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Karst Aquifers: Midwest Paleozoic Carbonate Aquifers

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By Water Resources Mission Area July 20, 2021

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as disappearing streams, springs, and caves.

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. The greatest karst development as occurred in Devonian-Silurian and Cambrian-Ordovician rocks. The vertical sequence of the aquifers and confining units varies across the region.

In Iowa and Michigan, solution-enhanced dissolution of Mississippian dolomitic rocks has resulted in karst flow systems.

Limestones in the Devonian-Silurian aquifer system in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin have undergone extensive karst development. The limestones outcrop in some areas, and in others are overlain by up to several hundred meters of unconsolidated Quaternary deposit. Throughout this area, large well yields are possible from these units.

Some limestone and dolomites Cambrian-Ordovian rocks underlying the Silurian-Devonian aquifer also have undergone extensive karst development. These are water-producing units in parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. In southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa these are referred to as the upper carbonate aquifer, and is extremely productive.

Because of the prevalence of agriculture and livestock in this part of the United States, contamination of karst aquifers with nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria is of much concern. In Iowa, for example, regulations have been developed for some confined animal feeding operations in karst terrain.

 

Disappearing Streams

USGS Hydrologist Chuck Taylor stands next to a stream that enters the subsurface through a cave entrance.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
USGS Hydrologist Chuck Taylor stands next to a stream that enters the subsurface through a cave entrance.

 

Springs

A blue-hole spring, Orangeville Rise, Indiana (sixty feet in diameter).
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
A blue-hole spring, Orangeville Rise, Indiana. This spring is sixty feet in diameter. (Credit: Chuck Taylor, USGS.)

 

Caves

 

Additional Information

The following websites are additional sources of information about this aquifer:

Below are other science projects associated with karst aquifers.

link
Image: Various Karst Features Along Peace River, Fl

Karst Aquifers

Karst terrain is created from the dissolution of soluble rocks, principally limestone and dolomite. Karst areas are characterized by distinctive landforms (like springs, caves, sinkholes) and a unique hydrogeology that results in aquifers that are highly productive but extremely vulnerable to contamination.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers

Karst terrain is created from the dissolution of soluble rocks, principally limestone and dolomite. Karst areas are characterized by distinctive landforms (like springs, caves, sinkholes) and a unique hydrogeology that results in aquifers that are highly productive but extremely vulnerable to contamination.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 13
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer

The Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer, which underlies more than 500 square miles in south central Oklahoma, is the principal water source for approximately 39,000 people in several cities in the region. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated the aquifer's eastern portion as a Sole Source Aquifer, a mechanism to protect drinking water supplies in areas with limited water supply.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer

The Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer, which underlies more than 500 square miles in south central Oklahoma, is the principal water source for approximately 39,000 people in several cities in the region. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated the aquifer's eastern portion as a Sole Source Aquifer, a mechanism to protect drinking water supplies in areas with limited water supply.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Basin and Range and Bear River Range Carbonate Aquifers

In the Basin and Range, bedrock is present in the uplifted blocks of the mountain ranges and beneath fill in the valleys. While some of this bedrock is relatively impermeable, fracturing may enable groundwater to circulate through the rock, enlarging and increasing the size and number of pathways for water movement. This can ultimately produce a permeable water-yielding unit.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Basin and Range and Bear River Range Carbonate Aquifers

In the Basin and Range, bedrock is present in the uplifted blocks of the mountain ranges and beneath fill in the valleys. While some of this bedrock is relatively impermeable, fracturing may enable groundwater to circulate through the rock, enlarging and increasing the size and number of pathways for water movement. This can ultimately produce a permeable water-yielding unit.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Colorado Plateau Karst

In northern and central Arizona, the Kaibab Limestone and its equivalents are karstic. North of the Grand Canyon, subterranean openings are primarily widely spaced fissures, while south of the Grand Canyon, fissures are more closely spaced and a few shallow caves are present.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Colorado Plateau Karst

In northern and central Arizona, the Kaibab Limestone and its equivalents are karstic. North of the Grand Canyon, subterranean openings are primarily widely spaced fissures, while south of the Grand Canyon, fissures are more closely spaced and a few shallow caves are present.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Edwards Balcones Fault Zone Aquifer

The Edwards aquifer is the most transmissive of all the aquifers in Texas and Oklahoma, with large discharges from springs and from flowing and pumped wells. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as springs and in-stream sinkholes, as well as endangered species.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Edwards Balcones Fault Zone Aquifer

