SURF Cohort - Stable Isotope Analysis on Groundwater-Surface Water Dynamics Reveal Distinct Flow Paths in a Riparian Floodplain

SURF Cohort - Stable Isotope Analysis on Groundwater-Surface Water Dynamics Reveal Distinct Flow Paths in a Riparian Floodplain

    Presenter(s)

    Lizbeth Ramos-Ortiz

    Comments

    9:00-10:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

    Description

    Groundwater-surface water dynamics relevant to nutrient fate and transport remain poorly understood regarding factors that influence the recharge and discharge rates of water as it travels between the surface and the ground. We therefore investigated temporal and spatial dynamics of water flow and quality on a plot of agricultural land which borders the Great Miami River in Trenton, Ohio. The site comprises alluvial sediments atop Ordovician shale bedrock, which are synonymous with a low permeability rates and longer groundwater residence times. While farmers rent the site for growing staple crops along the 113 acres of land, consistent rates of precipitation washing out the floodplain raise concerns over nitrogen loading to the aquifer and its surrounding environment. Thus, over a 24 week period, biweekly surface samples were collected along the Great Miami River, Elk Creek (a tributary that connects to the river up gradient to the site), and a man-made lake along the field site. To investigate water sources, collected samples are examined for hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope analysis. These samples are compared to local groundwater, drought index, as well as precipitation data to determine how surface-groundwater interactions and climate conditions interact in terrestrial environments and further inform decisions regarding crop management. Results indicate that extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene, disrupt normal surface-groundwater cycling and temporarily alter drought conditions.

    Publication Date

    4-23-2025

    Project Designation

    Independent Research

    Primary Advisor

    Zelalem K. Bedaso, Sarah V. McKnight, Christopher E. Sheehan

    Primary Advisor's Department

    Geology and Environmental Geosciences

    Keywords

    Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

    Institutional Learning Goals

    Critical Evaluation of Our Times; Community; Traditions

    SURF Cohort - Stable Isotope Analysis on Groundwater-Surface Water Dynamics Reveal Distinct Flow Paths in a Riparian Floodplain

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