Title:
The Independence Day Flood of 1994, and Effects on Water Levels in the Upper Floridan Aquifer, Albany Area, Georgia
The Independence Day Flood of 1994, and Effects on Water Levels in the Upper Floridan Aquifer, Albany Area, Georgia
Author(s)
Hicks, David W.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
Remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto moved from the Gulf of Mexico into southwestern Georgia on Independence
Day weekend, 1994. Rainfall was scattered over the
western half of Georgia, eastern Alabama, and the Florida panhandle. The heaviest rainfall occurred in the Flint River
watershed, where Americus, Ga., received about 28 in. from
July 3-7, with about 21 in. falling in a 24-hour period on
July 5-6. Torrential rainfall resulted in record flooding
during the period July 4-19. At Albany, the Flint River
crested at a stage of 43 ft, which was 23 ft above flood
stage, and more than 5 ft higher than the previously known
record stage of 37.8 ft, which occurred in January 1925.
Heavy rainfall and extensive flooding caused water
levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer to rise to historic record
high levels in much of the study area near the Flint River.
Water levels in the aquifer responded to flooding conditions
at magnitudes and rates controlled by the hydraulic conductivity and pre-flood potentiometric surface of the aquifer, and the distance from the flooded area. Where the hydraulic
conductivity of the aquifer is relatively low, the response to
rising floodwaters was slow and the recovery period was
delayed after the river receded. However, where the hydraulic
conductivity of the aquifer is high, response was rapid
both to rising floodwaters and to recession of the river.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date Issued
1995-04
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Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings