadable streams. A stream gage and seasonal pressure transducer are installed at four sites to establish a relationship between the stream water level and flow rate. This study is a partnership with the Water Use Section of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Student Responsibilities:
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coordinate field work day/time with peer researchers and Dr. Vitale
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collect measurements at each site monthly, year-round
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record detailed field notes
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load data to database
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communicate field conditions with Dr. Vitale
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present data at professional meeting
Phosphorus Contamination in the Hydrologic System
Regional analysis in western WI demonstrates that phosphorous (P) concentrations are anomalously high in both surface water and groundwater. Lake eutrophication events are common in western WI and are generally attributed to agricultural nutrient loading from surface runoff. However, high levels of P detected in regional aquifers demonstrate that P is mobile in groundwater. Geochemistry of the regional bedrock show evidence that the Cambrian geology may be a significant contributor of P in groundwater.
A case study of a stratified drainage lake in Barron County was conducted to determine the potential contribution of lacustrine groundwater discharge to P loading. Data collected in 2018-2021 show high P concentrations (often 100-700 ppb) in shallow and deep groundwater with especially elevated concentrations on the east side of the lake. Other water quality parameters and the spatial distribution of P imply that septic sources are unlikely and suggest that agricultural sources may not always be a dominant contributor. Cambrian bedrock in the drainage basin may have a notable P contribution on the east side of the lake, supported by bedrock geochemistry and similar P concentrations to nearby municipal wells (400-600 ppb). West side P may be sourced primarily from localized agricultural sources indicated by elevated nitrate concentration and less elevated P (~200 ppb).
Additional case studies in Eau Claire County and St. Croix County are being conducted to identify the geologic controls on P in groundwater. This project is a collaboration with Dr. J. Brian Mahoney, Dr. Holly Dolliver (UW-River Falls), and Anna Baker (USGS Upper Midwest Water Center).
Student Responsibilities:
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coordinate field work day/time with peer researchers and Dr. Vitale
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collect measurements at each lake every 3 weeks from April-October
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record detailed field notes
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prepare water samples for laboratory metals analysis
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conduct laboratory and computer analysis of field data
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present data at professional meeting
Interested in hydrogeology research with Dr. Vitale? Fill out this form!
