Glacial aquifers provide about 40% of the groundwater supply in northern New Jersey. These aquifers can be highly productive, but they are also susceptible to depletion and pollution due to their small size, locally high permeability, and proximity to the surface. Management and assessment of this valuable groundwater resource starts with an understanding of the geology involved. The quantity and flowpaths of water in the aquifers, and the recharge of water in the aquifers, are determined by the location and extent of permeable sand and gravel aquifer beds and impermeable silt, clay, and till confining beds. The geologic environment and physical processes leading to the deposition of these beds helps to determine their distribution as well.
This course is a valuable learning experience for anyone wanting to understand the glacial geology of New Jersey, the nature of glacial sediments, and the nature of glacial aquifers. Professional disciplines that will benefit most from this program include: hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, land use planners and regulators, soil scientists, soil conservation specialists, consulting engineers, environmental commissioners, well drillers and water purveyors.
Course Objectives
Morning lecture-format presentations will be followed by an afternoon field trip to provide students the opportunity to examine several types of glacial sediment first-hand. Although this course is designed for the non-specialist, some familiarity with introductory geologic concepts is helpful. The lectures, field trip and accompanying text will:
- Provide an overview of the glacial geology of NJ, including the distribution, thickness, and lithology of tills, glacial lake, and glacial stream sediment.
- Describe the processes by which glacial sediment is deposited, and the physical character of the sediment itself.
- Outline the stratigraphy and hydrogeologic behavior of the several types of glacial aquifers in NJ.
- Review the well yields, specific capacities, hydraulic conductivities, storativities, flowpaths, and recharge routes for glacial aquifers in NJ.
Instructors
Dr. Scott Stanford, New Jersey Geological Survey
Dr. Gail Ashley, Rutgers University
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