The Edwards aquifer is the most transmissive of all the aquifers in Texas and Oklahoma, with large discharges from springs and from flowing and pumped wells. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as springs and in-stream sinkholes, as well as endangered species.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer

The Edwards-Trinity aquifer, located in the Trans-Pecos and the Edwards Plateau areas, is composed of relatively flat-lying rocks that are generally exposed at the land surface. This aquifer is generally recharged by precipitation; water is mostly unconfined in the shallow parts of the aquifer and is confined in the deeper zones.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer

The Edwards-Trinity aquifer, located in the Trans-Pecos and the Edwards Plateau areas, is composed of relatively flat-lying rocks that are generally exposed at the land surface. This aquifer is generally recharged by precipitation; water is mostly unconfined in the shallow parts of the aquifer and is confined in the deeper zones.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Upper Floridan and Biscayne Aquifers

Covering approximately 100,000 square miles of the southeastern United States, the Floridan aquifer system (FAS) is one of the most productive aquifers in the world. The FAS is the primary source of drinking water for almost 10 million people, with nearly 50 percent of all water withdrawals being used for industrial purposes and agricultural irrigation.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Upper Floridan and Biscayne Aquifers

Covering approximately 100,000 square miles of the southeastern United States, the Floridan aquifer system (FAS) is one of the most productive aquifers in the world. The FAS is the primary source of drinking water for almost 10 million people, with nearly 50 percent of all water withdrawals being used for industrial purposes and agricultural irrigation.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Madison Aquifer

The Madison aquifer underlies eight states in the U.S. and Canada. It is an important water resource in the northern plains states where surface water supplies are limited and population is increasing. Declining water levels are a major issue for many of the communities that rely on this aquifer.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Madison Aquifer

The Madison aquifer underlies eight states in the U.S. and Canada. It is an important water resource in the northern plains states where surface water supplies are limited and population is increasing. Declining water levels are a major issue for many of the communities that rely on this aquifer.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Midwest Paleozoic Carbonate Aquifers

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as disappearing streams, springs, and caves.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Midwest Paleozoic Carbonate Aquifers

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as disappearing streams, springs, and caves.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: New England Karst Aquifers

The New England Karst Aquifers feature crystalline limestones and marbles, narrow fissures, and some small caves.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: New England Karst Aquifers

The New England Karst Aquifers feature crystalline limestones and marbles, narrow fissures, and some small caves.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Ozark Plateau Karst Aquifers

The Ozark Plateaus aquifer system consists of two aquifers, the Springfield Plateau aquifer and the Ozark aquifer, and an intervening confining unit. The system consists of mostly of carbonate rocks that are Cambrian through Mississippian in age.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Ozark Plateau Karst Aquifers

The Ozark Plateaus aquifer system consists of two aquifers, the Springfield Plateau aquifer and the Ozark aquifer, and an intervening confining unit. The system consists of mostly of carbonate rocks that are Cambrian through Mississippian in age.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Roswell Basin Aquifer

The Roswell Artesian Basin consists of an eastward-dipping carbonate aquifer overlain by a leaky evaporitic confining unit, overlain in turn by an unconfined alluvial aquifer. This aquifer provides habitat for several federally listed endangered invertebrate species. Decades of intensive pumping have caused substantial declines in hydraulic head in the aquifer.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Roswell Basin Aquifer

The Roswell Artesian Basin consists of an eastward-dipping carbonate aquifer overlain by a leaky evaporitic confining unit, overlain in turn by an unconfined alluvial aquifer. This aquifer provides habitat for several federally listed endangered invertebrate species. Decades of intensive pumping have caused substantial declines in hydraulic head in the aquifer.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Pacific Northwest Pseudokarst Aquifers

Pseudokarst features such as lava tubes, fissures, open sinkholes, and caves, are extensive in some regions of the west. Some of the largest regions with this type of pseudokarst are located in the Pacific Northwest, including the Snake River area of Idaho, part of the Columbia Basalt Plateau in Washington and Oregon, and in the lava fields of northeastern California.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Pacific Northwest Pseudokarst Aquifers

Pseudokarst features such as lava tubes, fissures, open sinkholes, and caves, are extensive in some regions of the west. Some of the largest regions with this type of pseudokarst are located in the Pacific Northwest, including the Snake River area of Idaho, part of the Columbia Basalt Plateau in Washington and Oregon, and in the lava fields of northeastern California.
Learn More

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as disappearing streams, springs, and caves.

