Project Description
The objectives of this research are as follows: 1) quantify the groundwater component of the mass discharge of chloride to the Root River before, during, and after the summer months and 2) quantify the residual (old) component of the mass discharge of water to the Root River before, during, and after the summer months. The approach of this research relies on two hydrograph separation techniques as follows: 1) flow-based separation to quantify the runoff and groundwater components of river discharge and 2) isotopic-based (18O-H2O and 2H-H¬2O) separation to quantity the new and old components of river discharge. Both hydrograph separation techniques will be paired with time-series chloride concentration data to quantify the mass discharge of residual (old) chloride via groundwater flow to the Root River. This research will utilize two sites on the Root River; both equipped with USGS gaging stations. Two students, one graduate and one undergraduate, will collect field samples throughout two consecutive summers and falls for analysis of chloride and stable water isotopes.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The student would work directly with Leah E. Dechant (graduate student) and under the supervision of Dr. Charles Paradis (assistant professor) assisting with surface water, groundwater, rainwater, and runoff water sampling and laboratory analysis. The student will play an important role in supporting research on the mass discharge of road salt via groundwater to surface water interactions in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Desired Qualifications
None listed.