SPRINGS OF GRAND CANYON’S SOUTH RIM: ECOLOGICAL INVENTORIES, ASSESSMENTS, AND UPDATED HYDROLOGIC TRENDS

Springs below the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are invaluable to sustaining riparian and mesic ecosystems within the arid inner canyon region and retain immense cultural and recreational value for indigenous peoples and backcountry users. The springs sites have been the subject of multiple hydrological studies over the past two decades with varying objectives. This study includes the most up-to-date compilation of historic hydrological records for Redwall-Muav aquifer springs sites below the South Rim and adds new hydrological data, ecological inventories, and qualitative assessments. A 2002 groundwater model of the Coconino Plateau groundwater sub-basin was updated and improves knowledge of how site hydrological parameters may be changing over time. These ecohydrogeologic studies inform our interpretation of springs conditions and climatic responses in lieu of continuous flow monitoring data at most sites.