--> Sedimentological Techniques Applied to the Hydrology of the Atlantic Coastal Plain in South Carolina and Georgia near the Savannah River Site, by J. S. Baum, F. W. Falls, and L. E. Edwards; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Sedimentological Techniques Applied to the Hydrology of the Atlantic Coastal Plain in South Carolina and Georgia near the Savannah River Site

Joan S. Baum, Fred W. Falls, Lucy E. Edwards

The potential for migration of contaminants in ground water under the Savannah River from South Carolina into Georgia near the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS), a nuclear processing and disposal facility, is the source of recent environmental concern. The SRS is located in the inner Atlantic Coastal Plain of South Carolina and is underlain by 200 to more than 300 meters of permeable, unconsolidated to poorly consolidated sediments of Cretaceous and Tertiary age. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, is evaluating ground-water flow through the Coastal Plain sediments in the area. Preliminary hydrologic studies, conducted to provide the data needed for digital modeling of the g ound-water flow system, included an investigation of the influence of the geologic complexities on that flow system.

The Coastal Plain physiographic province in South Carolina and Georgia is comprised of a complex wedge of fluvial, deltaic, and marine sedimentary deposits locally modified by faulting. Several techniques commonly used in petroleum basin analysis (sequence stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, detailed core description, and geophysical well log analysis) were used together with water-level measurements, aquifer-test data, and geochemical data to identify six regional aquifers. Hydraulic conductivity distribution maps within each of these aquifers were constructed using textural analysis of core materials, aquifer test data, and depositional system reconstruction. Sedimentological techniques were used to improve understanding of the depositional system, ground-water flow system dynamics, and o help focus research in areas where additional hydrologic, geologic, and aquifer-test data are needed.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994