U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
KARST INTEREST GROUP PROCEEDINGS
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
FEBRUARY 13-16, 2001

Eve L. Kuniansky, editor

U.S. Geological Survey
Water-Resources Investigations Report 01-4011

INTRODUCTION

The first U.S. Geological Survey, Karst Interest Group (KIG) Workshop was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, on February 12-16, 2001.Technical sessions were conducted on February 13 and 14, and a field trip to local area karst features took place on February 15, 2001. Scientists and researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey, universities, as well as other Federal, state, and local agencies met to learn and discuss topical subjects related to karst systems and hydrology. Among the topics covered during this important first workshop were discussions about the geologic framework and hydrogeologic characterization of karst; various geophysical techniques used in karst landscapes; geochemical characteristics of karst; the ecological role of karst wetlands and the various biological communities typical of karst habitats; employing numerical modeling to simulate flow as well as transport in karst; monitoring contaminant and tracer movement in karst; and the protection and management of karst resources.

This workshop was particularly important because it formally established the Karst Interest Group within the U.S. Geological Survey, and it represented the first organized effort to provide scientists a forum to communicate and share their experiences in studying and investigating karst systems. We hope the workshop will serve as a springboard promoting future collaboration among scientists and researchers to improve our understanding of karst systems in the United States and its territories.

This proceedings volume is a compilation of abstracts and papers from oral and poster presentations given at the workshop. The last paper included in the volume is the field trip guide. The papers contributed to these proceedings reflect the efforts of over 60 scientists working in karst systems.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The planning committee for the workshop would like to thank all those authors who contributed to this proceedings volume, and to the technical session moderators for their time and participation.

The planning committee would like to extend our appreciation to Bonnie A. McGregor, Eastern Regional Director, U.S. Geological Survey, who sponsored the workshop and this proceedings volume. Appreciation is also extended to Wanda C. Meeks, Southeastern Regional Hydrologist, and Lisa L. Robbins, Director of the Center for Coastal Geology, both of the U.S. Geological Survey, for co-hosting the workshop. This publication, which will serve as an excellent reference for all workshop participants, is a direct result of their sponsorship and support.

Finally, the planning committee would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance: Ann B. Tihansky, Tampa, Florida Subdistrict, U.S. Geological Survey, who planned the karst field trip and supplied the artwork for the KIG logo. Erica J. Heeg and Rita S. Bowker, St. Petersburg Office, U.S. Geological Survey, who helped with registration and meeting logistics

In Eve L. Kuniansky, editor, 2001, U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, St. Petersburg, Florida, February 13-16, 2001: USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report 01-4011

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