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. The greatest karst development as occurred in Devonian-Silurian and Cambrian-Ordovician rocks. The vertical sequence of the aquifers and confining units varies across the region.

In Iowa and Michigan, solution-enhanced dissolution of Mississippian dolomitic rocks has resulted in karst flow systems.

Limestones in the Devonian-Silurian aquifer system in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin have undergone extensive karst development. The limestones outcrop in some areas, and in others are overlain by up to several hundred meters of unconsolidated Quaternary deposit. Throughout this area, large well yields are possible from these units.

Some limestone and dolomites Cambrian-Ordovian rocks underlying the Silurian-Devonian aquifer also have undergone extensive karst development. These are water-producing units in parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. In southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa these are referred to as the upper carbonate aquifer, and is extremely productive.

Because of the prevalence of agriculture and livestock in this part of the United States, contamination of karst aquifers with nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria is of much concern. In Iowa, for example, regulations have been developed for some confined animal feeding operations in karst terrain.

 

Disappearing Streams

USGS Hydrologist Chuck Taylor stands next to a stream that enters the subsurface through a cave entrance.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
USGS Hydrologist Chuck Taylor stands next to a stream that enters the subsurface through a cave entrance.

 

Springs

A blue-hole spring, Orangeville Rise, Indiana (sixty feet in diameter).
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
A blue-hole spring, Orangeville Rise, Indiana. This spring is sixty feet in diameter. (Credit: Chuck Taylor, USGS.)

 

Caves

 

Additional Information

The following websites are additional sources of information about this aquifer:

Below are other science projects associated with karst aquifers.

link
Image: Various Karst Features Along Peace River, Fl

Karst Aquifers

Karst terrain is created from the dissolution of soluble rocks, principally limestone and dolomite. Karst areas are characterized by distinctive landforms (like springs, caves, sinkholes) and a unique hydrogeology that results in aquifers that are highly productive but extremely vulnerable to contamination.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers

Karst terrain is created from the dissolution of soluble rocks, principally limestone and dolomite. Karst areas are characterized by distinctive landforms (like springs, caves, sinkholes) and a unique hydrogeology that results in aquifers that are highly productive but extremely vulnerable to contamination.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 13
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer

The Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer, which underlies more than 500 square miles in south central Oklahoma, is the principal water source for approximately 39,000 people in several cities in the region. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated the aquifer's eastern portion as a Sole Source Aquifer, a mechanism to protect drinking water supplies in areas with limited water supply.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer

The Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer, which underlies more than 500 square miles in south central Oklahoma, is the principal water source for approximately 39,000 people in several cities in the region. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated the aquifer's eastern portion as a Sole Source Aquifer, a mechanism to protect drinking water supplies in areas with limited water supply.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Basin and Range and Bear River Range Carbonate Aquifers

In the Basin and Range, bedrock is present in the uplifted blocks of the mountain ranges and beneath fill in the valleys. While some of this bedrock is relatively impermeable, fracturing may enable groundwater to circulate through the rock, enlarging and increasing the size and number of pathways for water movement. This can ultimately produce a permeable water-yielding unit.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Basin and Range and Bear River Range Carbonate Aquifers

In the Basin and Range, bedrock is present in the uplifted blocks of the mountain ranges and beneath fill in the valleys. While some of this bedrock is relatively impermeable, fracturing may enable groundwater to circulate through the rock, enlarging and increasing the size and number of pathways for water movement. This can ultimately produce a permeable water-yielding unit.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Colorado Plateau Karst

In northern and central Arizona, the Kaibab Limestone and its equivalents are karstic. North of the Grand Canyon, subterranean openings are primarily widely spaced fissures, while south of the Grand Canyon, fissures are more closely spaced and a few shallow caves are present.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Colorado Plateau Karst

In northern and central Arizona, the Kaibab Limestone and its equivalents are karstic. North of the Grand Canyon, subterranean openings are primarily widely spaced fissures, while south of the Grand Canyon, fissures are more closely spaced and a few shallow caves are present.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Edwards Balcones Fault Zone Aquifer

The Edwards aquifer is the most transmissive of all the aquifers in Texas and Oklahoma, with large discharges from springs and from flowing and pumped wells. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as springs and in-stream sinkholes, as well as endangered species.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Edwards Balcones Fault Zone Aquifer

The Edwards aquifer is the most transmissive of all the aquifers in Texas and Oklahoma, with large discharges from springs and from flowing and pumped wells. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as springs and in-stream sinkholes, as well as endangered species.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer

