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Delineating recharge areas for stratified-drift aquifers in Connecticut with geologic and topographic maps

Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4230
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri834230

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Abstract

Stratified-drift aquifers, the major source of large quantities of groundwater in Connecticut, are recharged principally by (1) precipitation that infiltrates the land surface overlying the aquifer and percolates downward to the saturated zone, (2) subsurface inflow of groundwater from adjacent till-and-bedrock uplands, and (3) surface water that infiltrates through streambed or lake-bottom sediments. Infiltration of surface water commonly occurs where pumping wells lower then water table sufficiently to reverse the normal hydraulic gradient between the aquifer and nearly surface-water body to which it is hydraulically connected. In most parts of Connecticut, groundwater circulation in unconsolidated deposits is probably confined within each basin drained by a major perrennial stream. Where this is the case, surface water and groundwater drainage divides commonly coincide, and areas that contribute recharge under natural conditions and under conditions of development can be estimated using geologic and topographic maps. Large stratified-drift aquifers that extend across surface water drainage, divides underlie most of north-central Connecticut and parts of the Quinnipiac and Farmington River basins. Definition of recharge areas for these aquifers is more complicated and requires more detailed hydrologic information. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Handman, E., 1986, Delineating recharge areas for stratified-drift aquifers in Connecticut with geologic and topographic maps: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 83-4230, v, 39 p. :col. ill., maps (some col.) ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri834230.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Delineating recharge areas for stratified-drift aquifers in Connecticut with geologic and topographic maps
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 83-4230
DOI 10.3133/wri834230
Year Published 1986
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description v, 39 p. :col. ill., maps (some col.) ;28 cm.
Additional publication details