Karst Hydrogeology of the Ozarks    

A course within the Summer 2012 Karst Field Studies Program.

Mr. Benjamin Miller & Dr. Robert Lerch

The Ozarks ecoregion is one of the largest contiguous karst areas in the United States with over 100,000 km2 of karst terrain. Complex flow paths, extensive losing stream networks, large cave systems, and a variety of karst forming strata characterize the karst of this area. Some of the largest springs in the world are located in the Ozarks, as well as some of the longest distance dye traces used to delineate recharge areas for these springs. Beautifully decorated cave systems underlie the area, many of which are still incorporated into the modern-day hydrology. This course will examine the diversity amongst the various karst areas of the Ozarks, attempting to give participants an overview of the ongoing processes and features that control the hydrogeology of this region. The course will be "on-the-move" visiting a different karst area each day, varying by watershed, physiographic region, or geologic setting. Participants will be exposed to a variety of field methods utilized in understanding the complex hydrology found in this area, including dye tracing, stream gauging, cave mapping, geologic investigations, and geochemical analysis. This course will first meet in St. Louis, MO on June 10th at a pre-designated location (refer to the syllabus). Lodging accommodations are not included in the cost of this course. Since this course will take place in the Ozarks and not Mammoth Cave National Park, accommodation costs are expected to be higher than those accrued while staying at Hamilton Valley (~$20-25 per night for a double/triple occupancy). Once the final price participants will be expected to pay for accommodations is determined, this information will be made available on this website. You may request a single occupancy room if you are willing to pay full room costs, but you must alert the field studies program director of this request by the registration deadline on May 4, 2012.

Course Dates: June 10-16, 2012

Requirements: Good physical condition
Registration Options: Graduate, Undergraduate and Workshop

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