The Edwards-Trinity aquifer, located in the Trans-Pecos and the Edwards Plateau areas, is composed of relatively flat-lying rocks that are generally exposed at the land surface. This aquifer is generally recharged by precipitation; water is mostly unconfined in the shallow parts of the aquifer and is confined in the deeper zones.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer

The Edwards-Trinity aquifer, located in the Trans-Pecos and the Edwards Plateau areas, is composed of relatively flat-lying rocks that are generally exposed at the land surface. This aquifer is generally recharged by precipitation; water is mostly unconfined in the shallow parts of the aquifer and is confined in the deeper zones.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Upper Floridan and Biscayne Aquifers

Covering approximately 100,000 square miles of the southeastern United States, the Floridan aquifer system (FAS) is one of the most productive aquifers in the world. The FAS is the primary source of drinking water for almost 10 million people, with nearly 50 percent of all water withdrawals being used for industrial purposes and agricultural irrigation.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Upper Floridan and Biscayne Aquifers

Covering approximately 100,000 square miles of the southeastern United States, the Floridan aquifer system (FAS) is one of the most productive aquifers in the world. The FAS is the primary source of drinking water for almost 10 million people, with nearly 50 percent of all water withdrawals being used for industrial purposes and agricultural irrigation.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Madison Aquifer

The Madison aquifer underlies eight states in the U.S. and Canada. It is an important water resource in the northern plains states where surface water supplies are limited and population is increasing. Declining water levels are a major issue for many of the communities that rely on this aquifer.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Madison Aquifer

The Madison aquifer underlies eight states in the U.S. and Canada. It is an important water resource in the northern plains states where surface water supplies are limited and population is increasing. Declining water levels are a major issue for many of the communities that rely on this aquifer.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Midwest Paleozoic Carbonate Aquifers

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as disappearing streams, springs, and caves.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Midwest Paleozoic Carbonate Aquifers

The porosity of carbonate and dolomitic units in Midwest Paleozoic rocks has been enhanced by dissolution, and in many areas these rocks have undergone extensive karst development. This aquifer demonstrates karst features such as disappearing streams, springs, and caves.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: New England Karst Aquifers

The New England Karst Aquifers feature crystalline limestones and marbles, narrow fissures, and some small caves.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: New England Karst Aquifers

The New England Karst Aquifers feature crystalline limestones and marbles, narrow fissures, and some small caves.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Ozark Plateau Karst Aquifers

The Ozark Plateaus aquifer system consists of two aquifers, the Springfield Plateau aquifer and the Ozark aquifer, and an intervening confining unit. The system consists of mostly of carbonate rocks that are Cambrian through Mississippian in age.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Ozark Plateau Karst Aquifers

The Ozark Plateaus aquifer system consists of two aquifers, the Springfield Plateau aquifer and the Ozark aquifer, and an intervening confining unit. The system consists of mostly of carbonate rocks that are Cambrian through Mississippian in age.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Roswell Basin Aquifer

The Roswell Artesian Basin consists of an eastward-dipping carbonate aquifer overlain by a leaky evaporitic confining unit, overlain in turn by an unconfined alluvial aquifer. This aquifer provides habitat for several federally listed endangered invertebrate species. Decades of intensive pumping have caused substantial declines in hydraulic head in the aquifer.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Roswell Basin Aquifer

The Roswell Artesian Basin consists of an eastward-dipping carbonate aquifer overlain by a leaky evaporitic confining unit, overlain in turn by an unconfined alluvial aquifer. This aquifer provides habitat for several federally listed endangered invertebrate species. Decades of intensive pumping have caused substantial declines in hydraulic head in the aquifer.
Learn More
link
USGS

Karst Aquifers: Pacific Northwest Pseudokarst Aquifers

Pseudokarst features such as lava tubes, fissures, open sinkholes, and caves, are extensive in some regions of the west. Some of the largest regions with this type of pseudokarst are located in the Pacific Northwest, including the Snake River area of Idaho, part of the Columbia Basalt Plateau in Washington and Oregon, and in the lava fields of northeastern California.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
link

Karst Aquifers: Pacific Northwest Pseudokarst Aquifers

Pseudokarst features such as lava tubes, fissures, open sinkholes, and caves, are extensive in some regions of the west. Some of the largest regions with this type of pseudokarst are located in the Pacific Northwest, including the Snake River area of Idaho, part of the Columbia Basalt Plateau in Washington and Oregon, and in the lava fields of northeastern California.
Learn More
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