Skip Links

USGS - science for a changing world

Scientific Investigations Report 2007–5095

Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service

Three-Dimensional Geologic Framework Model for a Karst Aquifer System, Hasty and Western Grove Quadrangles, Northern Arkansas

By Kenzie J. Turner,1 Mark R. Hudson,1 Kyle E. Murray,2 and David N. Mott3

CD Coverphoto and link to report PDF (1.9 MB)Download Publication
SIR 2007-5095
PDF (1.9 MB)
Right-Click to 'Download' or 'Save As'

Abstract

Understanding ground-water flow in a karst aquifer benefits from a detailed conception of the three-dimensional (3D) geologic framework. Traditional two-dimensional products, such as geologic maps, cross-sections, and structure contour maps, convey a mental picture of the area but a stronger conceptualization can be achieved by constructing a digital 3D representation of the stratigraphic and structural geologic features. In this study, a 3D geologic model was created to better understand a karst aquifer system in the Buffalo National River watershed in northern Arkansas. The model was constructed based on data obtained from recent, detailed geologic mapping for the Hasty and Western Grove 7.5-minute quadrangles. The resulting model represents 11 stratigraphic zones of Ordovician, Mississippian, and Pennsylvanian age. As a result of the highly dissected topography, stratigraphic and structural control from geologic contacts and interpreted structure contours were sufficient for effectively modeling the faults and folds in the model area. Combined with recent dye-tracing studies, the 3D framework model is useful for visualizing the various geologic features and for analyzing the potential control they exert on the ground-water flow regime. Evaluation of the model, by comparison to published maps and cross-sections, indicates that the model accurately reproduces both the surface geology and subsurface geologic features of the area.


1U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO 80225
2University of Texas at San Antonio, TX 78249
3National Park Service, Buffalo National River, Harrison AR 72601

Version 1.0

Posted September 2007


For sale by
U.S. Geological Survey Information Services,
Box 25286, Federal Center,
Denver, CO 80225;
1-888-ASK-USGS
USGS Store


Suggested citation:

Turner, K.J., Hudson, M.R., Murray, K.E., and Mott, D.N., 2007, Three-Dimensional Geologic Framework Model for a Karst Aquifer System, Hasty and Western Grove Quadrangles, Northern Arkansas: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2007–5095, 12 p.



Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Acrobat Reader, free of charge or go to access.adobe.com for free tools that allow visually impaired users to read PDF files.

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America home page. FirstGov button U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://pubsdata.usgs.gov/pubs/sir/2007/5095/index.html
Questions or Assistance: Contact USGS
Last modified: Thursday, 01-Dec-2016 19:47:29 EST