Browsing by Subject "glacial till"

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    RIPARIAN ZONE HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOMORPHIC SETTING OF A GLACIATED VALLEY IN CENTRAL INDIANA
    (2007) Smith, Andrew Philip; Vidon, Philippe G.; Tedesco, Lenore P.; Doss, Paul K.
    This study investigates the hydrological functioning of a riparian zone in central Indiana in a glaciated valley with concave topography (16% slope gradient) and ground water seeps on the valley walls. Unlike sites found in most riparian zone studies with lateral ground water inputs (Clement et al., 2003; Jordan et al., 1993; Blicher-Mathiesen and Hoffman, 1999; Hoffman et al., 2000), the site in this study is connected to thin, permeable upland sediments (≈2 m). The objectives of this research include: 1) understanding the influence of the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) setting on riparian hydrology (including determining the sources of water to the site), 2) determining how the HGM setting influences riparian zone water quality functioning, and 3) comparing the results from this site with conceptual models of riparian zone hydrologic functioning. Water chemistry and hydrometric data were collected over a 16-month period. Three factors influence riparian zone hydrological functioning at the site: 1) the nature of water contributions from upland sources, 2) riparian zone soil texture, and 3) the location of a preWisconsinan till unit. When the uplands are contributing water to the riparian zone a shallow water table is found near the hillslope and ground water flows from the hillslope to the stream. Conversely, when upland contributions cease a large water table drop occurs and ground water flows in a downvalley direction. Fine textured soils near the hillslope result in shallow water tables and small ground water fluxes. Hydrometric data, water chemistry, and statistical analyses suggest water from an intertill layer adjacent to the site is the primary source of water to the site. NO3- concentrations decreased in ground water flow in the riparian zone suggesting the site is removing nutrients. A preWisconsinan glacial till deposit at shallow depths in the riparian zone limits ground water flow to horizontal flow paths. Overall, the hydrologic functioning of the site agrees well with riparian zone conceptual models (Vidon and Hill, 2004a; Vidon and Hill, 2004b; Devito et al., 1996; Hill, 2000; Baker et al., 2001; Burt et al., 2002). The results of this study are important additions towards conceptualizing riparian zone hydrologic functioning.
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    The Spatial Relationship Between Septic System Failure and Environmental Factors in Washington Township, Marion County, Indiana
    (2019-04) Hanson, Brian L.; Johnson, Daniel P.; Lulla, Vijay; Bein, Frederick L.
    Underground septic systems thrive or fail based on the relationship with their local environment. This paper explores ways environmental variables such as soil type, tree roots, degree of slope, and impervious surfaces affect on-site wastewater treatment systems. It also discusses the effects each of these variables may have on a septic system, and the resulting impact a compromised system may have on the surrounding environment. This research focuses on an approximately 20 square mile area of central Washington Township in Marion County, Indiana. This area of central Indiana contains a large septic system owning population in a sampling of different environments such as wooded areas, hilly areas, and a variety of different soil types.