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Potentiometric Surface of Groundwater-Level Altitudes Near the Planned Highway 270 Bypass, East of Hot Springs, Arkansas, July–August 2017

Scientific Investigations Map 3444
Prepared in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the National Park Service
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3444

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Abstract

The Ouachita Mountains aquifer system potentiometric-surface map is one component of the Hot Springs Bypass Groundwater Monitoring Project. The potentiometric-surface map provides a baseline assessment of shallow groundwater levels and flow directions before the construction of the Arkansas Department of Transportation planned extension of the Highway 270 bypass, east of Hot Springs, Arkansas. The map provides data regarding status of groundwater levels and potential effects on the recharge area in the Hot Springs National Park and to groundwater that supplies water to domestic users near the Highway 270 bypass.

Groundwater levels from 66 wells were measured in July–August 2017. Fifty nine of the 66 groundwater-level altitudes measured, along with select surface-water features and springs, were used to construct the Ouachita Mountains aquifer system potentiometric-surface map. The potentiometric surface, a two-dimensional representation, shows groundwater-level altitudes ranging from a maximum of 766 ft above the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) to a minimum of 443 ft NAVD 88. The spring altitudes on the potentiometric-surface map range from 534 ft to 927 ft above NAVD 88. The study area, located in the Ouachita Mountains physiographic section of the Ouachita physiographic province, comprises narrow valleys and high ridges of Stanley Shale, Hot Springs Sandstone, Arkansas Novaculite, Missouri Mountain-Polk Creek Shale, and Bigfork Chert. The highest groundwater-level altitudes observed were in the Hot Springs Sandstone, Arkansas Novaculite, and Missouri Mountain-Polk Creek Shale. The springs discharge in outcrop areas of the Stanley Shale, Bigfork Chert, and Arkansas novaculite. The planned Highway 270 bypass will cut across ridges and valleys comprising these formations and, very importantly, across areas with elevations above 660 ft above NAVD 88 that define the hot springs recharge zone.

This potentiometric-surface map defines the status of the shallow groundwater potentiometric surface near the Highway 270 bypass prior to initiation of construction activities. A post-construction potentiometric map is planned. It must be noted that shallow groundwater levels are also subject to climatic effects including changes in amount and timing of precipitation and changes in temperature.

Suggested Citation

Nottmeier, A.M., and Hays, P.D., 2019, Potentiometric surface of groundwater-level altitudes near the planned Highway 270 bypass, east of Hot Springs, Arkansas, July–August 2017: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3444, 13 p., 1 sheet, https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3444.

ISSN: 2329-132X (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Hydrogeologic Setting
  • Methods
  • Potentiometric Surface and Groundwater Flow
  • Summary
  • References
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Potentiometric surface of groundwater-level altitudes near the planned Highway 270 bypass, east of Hot Springs, Arkansas, July–August 2017
Series title Scientific Investigations Map
Series number 3444
DOI 10.3133/sim3444
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Arkansas Water Science Center, Louisiana Water Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Description Pamphlet: v, 13 p.; Sheet: 22 x 28 inches; Data Release
Country United States
State Arkansas
County Garland County
City Hot Springs
Other Geospatial Highway 270 Bypass
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details