Principal Investigator: Carolyn Ruppel (Georgia Tech)
Sponsor: GWRI
Start Date: 1998-09-01; Completion Date: 2000-08-31;
Keywords: Groundwater, Hydrogeochemistry, Water Quality
Problem and Research Objectives:
Three undeveloped barrier islands in coastal Georgia have been mentioned as possible sites for future developments. This has led to interests by regional planners in the impact of urbanization and ecosystem destruction on the hydrologic systems beneath these barrier islands. In fact, the availability and quality of fresh water resources on barrier islands are considered key factors controlling the sustainability of natural systems and human development, as well as the continued viability of ecosystems in adjacent wetlands. The goal of this project is to develop a baseline for monitoring future development related changes in surficial acquifer systems on the concerned islands. The project is scheduled to last two years, of which the first one has now been completed. The following text presents the preliminary results of year 1. It also provides an overview of the planned work for year 2.