Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2010NJ230B

Hydrogeophysical investigation of subsurface controls on persistent canopy gaps in the New Jersy Pinelands

Institute: New Jersey
Year Established: 2010 Start Date: 2010-03-01 End Date: 2011-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $5,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $10,000

Principal Investigators: Andrew Parsekian, Lee Slater

Project Summary: Working within the New Jersey Pinelands Biosphere Reserve, the objectives of this study are three-fold: 1) estimate properties of the near-surface geology (i.e. clay content, particle texture) which may influence local hydrology within individual canopy gaps, 2) make comparisons of the physical properties of the subsurface between vernal pond canopy gaps and peat-filled “spongs” and 3) assess the potential of paleo-channels to impact local and regional ground water flow. The results of this study may influence the management plans for aquifers underlying the Pinelands.