USGS and Pennsylvania Geological Survey analyzed rock cuttings, geophysical logs, water quality, water-bearing zones, gas-isotope, and other data from deep test holes drilled in fractured bedrock in north-central Pennsylvania. The results of this study helped to quantify the depth and character of fresh and saline groundwater in areas of shale-gas exploration and development.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Geological Survey (BGS) has been drilling deep exploratory test holes in several areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geologic information from the test holes is used to assist geologic mapping done as part of STATEMAP, a component of the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. Although the primary purpose for the drilling is to obtain detailed geologic information, the test holes also have been used to obtain hydrologic and water-quality information about the fractured-bedrock aquifers by means of cooperative studies between BGS and USGS. Results have been published by BGS (abstracts and links on Publications tab) and are available directly from BGS for the following fractured-rock test holes:
- Sullivan County (Laporte) - BGS Report
- Bradford County (Gleason) - BGS Report
- Tioga County (Cherry Flats) - BGS Report
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Regional Synthesis of Groundwater Quality in Domestic Supply Wells in Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania
Groundwater Quality of Domestic Supply Wells in Pennsylvania
Shale Gas and Water Resources in Pennsylvania
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USGS and Pennsylvania Geological Survey analyzed rock cuttings, geophysical logs, water quality, water-bearing zones, gas-isotope, and other data from deep test holes drilled in fractured bedrock in north-central Pennsylvania. The results of this study helped to quantify the depth and character of fresh and saline groundwater in areas of shale-gas exploration and development.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Geological Survey (BGS) has been drilling deep exploratory test holes in several areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geologic information from the test holes is used to assist geologic mapping done as part of STATEMAP, a component of the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. Although the primary purpose for the drilling is to obtain detailed geologic information, the test holes also have been used to obtain hydrologic and water-quality information about the fractured-bedrock aquifers by means of cooperative studies between BGS and USGS. Results have been published by BGS (abstracts and links on Publications tab) and are available directly from BGS for the following fractured-rock test holes:
- Sullivan County (Laporte) - BGS Report
- Bradford County (Gleason) - BGS Report
- Tioga County (Cherry Flats) - BGS Report
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.Drilling a fractured-rock test hole in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania (Dennis Risser, USGS) - Science
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Regional Synthesis of Groundwater Quality in Domestic Supply Wells in Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania
USGS synthesized groundwater quality measurements in wells to characterize regional chemical characteristics of aquifers used for domestic supply in northeast and north central Pennsylvania.Groundwater Quality of Domestic Supply Wells in Pennsylvania
Most rural residents in Pennsylvania use groundwater from domestic supply wells for drinking, cleaning and other purposes. Some groundwater samples have been analyzed for private purposes, but those results generally are not readily available to the public. Many of the publicly available water-quality samples from rural areas were collected more than 30 years ago. Quality-assured groundwater...Shale Gas and Water Resources in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Water Science Center and other USGS scientists are studying water availability, use, quality, and ecology associated with development of shale-gas energy resources in Pennsylvania. - Publications
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