A shallow drilling campaign to assess the pleistocene hydrogeology, geomicrobiology, nutrient fluxes, and fresh water resources of the atlantic continental shelf, new england

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $5,012,875 Project Grant under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to the Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines to conduct a shallow drilling campaign and study the Pleistocene hydrogeology, geomicrobiology, nutrient fluxes, and freshwater resources of the Atlantic continental shelf off the coast of New England. The project aims to better understand the emplacement mechanisms, residence time, and long-term climate influences on the offshore freshwater lens system in this region. It will involve drilling submarine wells and analyzing sediment cores to provide new insights into this worldwide hydrogeological phenomenon and its impact on biogeochemical cycling. The project will also maintain dedicated outreach activities to inform the local population about the research outcomes.

Abstract

Fresh groundwater within new england atlantic continental shelf sediments extends 100 KM offshore. However, this onshore-offshore freshwater system has not been studied to assess freshwater emplacement mechanisms, freshwater residence time, and how long-term climate conditions and meteoric recharge have influenced these systems. This project will drill submarine wells in the offshore portion of the onshore-offshore freshwater system on the atlantic continental shelf south of martha?S vineyard, MA, USA to study sediment cores. Understanding emplacement mechanisms of freshwater lenses offshore new england will also lead to a better fundamental understanding of this worldwide hydrogeological phenomenon and its impact on biogeochemical cycling. The project will maintain dedicated outreach activities to inform the local population about the research outcomes and will include an outreach officer, speaking at community events, visiting classrooms, and speaking with the media. Groundwater within new england atlantic continental shelf sediments in plio-pleistocene aquifers is fresh (salinity