Hydrogeology
Hydrogeology and Ecohydrology of Central and South Florida
Goals: Central and south Florida provide numerous unique opportunities
to study complex interactions between surface water and groundwater and the roles
that those interactions play in supporting Florida's economic and environmental
well being. Students will be introduced to a wide range of problems and practical
field and laboratory solutions during field exercises at a variety of locations.
Students will conduct field exercises locally, then take short field trips to karst
features, springs, and streams in central Florida and the Everglades in south Florida.
Where: Central and south Florida
When: June 23 - July 4
Why: Because hydrogeology and ecohydrology are geology in central and south
Florida!!
Who: All students who have completed an upper-level course in geology.
What to Expect: Some of the field exercises will be difficult and physically
demanding. Most of the field exercises will be conducted in hot, humid, wet, and
buggy environments. You will sweat, get wet and get bit, and learn more about the
practical aspects of hydrogeology and ecohydrology in two weeks than in all of your
previous coursework combined. Some of the field trips will be less taxing, and will
simply provide opportunities to sample Florida's diversity of hydrogeological and
ecohydrological environments while networking closely with instructors and students.
Tentative Hydrogeology Schedule:
Note: The exact dates of some activities and trips may shift as we get closer to
the session.
June 23: Hydrogeological characterization of the USF GeoPark (Overnight in Tampa)
June 24: Hydrogeological characterization of the USF GeoPark (Overnight in Tampa)
June 25: Hydrogeological characterization of the USF GeoPark (Overnight in Tampa)
June 26: Ecohydrological characterization of the USF EcoArea (Overnight in Tampa)
June 27: Tampa karst tour (Overnight in Tampa)
June 28: Off
June 29: Off
June 30: Hillsborough River stream gaging exercise (Overnight in Tampa)
July 1: South Florida field trip: Upper Everglades Basin (Overnight in West Palm)
July 2: South Florida field trip: Middle Everglades Basin (Overnight in Florida City)
July 3: South Florida field trip: Lower Everglades Basin (Overnight in Naples)
July 4: South Florida field trip: Lower Everglades and Big Cypress Basins (Overnight in Tampa)
Grading:
Grades in the course will be based on your performance on the several small projects
that you will complete and on your participation in the field.
Needs for the course:
- Field notebook
- Hand lens (provided by department)
- Brunton compass (provided by department)
- Field clothes for wet and sunny conditions
- Hat
- Sunscreen