Geology topics

Research about Orange County, Florida

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Orange County, Florida.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1996

Evapotranspiration from successional vegetation in a deforested area of the Lake Wales Ridge, Florida

The suitability of three evapotranspiration models (Penman-Monteith, Penman, and a modified Priestley-Taylor) was evaluated at a site of successional vegetation in a deforested area of the Lake Wales Ridge, Florida. Eddy correlation measurements of evapotranspiration made during 22 approximately 1-day periods at a temporal resolution of 20 minutes from September 1993 to August 1994 were used to calibrate the evapotranspiration models. Three variants of the eddy correlation method that ascribe measurement error to three different sources were considered in the analysis. The Penman-Monteith and modified Priestley- Taylor models were successful in approximating measured 20-minute values of evapotranspiration (r 2 ≥0.918). The most successful approaches were the modified Priestley-Taylor model (r 2 =0.972) and a nontraditional and simplified form of the Penman-Monteith model (r 2 =0.967). The Penman approach was unsuccessful as a predictor of evapotranspiration. The evapotranspiration models were used to estimate evapotranspiration between measurements. When evapotranspiration values measured with a Bowen ratio variant of the eddy correlation method were used for model calibration, estimated daily evapotranspiration rates varied seasonally ranging from 0.2 millimeters per day (0.008 inch per day) in late December 1993 to 5 millimeter per day (0.2 inch per day) in mid-July 1994. Annual evapotranspiration (September 15, 1993, to September 15, 1994) was estimated to be about 680 millimeters (27 inches). Evapotranspiration models calibrated to the standard eddy correlation method and to an energy-balance residual variant provided estimates of annual evapotranspiration that were about 10 per cent lower and higher, respectively. These data indicate that of the 1,320 millimeters (52 inches) of precipitation during the 1-year period, about 570 to 700 millimeters (22 to 28 inches) recharged the surficial aquifer. Evapotranspiration at this study site probably defines the lower limit of evapotranspiration from vegetated surfaces in central Florida because of the shallow-rooted plants, rapidly-drained soils, and relatively deepwater table.

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USGS1979

Connector well experiment to recharge the Floridan Aquifer, East Orange County, Florida

An experimental connector well, screened in the shallow sand aquifer, finished with open hole in the Floridan aquifer, and cased through the confining layer between the two aquifers, was drilled in east Orange County, Florida, to obtain information on the nature and function of the shallow aquifer as related to connector well operation. The potentiometric surface of the shallow aquifer is about 45 feet higher than the potentiometric surface of the Floridan aquifer; hence water flows by gravity from the shallow aquifer to the Floridan aquifer through the well ' connecting ' the two aquifers. Continuous flow measurement over 10 months shows the well discharge varies seasonally and averages slightly more than 50 gallons per minute. Observation wells show that, except for seasonal variation water levels within the area of influence have reached steady state within measurable limits. Vertical anisotrophy in the shallow aquifer is apparently caused by the shape and (or) arrangement of the sand grains that comprise the shallow aquifer , rather than distinct confining layers of different lithology. Transmissivity of the shallow aquifer at the site is about 600 square feet per day. Extensive dewatering of wetlands in east Orange County by connector wells alone is probably not feasible. Nevertheless, large amounts of water could be channeled to the Floridan aquifer by connector wells. The results of the connector well experiment imply that water is being captured from evapotranspiration and runoff in the vicinity of the connector well. (Woodard-USGS)

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USGS1977

Effectiveness of pilot connector well in artificial recharge of the Floridan aquifer, western Orange County, Florida

A connector well pilot installation, in continuous operation in western Orange County since December 4, 1970, was transferring water from the lower of two shallow sand aquifers to the Floridan aquifer at a rate of 13 gallons per minute when measured on September 23, 1971. The recharge water is untreated and analyses show it to be chemically and physically compatible with the water in the Floridan aquifer. The temperatures of the recharging and receiving waters were identical, 23 deg C. The transfer of water from the lower sand aquifer to the Floridan aquifer caused only a small buildup of artesian pressure in the Floridan aquifer but it lowered the artesian head 4 feet in the lower sand aquifer near the well which supplied the recharge water. Water levels in the upper sand aquifer were not affected, probably because of the low permeability of an intervening hardpan layer. However, after six auger holes back-filled with sand connected the two sand aquifers on April 5, 1972, a rise of water levels in the lower sand aquifer was noted. The principal chemical and physical effects on the water in the Floridan aquifer were a general improvement in chemical quality and an increase in color. The color may decrease as more water moves through the sand aquifer and the material responsible for the high color is removed by flushing. (Woodard-USGS)

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