Chloé Fandel, assistant professor of geology, has received a grant from the National Science Foundation (#2409364) in support of her research project, “A synoptic survey of springs in the Driftless Area to identify spatial patterns in groundwater quality.” Funded by the EMpowering BRoader Academic Capacity and Education (EMBRACE) program, this project aims to identify which traits make certain springs more resilient to climate and land-use stressors.
Building on a pilot project conducted during the previous academic year, Prof. Fandel’s two-year research project will explore the karst geology and hydrogeology of the Paleozoic bedrock landscape in the Driftless Area of the Upper Midwest. Prof. Fandel will work with student researchers to conduct synoptic “snapshot in time” surveys of 200 springs across the region. Data from these surveys will be used to identify key controls of groundwater quality, testing hypotheses about the relative importance of stratigraphic position, groundwater age and provenance, springshed land use, and geographical location on spring water quality. Springs are excellent hydrogeological study sites because they integrate everything that happens in the springshed above them. They also have high ecological value, as climate refugia for temperature-sensitive species, and cultural value, as sites of historical economic, and/or spiritual importance to various groups. The results of this study will improve understanding in determinants of spring health and vulnerability.