Title:
Joint systems and their potential influence on groundwater in the Lithonia–Conyers area, Georgia
Joint systems and their potential influence on groundwater in the Lithonia–Conyers area, Georgia
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Author(s)
Tucker, Donna D.
Williams, Lester J.
Williams, Lester J.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
Joint systems developed in the massive Lithonia Gneiss in the Lithonia–Conyers area in eastern Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia (Fig. 1) may locally influence the flow and movement of groundwater in the underlying crystalline bedrock. In quarries, outcrops, and wells, these fracture systems almost always occur in zones of joint concentration separated by either poorly jointed or unjointed rock. In most parts of this study area, the joints have a fairly consistent orientation (Fig. 2) and, where concentrated, appear to influence drainage patterns. In quarries, groundwater is commonly observed seeping along zones of joint concentration and moving downward into the subsurface; this substantially influences weathering along these zones and, in turn, contributes to valley development. Slickensided joints (small faults) also occur in local quarries; these occur in systems of en-echelon, moderately-dipping fractures that may be part of larger brittle fault zones. Additional focused study of joint and fracture systems, along with mapping of lithologies and foliation trends, may be useful in better understanding groundwater resources of the area.
Sponsor
Sponsored by:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute
The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty
Date Issued
2005-04
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings