Location
Allen George "A.G." Winslow
Years: 1915–2000 | Role: Hydrologist | County: Harris
Topics
Description
Winslow had a long career as a Texas hydrologist at both the USGS and the Texas Board of Water Engineers (a predecessor to the Texas Water Commission and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality). His research found that groundwater withdrawal in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers underlying the upper Gulf Coast region could cause pore pressure to drop, clay layers to compress, and the overlying land surfaces to subside. Winslow’s reasoning was illustrated in his 1954 and 1958 maps showing how cones of depression in aquifer water levels correlated well with the contours of land surface subsidence. Winslow was also involved in research during the 1950s on the link between groundwater withdrawals and salt water intrusion. In these ways, his studies helped build the early arguments for regulating pumping and conserving freshwater aquifers.
Location Notes
In his influential 1954 report, Winslow pointed to Pasadena's industrial center, near the Houston Ship Channel, as the epicenter of land subsidence. Observation wells that he used were close to Vince Bayou. So, one location for a marker in Winslow's honor could be put at Memorial Park, 500 West Jackson, in Pasadena.
Files
Bibliography
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Allen G. Winslow and William W. Doyel. “Salt Water and Its Relation to Fresh Ground Water in Harris County.” Texas Board of Water Engineers, Bulletin 5409, prepared cooperatively by the Geological Survey, United State Department of the Interior and the City of Houston. June 1954.