Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to measure tidal oscillations and their effects on the groundwater table of James Fort, Jamestown Virginia. This study took place from the spring of 1999 to spring of 2000. The determination of the geomorphic setting, stratigraphic framework, and groundwater setting of today were integral parts of figuring the historical context of the James Fort area at Church Point. The defining topographic features of the Coastal Plain are terraces. Jamestown Island consists of the equivalent of the Hampton Flat. The surficial unit of Church Point is the Tabb Formation. it is underlain by the Eastover Formation. The James River at Jamestown Island is brackish in nature. The use of drinking water wells by the settlers of James Fort in 1607 would have altered the appearance of the groundwater table. Piezometers were hand augered or drilled within the confines of the fort wall boundaries. Some of these were nested wells to measure varying characteristics throughout the groundwater aquifer. Measurements of salinity and conductivity were recorded for water quality evaluation. The wells were outfitted with a transducer and data logger to measure tidal oscillations. The data collected from the wells was compared to the data collected at the Glass House in the late 1980s and early 1990s by College of William and Mary students. This study shows tidal oscillations and evidence of tidal pumping. The situation may be analogous to the conditions of James Fort 400 years ago. The conclusion of this study is that the seawall constructed at the turn of the century to stop shoreline erosion is an effective impediment to tidal pumping in the groundwater table of James Fort, Jamestown, Virginia.

Date Awarded

2000

Department

Geology

Advisor 1

Gerald H. Johnson

Advisor 2

Gregory S. Hancock

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