This semester (Spring 2015) I have been conducting research on variations in groundwater levels using piezometric wells. Piezometric wells are basically PVC pipe, about 2 meters in length and have tiny slits on the sides. A hole is dug, and once the hole is deep enough to being filling with ground water (the water table) the pipe is placed in the water so that the silts can allow water to filter into the pipe. The hole is then filled back in with soil, holding the well in place. Water loggers are installed in each well. These loggers have a sensor in them that reads what the water level height is. I have seven different sites along a headwater stream that I am focusing on. Each area studied has at least one well on both sides of the stream. Each sensor collects data from the well in ten minute intervals. This information can be easily downloaded onto a computer and using a statistical program called R, the data can be sorted and graphed.
It is expected that there will be the greatest change in water levels in the wells that are nearest the stream. This is because these wells are the shallowest, and are easily and greatly affected by rainfall and ground water movement. I expect little change in the wells located by large amounts of vegetation due to the water intake of plants and trees. I have enjoyed working on this project because I think groundwater processes are fascinating. The hydrologic cycle is complex, and by doing a hands on research project, I am able to better understand it. In addition, I am interested in groundwater because many of us in WNC have homes supported by wells. However, most of these wells a drilled into fractures within the bedrock. I think it is important to understand where our water comes from, and how to take care of this natural resource so that it will be clean for future generations. I first became concerned with water quality on a global scale when I traveled to Lima, Peru. This country has very poor water quality. Many people I met often told me stories of how they would get sick from the water they use for drinking, bathing, and cooking. It was an eye opening experience, and has fueled my desire to learn more about water quality, the hydrologic cycle, and hydrology in general.
It is expected that there will be the greatest change in water levels in the wells that are nearest the stream. This is because these wells are the shallowest, and are easily and greatly affected by rainfall and ground water movement. I expect little change in the wells located by large amounts of vegetation due to the water intake of plants and trees. I have enjoyed working on this project because I think groundwater processes are fascinating. The hydrologic cycle is complex, and by doing a hands on research project, I am able to better understand it. In addition, I am interested in groundwater because many of us in WNC have homes supported by wells. However, most of these wells a drilled into fractures within the bedrock. I think it is important to understand where our water comes from, and how to take care of this natural resource so that it will be clean for future generations. I first became concerned with water quality on a global scale when I traveled to Lima, Peru. This country has very poor water quality. Many people I met often told me stories of how they would get sick from the water they use for drinking, bathing, and cooking. It was an eye opening experience, and has fueled my desire to learn more about water quality, the hydrologic cycle, and hydrology in general.