| Virginia
Journal of Science.
2004. Vol 55 (3) :107-113 |
|
Subterranean Loss and Gain of
Water in Mountain Lake, Virginia: A Hydrologic Model Martin Jansons, P.E., Peed & Bortz, L.L.C., Civil/Environmental Engineers, 20 Midway Plaza Drive Suite 100, Christiansburg, VA 24073, U.S.A., Bruce C. Parker (Corresponding Author) , Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, U.S.A. and Jacob E. Waller, Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, U.S.A. ABSTRACT
Mountain Lake, Virginia is a small, unique, oligotrophic, subalpine
ecosystem in the southern Appalachians. Previous studies have disclosed
that this lake has manifested periodic prolonged low water levels
during the several thousand years of its existence. The most recent low
water level occurred during the drought years of 1999-2002.
Measurements of lake level, precipitation, and other meteorological
data including calculated evapotranspiration in the lake basin from
2/19/02 to 8/31/03 have enabled estimation of net subterranean water
losses presumably through cracks between Clinch sandstone boulders
and/or the recently discovered deep hole at the northwest end of
Mountain Lake. These net losses reflect the balance between total
losses and any gains from springs and boulder cracks not quantified in
this study. Scuba divers have documented the existence of these cracks
and the deep hole. Subterranean net water losses of about 0.04-0.05 m3/s
(634-792 gpm) apparently occur year-round. |