RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN KARST RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND EDUCATION IN BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY: CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF DR. NICK CRAWFORD

Since the 1970s, Dr. Nick Crawford carried out extensive research on karst hydrogeology, geophysics, dye tracing, aquifer delineation, water quality mitigation, cave mapping, sinkhole detection and remediation, and developing monitoring techniques for groundwater and cave systems in several well-known karst locations, with Bowling Green, Kentucky being the primary beneficiary of much of this work. In building this knowledge, he pioneered several advances in using data loggers and evaluative techniques for karst areas and raised awareness about pollutant sources, best management practices, and new technologies to improve karst groundwater quality and methods for stormwater control and sinkhole repair. This includes the study and evaluation of injection wells for stormwater runoff, which are still being used in Bowling Green, and elsewhere, today. Dr. Crawford also trained and inspired several generations of karst scientists over the decades, continuing to inspire advancement in the field through more robust studies and the use of newer technology in the Bowling Green metropolitan area, which continues to be impacted with increasing urbanization. Several theses and new research collaborations have spawned the next generation of high-resolution hydrogeochemical studies, dye tracing techniques, GIS applications for well and karst feature geodatabases, water quality monitoring, flood prediction, and sinkhole evaluation and repair in the City, as well as improved education and outreach methods regarding the fragility of karst landscapes. In Bowling Green, Kentucky, several new research monitoring and sampling sites now exist using advanced, real-time EXO II data sondes, along with additional data loggers and sensors by Onset that monitor water levels in wells, springs, and collect meterological data. Combined with the scientific work, the use of educational signage, marketing materials, websites, and outreach activities and is being expanded in partnership with the City of Bowling Green to improve karst groundwater awareness and these UnderBGKY efforts were recently named a ‘Model Practice’ by the American Public Works Assocation, which reflects well the legacy of Dr. Crawford’s work and what it as inspired over the decades.