New & Noteworthy

Field Techniques for Estimating Water Fluxes Between Surface Water and Ground Water (TM 4–D2)

Ground-Water Availability in the United States (Circular 1323)

CFP: Conduit Flow Process for MODFLOW-2005

GSFLOW: A New Model for Simulation of Ground-Water and Surface-Water Interaction

SEAWAT v4: Simulation of 3D Variable-Density Ground-Water Flow and Transport

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USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.

[Map: There is a USGS Water Science Center office in each State.]

Karst

Karst is a special type of landscape that is formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, including limestone and dolomite. Karst regions contain aquifers that are capable of providing large supplies of water.

More than 25 percent of the world's population either lives on or obtains its water from karst aquifers. In the United States, 20 percent of the land surface is karst and 40 percent of the groundwater used for drinking comes from karst aquifers. Natural features of the landscape such as caves and springs are typical of karst regions. Karst landscapes are often spectacularly scenic areas. Examples include the sinkhole plains and caves of central Kentucky, the large crystal-clear springs of Florida, and the complex, beautifully decorated caves of New Mexico.

Common geological characteristics of karst regions that influence human use of its land and water resources include ground subsidence, sinkhole collapse, groundwater contamination, and unpredictable water supply.

-- courtesy of the Karst Waters Institute

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URL: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/karst/index.html
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Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-May-2008 12:04:44 EDT