Karst: Underground Life of Southeast Minnesota (Via Zoom)

October 19, 6:30pm-8:00pm (Central Time)

$10 preregistered/prepaid.

Registration Deadline: October 17 (A link will be sent to you one day prior to the program)

Much of Southeast Minnesota is covered by karst. The term ‘karst’ is used to describe unique landforms and hydrology formed by precipitation and groundwater dissolving carbonate sedimentary rock. Karst is often characterized on the surface by the presence of sinkholes, caves, and springs, but where these features are absent, there can still be rapid connections between the land surface and underlying aquifers. Connections to large underground pathways allow for rapid transit of water, creating unpredictable ground water travel times and flow directions. This makes karst aquifers particularly vulnerable to human activities and complicates remediation efforts for issues like spills or surface applications of chemicals.

John Barry is senior hydrologist at the Department of Natural Resources. His current responsibilities include completing countywide aquifer-mapping projects that use geologic and geochemical data and geographic information systems. He is a collaborative partner with Minnesota Geological Survey, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and soil and water districts.

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