Relationship Between Ground and Surface Water Quality in Karst Systems

Springs in Northwest Arkansas may originate from relatively small fractures in rock strata or from cave systems. The water emerging from these springs is frequently used as water sources for plants, animals and humans. The quality of the ground water source and the emerging water are uncertain and frequently unknown. In addition, the opportunity to monitor changes in water quality during flow from origin (water entering the cave) to emergence is uncommon. Cave systems with definable drainage basins and accessible sampling points near the midpoint of the cave are also uncommon. Examining the interface between the quality of surface water source and the changes in ground water quality during its traverse to a spring provides valuable information concerning hydrogeological processes