@proceedings {272, title = {Characterizing fractured crystalline bedrock aquifers using hydrostructural domains in the Nashoba Terrane, eastern Massachusetts}, volume = {38}, year = {2006}, note = {Accession Number: 2007-032741; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2006 annual meeting; Philadelphia, PA, United States; Conference Date: 20061022; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 25; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 200709; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 2006 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2006/10/01/}, pages = {25 - 25}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Fractured crystalline bedrock aquifers are good sources of potable water in many parts of the world. However, siting of highly productive wells in these rock units remains a challenging and expensive task because fracture development at the regional scale is both heterogeneous and anisotropic. Using low cost field data to define units of rock that have similar lithologic and fracture characteristics can significantly reduce time and energy spent on determining areas with better than average aquifer productivity. These physical characteristics that impart a particular hydraulic character on rocks are used to delineate regions with similar hydrologic characteristics called hydrostructural domains (Mackie, 2002). Hydrostructural domains are delineated from fracture characterization data that were collected from 79 outcrops located in the Nashoba Terrane of eastern Massachusetts. Information collected and used to delineate the domains include the number and distribution of fracture sets, types of fractures present or absent, the degree of fracture development, fracture intensity/density, fracture connectivity and rock type. Discrete fracture networks are generated from the fracture characterization data to simulate groundwater flow in the region. Conductivity of particular units is evaluated and compared to results from existing pumping tests obtained from the US Geological Survey. Preliminary results indicate that there is great value in utilizing fracture characteristic data obtained from surface outcrops to predict subsurface groundwater flow characteristics of fractured bedrock aquifers. Water managers, developers and decision makers are eager to know which areas are the most promising for encountering highly conductive zones in the subsurface. Collecting extensive structural data from surface outcrops, although not as accurate as drilling wells, is a cheaper alternative that could provide at least a rough estimate of the hydraulic properties of fractured rocks leading to effective siting of new water wells. Hydrostructural domain maps may pinpoint specific areas that have a high potential for wells to encounter highly conductive zones and could therefore be a powerful tool in transferring information from one site to another without having to repeatedly undertake extensive site characterization.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, anisotropy, aquifers, BEDROCK, characterization, connectivity, crystalline rocks, eastern Massachusetts, fractures, ground water, heterogeneity, hydraulic conductivity, Hydrogeology 21, massachusetts, Nashoba terrane, outcrops, physical properties, site exploration, United States, water wells}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006AM/finalprogram/abstract_113075.htm}, author = {Alex K Manda and Stephen B Mabee and David F Boutt} } @proceedings {267, title = {A new way of looking at, and mapping, bedrock; the hydrostructural domain map of the Ayer Quadrangle, northeastern Massachusetts}, volume = {38}, year = {2006}, note = {Accession Number: 2008-100620; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2006 annual meeting; Philadelphia, PA, United States; Conference Date: 20061022; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 166; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 200816; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 2006 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2006/10/01/}, pages = {166 - 166}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {While traditional bedrock geologic maps contain valuable information, they commonly lack data on fractures and physical properties of the rock. The increased need for better understanding of groundwater behavior in bedrock aquifers has made this data critical. Hydrostructural domain maps reclassify bedrock based on fracture systems and physical properties that may have implications for groundwater flow and recharge. These maps are constructed from detailed field observations and measurements of 2000-3000 fractures from 60-70 stations across a 7.5{\textquoteright} quadrangle. Hydrostructural domains are displayed on the map as traditional lithologic units would be, with detailed descriptions and photos of the fracture characteristics and physical properties of each hydrostructural "unit". In the Ayer Quadrangle, such domains closely correspond with bedrock lithology and ductile structural history. Steeply dipping metasedimentary rocks of the Merrimack Belt have pervasive, closely spaced, throughgoing fractures developed parallel to foliation, and therefore provide an excellent potential for vertical recharge. Where these rocks are intensely cut by a strong subhorizontal cleavage, a parallel fracture set dominates providing an opportunity for lateral flow. Massive granites generally have a well developed, widely-spaced orthogonal network of fracture zones which may provide excellent local recharge. High-grade gneisses of the Nashoba Terrane have poorly developed fracture sets except near regional shear zones, where foliation parallel fractures and cross-joints may provide good vertical recharge and provide a strong northeast trending flow anisotropy. These maps are intended to provide a regional-scale information to assist in site-specific groundwater investigations. We believe that such maps are an example of how new types of geologic maps can, and must, be developed to address changing societal needs.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, aquifers, Ayer Quadrangle, BEDROCK, faults, foliation, fracture zones, fractures, ground water, Hydrogeology 21, joints, mapping, massachusetts, measurement, Merrimack Belt, movement, Nashoba terrane, northeastern Massachusetts, observations, orientation, physical properties, recharge, shear zones, Structural geology 16, style, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2006AM/finalprogram/abstract_116561.htm}, author = {Joseph P Kopera and Stephen B Mabee} }