Abstract |
The goal was to determine the procedures needed to evaluate availability and disposition of surface and subsurface waters in an 18 square mile Ozark watershed underlain by partially cavernous dolomite. Hydrologic objectives were compilation and analysis of rainfall and streamflow records to estimate losses of surface water and recharge to groundwater. Photogeologic objectives were to identify, map and measure soils, vegetation, land use, sinkholes, linears, and drainage patterns. Stream recording was interrupted by bed load which blocked recorder inlets, by highway crews who altered channels, and by flood loss of a recorder house. Flows at high stages were unobtainable because of their infrequency, unpredictability and short duration. Rainfall was measured by volunteers. Soil types were identified on airphotos and mappped. Land use and vegetation were also photo-mapped. Water wells, located by field interviewing and measured when possible, were mappped. Stream losses in the upper creek were not calculable but in the lower reaches were 18 cubic feet per second. Runoff of 5.1 to 5.4 inches per square mile was 12 to 14 percent of the annual rainfall of 37 to 41 inches. (Author) |