Ship Trackline along which Continuous Resistivity Profile Data were Collected in the Corsica River Estuary, Maryland on May 15, 2007 on USGS Cruise 07005 (RESGPSLNS_JD135.SHP)
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) into Maryland's Corsica River Estuary was investigated as part of a larger study to determine the importance of nutrient delivery to Chesapeake Bay via this pathway. Resource managers are concerned about nutrients that are entering the estuary via submarine groundwater discharge from this primarily agricultural watershed that may be contributing to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and fish kills. An interdisciplinary U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) science team conducted field operations in the estuary in April and May 2007. Techniques used included continuous resistivity profiling (CRP), piezometer sampling, seepage meter measurements, and collection of a radon tracer time series. Better understanding of the style, locations, and rates of groundwater discharge could lead to improved models and mitigation strategies for estuarine nutrient over-enrichment in the Corsica River Estuary, and other similar settings. More information on the field work can be accessed from the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Field Activity webpage: https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2007-005-FA.