Dr. Willard Moore

On November 11, 2005 Dr. Willard Moore, a USC geology professor, spoke to the Greater Piedmont Chapter of the Explorers Club. His presentation, “The Subterranean Estuary,” explained the dynamic nature of salt and fresh water in the coastal estuaries and aquifers. He described in detail his field research on the subject, the main point being that the amount of water pumped out of coastal fresh water aquifers must be closely monitored.

Essentially, if too much water is pumped out of certain coastal wells, too much salt water comes in its place. If too little water is pumped out, the surrounding salt water becomes diluted with fresh water.

In populated coastal areas such as Savannah and Hilton Head, at times the wells have experienced too high levels of saline from over–pumping. This can cause problems, but fortunately can be remedied in time by simply pumping less water.

For more information about the Explorers Club, contact Warner Montgomery at 803-771-0219 or warnerm@sc.rr.com.