PREFERENTIAL GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE IMPACTS ON STREAM BIODIVERSITY

The interaction between groundwater and surface water (GW-SW) resources is complicated by factors such as topography, water use, land use, and geology. In mountainous Southwestern Virginia, these GW-SW interactions control groundwater recharge rates, surface water flow patterns, and contaminant mobilization. This study explores how GW-SW interactions in the Blue Ridge Mountains Valley may also alter stream biodiversity. Four broad research questions that motivate this research (1) How does groundwater contribute to flow in mountainous streams?; (2) How does the ridge and valley topography influence zones of groundwater discharge and recharge?; (3) How does the water quality differ in streams where groundwater discharges?; (4) How does stream biodiversity vary in these groundwater-dependent hotspots? To answer these questions, I am analyzing existing water resource data (e.g. water quality, streamflow, groundwater pumping rates, etc.) and performing in-stream analysis of preferential groundwater discharge hotspots. Although results are preliminary, student researchers have learned to physically, chemically, and biologically characterize Blue Ridge streams. This work is important for understanding the implications of GW-SW interactions in terms of water resource availability and ecosystem services in SW Virginia.