Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Civil Engineering

Committee Chair

Brian Waldron

Committee Member

Brian Waldron

Committee Member

Brian Waldron

Committee Member

Daniel Larsen

Committee Member

Scott Schoefernacker

Committee Member

Mary Yaeger

Abstract

This study investigated the Lone Oaks restoration site in Middleton, Tennessee, focusing on Cub Creek's channeling issues. Subsurface investigations revealed a shallow aquifer with limited groundwater storage, varying in thickness by about 2 m between upstream (U/S) and downstream (D/S) sections, and an unsaturated zone extending from 1.8 m U/S to 2.3 m D/S. The underlying confining layer is 6.5 m bgs U/S and 9 m bgs D/S, indicating eastward erosion or deposition shift between the Wilcox and Porters Creek Clay. Where U/S and D/S soil moisture at 90 cm and 150 cm remained near saturation during the cool season, fluctuating in the growing season due to vegetation demand and reduced precipitation. The maximum moisture content showed porosity at 45% U/S and 38% D/S. Similarly, groundwater elevation showed a threshold during periods of continual rain and fluctuated during the warm season. Although higher precipitation in the cool season suggests a greater recharge potential, the actual recharge capacity is lower when soil water content reaches the porosity and groundwater elevation thresholds. Conversely, during the warm season, lower precipitation and higher vegetation demand reduce recharge potential. Using the Episodic Master Recession (EMR) method, average recharge rates of 0.40 m/year for LOF-MW1 and 0.43 m/year for LOF-MW2 were identified, approximately 30 to 40% of the average annual water table fluctuation of 1.0 m/year and 1.4 m/year, respectively. Meanwhile, Cub Creek levels remained stable throughout the seasons but were flashy during storms. In warmer months, the U/S reach, with higher levels than the groundwater, potentially lost water to the aquifer, while the D/S reach had consistently lower water levels than the aquifer, suggesting a possible contribution from the aquifer. This investigation enhanced the understanding of groundwater recharge dynamics and the shallow aquifer system in Cub Creek Valley, also shedding light on the hydrological impacts of historical stream system alterations in a humid climate.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

Download

Share

COinS