Potentiometric surfaces of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas, spring 1972 and 1980

Maps that show contours of the altitude of water levels for wells completed in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas were prepared using water-level measurements made in the spring of 1972-1980. Hydrographs for selected wells are included to show trends and lack of trends in water-level changes. The aquifer consists of gravel and sand in flood-plain and terrace deposits of Quaternary age. The aquifer supplies much of the water used for irrigation and aquaculture in eastern Arkansas. A large depression in the potentiometric surface caused by pumping for irrigation and aquaculture occurs in Arkansas, Lonoke, and Prairie Counties. A smaller depression in the potentiometric surface occurs north of Brinkley. Significant water-level declines occurred during the period 1972-80 in several counties west of Crowleys Ridge. (USGS)