Base Altitude Contours of the Gray Limestone Aquifer in Dade County

Contour lines map the altitude below sea level of a key aquifer's base in southeastern Florida. The U.S. Geological Survey produced this map as part of a regional hydrogeologic study published in 1990. It specifically defines the permeable gray limestone intervals within the Tamiami Formation that are at least 10 feet thick.

Use Cases

• Model groundwater flow paths using the aquifer base elevation contours.
• Delineate the spatial extent of high-permeability zones defined by the 10-foot thickness and 100 ft/d hydraulic conductivity criteria.
• Assess aquifer geometry and storage potential by analyzing the contour interval of 10 feet.
• Support water supply management by mapping the configuration of the gray limestone unit within the surficial aquifer system.

Strengths

• Contours are based on specific, quantitative criteria: intervals at least 10 ft thick with hydraulic conductivity of at least 100 ft/d.
• Data originates from a definitive U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report (WRIR 90-4108).
• Focuses on a critical hydrogeologic unit within the populated coastal area of southeastern Florida.

Limitations

• The dataset is temporally stale, representing the understanding as of its publication in 1990.
• Contour detail is limited to a 10-foot interval, which may be insufficient for high-resolution local modeling.
• Spatial coverage is restricted to the mapped area within Dade County, Florida.

Provenance

Source

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Water-Resources Investigations Report 90-4108, figure 15.

Collection Method

Hydrogeologic study involving drilling and monitoring, conducted in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District.

Time Range

Study period circa 1990.

Freshness

1985-12-31

Geography

Dade County, Florida, United States, specifically the Tamiami Formation within the surficial aquifer system.