Aquifers and Watersheds

In this episode, Chris goes on an unusual journey into the freezing wilds of west Wisconsin. He is accompanying a hardy band of geographers in their quest to find rings: tree rings taken as cores from ancient oaks. Danger and mishaps threaten to sunder their fellowship, but with the aid of a doughty Wisconsin farmer, they reach the bottom of an icy and perilous valley and achieve their goal. Along the way, the fascinating science of dendrochronology is explained. Learn how the study of tree rings can provide answers about watersheds in the past, and information for stakeholders about watersheds in the future.

The secrets of the phosphorus cycle are revealed in this episode, as well as the challenges of trying to relay the science about this unusual nutrient cycle to the stakeholders of watersheds impacted by phosphorus loading. Sea Grant outreach specialist Julia Noordyk shares her experience in trying to bring knowledge of the phosphorus cycle and caring for water resources to the Green Bay area of Wisconsin, which lies in the watershed of the Fox and Wolf Rivers. Snippets of history, chemistry and cutting edge modern technology round out the podcast.

In episode six, the series continues its exploration of the aquifers of Wisconsin. USGS scientist David Krabbenhoft returns to share his expertise, while historical color on the geological influence of Carthusian monks and Thomas Chamberlin rounds out the narrative.

A close examination of Wisconsin aquifers begins in episode five, which features USGS scientist David Krabbenhoft, slices of Wisconsin’s geological history, and an interview with Dr. George Kraft. Dr. Kraft is a water resources scientist who is intimately familiar with the ongoing situation in Wisconsin’s Central Sands area, where lowering water levels are becoming an issue of serious concern.

In this episode, Chris heads out to Black Earth Creek to meet Tim Campbell, an aquatic invasive species expert who works for the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant. In between dodging traffic and wildlife, they share a candid conversation on invasive species, on specific organisms affecting Wisconsin and on how to think about the proliferation of unwanted flora and fauna in general. Tim explains the challenges of conducting effective public outreach on such invasives, as well as the role that watersheds play in the spread of undesirable species.

Dr. Fred Madison AKA Doctor Dirt reveals the vital role that soil plays in the formation of aquifers, and how water actually becomes groundwater.

Learning how people visualize watersheds, and the different ways that have been developed to categorize them, is the central theme of this podcast, which also features Dr. David Krabbenhoft.

Chris heads to the USGS to meet Dr. David Krabbenhoft, a research scientist who shares the basic information necessary for understanding aquifers.