Review: The distribution, flow, and quality of Grand Canyon Springs, Arizona (USA)

• Published in: Hydrogeology journal Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 721 - 732
• Main Authors: Tobin, Benjamin W., Springer, Abraham E., Kreamer, David K., Schenk, Edward
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.05.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Aquifer recharge; AQUIFERS; Arid zones; Aridity; ARIZONA; Biodiversity; CALCIUM; Canyons; CONTAMINATION; Dating techniques; Deep wells; Desert environments; DESERTS; DRILLS; DRINKING WATER; dry environmental conditions; E region; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Endangered & extinct species; Endemic species; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; Fauna; Flow pattern; Flux; Forest fires; Forest management; GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES; Geological structures; Geology; Geophysics/Geodesy; GEOSCIENCES; GROUND WATER; Groundwater; GROUNDWATER RECHARGE; HABITAT; Habitats; HYDROCARBONS; hydrochemistry; Hydrogeology; HYDROLOGY; Hydrology/Water Resources; Isotopes; Karst; Land management; Land pollution; MAGNESIUM; National parks; POROSITY; Protection; Rare species; riparian areas; Sandstone; SANDSTONES; seasonal variation; Sedimentary rocks; Shale; SHALES; SPECIES DIVERSITY; STABLE ISOTOPES; STRATIGRAPHY; STREAMS; Threatened species; TRACE AMOUNTS; Trace elements; TRACER TECHNIQUES; Tracers; Variables; Waste Water Technology; WATER CHEMISTRY; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; WATER QUALITY; Water Quality/Water Pollution; Water shortages; WATER SPRINGS; WATER SUPPLY; Water supply development; wells; WILD ANIMALS; Wildlife; Wildlife habitats; United States > US; Arizona; Groundwater monitoring; USA; Karst; Hydrochemistry; Springs
• DOI: 10.1007/s10040-017-1688-8
• ISSN: 1431-2174

An understanding of the hydrogeology of Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) in northern Arizona, USA, is critical for future resource protection. The ~750 springs in GRCA provide both perennial and seasonal flow to numerous desert streams, drinking water to wildlife and visitors in an otherwise arid environment, and habitat for rare, endemic and threatened species. Spring behavior and flow patterns represent local and regional patterns in aquifer recharge, reflect the geologic structure and stratigraphy, and are indicators of the overall biotic health of the canyon. These springs, however, are subject to pressures from water supply development, changes in recharge from forest fires and other land management activities, and potential contamination. Roaring Springs is the sole water supply for residents and visitors (>6 million/year), and all springs support valuable riparian habitats with very high species diversity. Most springs flow from the karstic Redwall-Muav aquifer and show seasonal patterns in flow and water chemistry indicative of variable aquifer porosities, including conduit flow. They have Ca/Mg-HCO 3 dominated chemistry and trace elements consistent with nearby deep wells drilled into the Redwall-Muav aquifer. Tracer techniques and water-age dating indicate a wide range of residence times for many springs, supporting the concept of multiple porosities. A perched aquifer produces small springs which issue from the contacts between sandstone and shale units, with variable groundwater residence times. Stable isotope data suggest both an elevational and seasonal difference in recharge between North and South Rim springs. This review highlights the complex nature of the groundwater system.