MISSISSIPPIAN AQUIFER
The Size of the Mississippian Aquifer:
Because the Aquifer is divided into two different states (this is shown above) the size of the aquifer varies.
Iowa: ranges in thickness from a featheredge to about 600 feet.
Michigan: 1000 feet thick.
The Types of Rock Found in the Mississippian Aquifer:
Iowa: mainly limestone and dolomite.
Michigan: siltstone and medium grained sandstone.
Recharge Zone in Mississippian Aquifer
In Michigan
The figure to your left is a map of Michigan's recharge zone. The arrows represent the areas of groundwater movement. The water moves from recharge areas
in the north and south areas to the east toward Saginaw Bay and west to Lake Michigan. The water is discharged at Lake Michigan. There is saltwater present in the Bay-port Michigan confining unit which is in the center of the state. It is not known if water moves through the central area.
In Iowa
The arrows on the map to the right represent the direction of ground water movement. The majority of the water
in the Iowa portion of the Aquifer moves to the south, shoutheastward and west-ward. The water is discharged at the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers. There is some water in the west part of the aquifer that moves into the Missouri which is to the south.
The arrows on the map to the right represent the direction of ground water movement. The majority of the water
in the Iowa portion of the Aquifer moves to the south, shoutheastward and west-ward. The water is discharged at the Des Moines and Skunk Rivers. There is some water in the west part of the aquifer that moves into the Missouri which is to the south.
Threats to the Quality of water in Aquifers
- Intensive use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.
- When numerous domestic septic tanks are located in a small area or septic tank installations are not operating properly.
- Accidental spills from agricultural sources
- Accidental spills from industrial spills.
- Improper disposal of paints, paint thinners, cleaning fluids, drain fluids, tires, and batteries that contain hazerdous compounds.