Subterranean Loss and Gain of Water in Mountain Lake, Virginia: A Hydrologic Model

Authors

Martin Jansons, Civil/Environmental Engineers
Bruce C. Parker, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Jacob E. Waller, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.25778/6msp-2472

Abstract

Mountain Lake, Virginia is a small, unique, oligotrophic, subalpine ecosystem in the southern Appalachians. Previous studies have disclosed that this lake has manifested periodic prolonged low water levels during the several thousand years of its existence. The most recent low water level occurred during the drought years of 1999-2002. Measurements of lake level, precipitation, and other meteorological data including calculated evapotranspiration in the lake basin from 2/19/02 to 8/31/03 have enabled estimation of net subterranean water losses presumably through cracks between Clinch sandstone boulders and/or the recently discovered deep hole at the northwest end of Mountain Lake. These net losses reflect the balance between total losses and any gains from springs and boulder cracks not quantified in this study. Scuba divers have documented the existence of these cracks and the deep hole. Subterranean net water losses of about 0.04-0.05 m³/s (634-792 gpm) apparently occur year-round.

Recommended Citation

Jansons, Martin; Parker, Bruce C.; and Waller, Jacob E. (2004) "Subterranean Loss and Gain of Water in Mountain Lake, Virginia: A Hydrologic Model," Virginia Journal of Science: Vol. 55: No. 3, Article 1.
DOI: 10.25778/6msp-2472
Available at: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol55/iss3/1