Evaluation of a Cavity-Riddled Zone of the Shallow Aquifer Near Riviera Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida

摘要

The shallow aquifer near Riviera Beach contains a cavity-riddled zone extending north and south about 5 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The zone lies approximately 60 feet below land surface and varies from 15 to 50 feet in thickness. It is approximately 3 miles in width. Aquifer material is calcareous quartz sandstone in the cavity zone, whereas the remainder of the consolidated aquifer material is primarily limestone. Most cavities are partly sand filled. The zone is overlain by several thin clay beds which provide varying degrees of confinement. The transmissivity of the cavity zone of the aquifer in the area of investigation is approximately 11,000 square feet per day. Water in the cavity zone is of suitable quality for public supply except in an area near a landfill where leachate has adversely affected water quality.