Mount, Gregory J.

The karst Biscayne aquifer is characterized by a heterogeneous spatial
arrangement of porosity, making hydrogeological characterization difficult. In this
dissertation, I investigate the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR), for understanding
the spatial distribution of porosity variability in the Miami Limestone presented as a
compilation of studies where scale of measurement is progressively increased to account
for varying dimensions of dissolution features.
In Chapter 2, GPR in zero offset acquisition mode is used to investigate the 2-D
distribution of porosity and dielectric permittivity in a block of Miami Limestone at the
laboratory scale (< 1.0 m). Petrophysical models based on fully saturated and unsaturated.
water conditions are used to estimate porosity and solid dielectric permittivity of the
limestone. Results show a good correspondence between analytical and GPR-based
porosity estimates and show variability between 22.0-66.0 %.
In Chapter 3, GPR in common offset and common midpoint acquisition mode are
used to estimate bulk porosity of the unsaturated Miami Limestone at the field scale
(10.0-100.0 m). Estimates of porosity are based on the assumption that the directly
measured water table reflector is flat and that any deviation is attributed to changes in
velocity due to porosity variability. Results show sharp changes in porosity ranging
between 33.2-60.9 % attributed to dissolution areas.
In Chapter 4, GPR in common offset mode is used to characterize porosity
variability in the saturated Biscayne aquifer at 100-1000 m field scales. The presence of
numerous diffraction hyperbolae are used to estimate electromagnetic wave velocity and
asses both horizontal and vertical changes in porosity after application of a petrophysical
model. Results show porosity variability between 23.0-41.0 % and confirm the presence
of isolated areas that could serve as enhanced infiltration or recharge.
This research allows for the identification and delineation areas of macroporosity
areas at 0.01 m lateral resolution and shows variability of porosity at different scales,
reaching 37.0 % within 1.3 m, associated with areas of enhanced dissolution. Such
improved resolution of porosity estimates can benefit water management efforts and
transport modelling and help to better understand small scale relationships between
ground water and surface water interactions.

During pre-Columbian times, the Lake Okeechobee Region was home to people of the Belle Glade culture. The lake provided an area rich in resources that facilitated not only the hunter-gatherer-fisher lifestyle of the people but also supported increased cultural complexity. Over time, people participated in an exchange network, trading materials with cultural groups from a variety of locations. This thesis provides an analysis of those non-local artifacts, their probable points of origins and the type of exchange that facilitated the movement of these goods into the region.