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Assessment of the interconnection between Tampa Bay and the Floridan aquifer, Florida

Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-54
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri8254

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Abstract

Factors that control interflow between Tampa Bay and the Floridan aquifer are assessed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with emphasis on the impact of harbor improvement. Hydrogeologic units underlying the 350-square-mile bay include the surficial-sand aquifer, upper sand and clay confining bed, and limestone of the Floridan aquifer. The surficial aquifer and upper confining bed have been eroded away in several areas along the northern coast of the bay to directly expose the Floridan aquifer to saltwater. There also, the top of the aquifer is, has been, or will be exposed to saltwater in numerous channels dredged in the bay. Saltwater-freshwater relations indicate that the degree of bay-aquifer interconnection decreases from north to south. Saltwater intrusion is occurring along the coast of Tampa Bay, as indicated by reduction or reversal of potentiometric-surface gradients and increasing chloride concentrations in coastal monitoring wells. A computer model of ground-water flow developed for a 97-square-mile area was interrogated under five options of channelization and pumping. Model results indicate that the total impact of channelization upon bay-aquifer interconnection are expected to be small and may be imperceptible when considered over the long term with other unknown changes in climate and development. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Hutchinson, C.B., 1983, Assessment of the interconnection between Tampa Bay and the Floridan aquifer, Florida: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-54, v, 55 p. , https://doi.org/10.3133/wri8254.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessment of the interconnection between Tampa Bay and the Floridan aquifer, Florida
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 82-54
DOI 10.3133/wri8254
Year Published 1983
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description v, 55 p.
Country United States
State Florida
City Tampa Bay
Additional publication details