U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, August 20-22, 2002

摘要

Karst aquifer systems occur throughout the United States and its territories. The complex depositional environments that form carbonate rocks combined with post-depositional tectonic events and the varied climate in which these rocks are found, result in unique systems. The dissolution of calcium carbonate and the subsequent development of distinct and beautiful landscapes, caverns, and springs have resulted in some karst areas of the United States being designated as national or state parks and commercial caverns. Karst aquifers and landscapes that form in tropical areas, such as the north coast of Puerto Rico differ greatly from karst areas in more arid climates, such as central Texas or South Dakota. Many of these public and private lands contain unique flora and fauna associated with the water. Thus, multiple Federal, state, and local agencies have an interest in the study of karst areas. The idea for developing a Karst Interest Group evolved during the November 1999, National Ground-Water Meeting of the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division. As a result, the Karst Interest Group was formed in 2000. The Karst Interest Group is a loose-knit organization of U.S. Geological Survey employees devoted to fostering better communication among scientists working on, or interested in, karst hydrology studies.