Acid Precipitation and Groundwater Chemistry at the Turkey Lakes Watershed

Abstract

To determine correctly the response of a basin to various acid loading events, the groundwater hydrology must be considered as a function of the basin stratigraphy and mineralogy. Groundwaters in the Turkey Lakes Watershed are well buffered and in general provide a reservoir of alkalinity for surface waters in the basin. The groundwater chemistry is dominated by the weathering of carbonates present in the tills. Groundwater can follow a variety of pathways through the subsurface. These pathways can have very different flow rates and groundwater chemistry. As a result of this the influence of groundwater on surface water is highly site specific.