


By Scott T. Prinos

Open-File Report 2004-1412

Correlation Analysis of a Ground-Water Level Monitoring Network

Analytical Considerations

	Spatial Relations
	Seasonal Water-Level Variation
	Temporal Changes in Correlation Between Monitoring Wells
	Evaluating Correlation of Water-Level Data

Analysis Methodology

Analysis Results

References Cited

Appendixes I & II

image of Duval County, Florida

CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF A GROUND-WATER LEVEL MONITORING NETWORK

Analytical Considerations

Evaluating Correlation of Water-Level Data

Evaluating correlation of water-level data from monitoring wells for only a short time may not fully characterize the differences in correlation that occur as a result of periodic droughts or El Niño and La Niña events. These events can strongly influence aquifer water levels and potentially create lasting effects within the aquifer or ecosystem. If potential declines in correlation of water-level data during these events are not considered, then the network may provide inadequate coverage during times when it is most heavily relied upon for information. As part of the ground-water level monitoring network, it is important to include wells capable of monitoring the changes that may occur during these events. A comprehensive analysis of correlation of water-level data in this area, therefore, requires that all of the factors discussed be considered: spatial correlation, seasonal correlation, and both long-term and short-term temporal correlation.

Next: Analysis Methodology

Figures: Click on a caption to view the figure.

Figure 1. Map showing location of continuous ground-water level monitoring network wells in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Figure 2. Map showing water-supply and water-management systems in Miami-Dade County.

Figure 3. Maps showing lines of equal rainfall in Miami-Dade County during (a) Hurricane Irene on October 14-16, 1999, and an (b) unnamed storm on October 2-3, 2000.

Figure 4. Graphs showing seasonal variation in mean water levels and variation in monthly standard deviation of mean water levels for wells G-620, G-864, G-1183, and S-18.

Figure 5. Hydrograph showing variation in water levels at wells G-3 and G-1368A along with estimated average daily pumpage based on annual pumpage totals during water years 1974-2000.

Figure 6. Hydrograph showing variation in water level at well G-1502 during water years 1974-2000.

Figure 7. Map showing grouping of wells based on average correlation of water-level data during the wet season.

Figure 8. Map showing grouping of wells based on average correlation of water-level data during the dry season.

Figure 9. Map showing grouping of wells based on average correlation of water-level data during both the wet and dry seasons.

Figure 10. Map showing grouping of wells near the West Well Field based on average correlation of water-level data during both wet and dry seasons.

Figure 11. Graph showing temporal variation in seasonal correlation between water-level data from well G-1487 and that of well G-855 during water years 1974-2000.

Figure 12. Hydrographs showing water-level elevations from wells G-855 and G-1487 during the 1986 and 1998 water years.

Figure 13. Map showing grouping of wells near the Hialeah-Miami Springs Well Field based on average correlation of water-level data during both the wet and dry seasons.

Figure 14. Graph showing temporal variation in seasonal correlation between water-level data from well G-3466 and that of wells G-3465, S-19, and S-68 during water years 1988-2000.

Figure 15. Hydrographs showing water-level elevations from wells G-3465, G-3466, S-19, and S-68 during the 1990 and 1996 water years.

Figure 16. Hydrograph showing water-level elevations from wells G-3465, G-3466, S-19, and S-68 during water years 1988-99.

Figure 17. Graph showing temporal variation in seasonal correlation between censored and uncensored water-level data from well G-3466 and that of wells G-3465, S-19, and S-68 during water years 1988-2000.

Figure 18. Graph showing temporal variation in seasonal correlation between water level data from well G-1362 and that of well G-757A during water years 1974-2000.

Figure 19. Hydrograph showing water-level elevations from wells G-757A and G-1362 during the 1989 and 1997 water years.

Figure 20. Graph showing temporal variation in seasonal correlation between water-level data from well G-864 and that of well G-864A during water years 1974-2000.

Figure 21. Hydrograph showing water-level elevations from wells G-864 and G-864A during the 1990 and 2000 water years.