Groundwater flow system under a rapidly urbanizing coastal city as determined by hydrogeochemistry

In the Jakarta area (Indonesia), excessive groundwater pumping due to the rapidly increasing population has caused groundwater-related problems such as brackish water contamination in coastal areas and land subsidence. In this study, we adopted multiple hydrogeochemical techniques to demonstrate the groundwater flow system in the Jakarta area. Although almost all groundwater existing in the Jakarta basin is recharged at similar elevations, the water quality and residence time demonstrates a clear difference between the shallow and deep aquifers. Due to the rapid decrease in the groundwater potential in urban areas, we found that the seawater intrusion and the shallow and deep groundwaters are mixing, a conclusion confirmed by major ions, Br^?:Cl^? ratios, and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12 analysis. Spring water and groundwater samples collected from the southern mountainside area show younger age characteristics with high concentrations of ¹⁴C and Ca–HCO₃ type water chemistry. We estimated the residence times of these groundwaters within 45 years under piston flow conditions by tritium analysis. Also, these groundwater ages can be limited to 20–30 years with piston flow evaluated by CFCs. Moreover, due to the magnitude of the CFC-12 concentration, we can use a pseudo age indicator in this field study, because we found a positive correlation between the major type of water chemistry and the CFC-12 concentration.     

Analysis of environmental isotopes in groundwater to understand the response of a vulnerable coastal aquifer to pumping: Western Port Basin, south-eastern Australia

The response of a multi-layered coastal aquifer in southeast Australia to decades of groundwater pumping, and the groundwater age, flow paths and salinization processes were examined using isotopic tracers. Groundwater radiocarbon and tritium contents decline with distance and depth away from basin margins; however, in the main zone of pumping, radiocarbon activities are generally homogeneous within a given depth horizon. A lack of tritium and low radiocarbon activities (<25 pMC) in groundwater in and around the pumping areas indicate that seasonal recovery of water levels is related to capture of old water with low radioisotope activities, rather than arrival of recently recharged water. Mechanisms facilitating seasonal recovery include release of water from low-permeability layers and horizontal transfer of water from undeveloped parts of the basin. Overall stability in seasonally recovered water levels and salinities for the past three decades indicate that the system has reached a dynamic equilibrium with respect to water balance and salinity, following a major change in flow paths and solute distributions after initial development. Groundwater δ¹⁸O, δ²H and chloride contents indicate mixing between fresh meteoric-derived groundwater and marine water at the coast, with the most saline groundwater approximating an 80:20 mixture of fresh to oceanic water.     

Effects of rainwater-harvesting-induced artificial recharge on the groundwater of wells in Rajasthan, India

In light of the increasing deterioration of groundwater supplies in Rajasthan, India, rainwater harvesting practices in southern Rajasthan were studied to determine the effects of artificially recharged groundwater on the supply and quality of local groundwater. A physical and geochemical investigation utilizing environmental tracers (δ¹⁸O and Cl^–), groundwater level and groundwater quality measurements, and geological surveys was conducted with two objectives: (1) to quantify the proportion of artificially recharged groundwater in wells located near rainwater harvesting structures and (2) to examine potential effects of artificial recharge on the quality of groundwater in these wells. A geochemical mixing model revealed that the proportion of artificial recharge in these wells ranged from 0 to 75%. Groundwater tracer, water table, and geological data provided evidence of complex groundwater flow and were used to explain the spatial distribution of artificial recharge. Furthermore, wells receiving artificial recharge had improved groundwater quality. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the water quality in these wells and wells determined not to receive artificial recharge, for electrical conductivity and SO ₄ ^– . The findings from this study provide quantitative evidence that rainwater harvesting structures in southern Rajasthan influence the groundwater supply and quality of nearby wells by artificially recharging local groundwater.     

Tracing stable isotope values from meteoric water to groundwater in the southwestern part of the Chad basin

The southwestern Chad basin is a semi-arid region with annual rainfall that is generally less than 500 mm and over 2,000 mm of evapotranspiration. Surface water in rivers is seasonal, and therefore groundwater is the perennial source of water supply for domestic and other purposes. Stable isotope has been measured for rainwater, surface water and groundwater samples in this region. The stable isotope data have been used to understand the inter-relationships between the rainwater, surface water, shallow and deep groundwater of this region. This is being used in a qualitative sense to demonstrate present day recharge to the groundwater. Stable isotope in rainwater for the region has an average value of –4‰ δ¹⁸O and –20‰ δ²H. Surface water samples from rivers and Lake Chad fall on the evaporation line of this average value. The Upper Zone aquifer water samples show stable isotope signal with a wide range of values indicating the complex character of the aquifer Zone with three distinguishable units. The wide range of values is attributable to waters from individual unit and/or mixture of waters of different units. The Middle and Lower aquifers Zones’ waters show similar stable isotopes values, probably indicating similarity in timing and/or mechanism of recharge. These are palaeowaters probably recharged under a climate that is different from today. The Upper Zone aquifer is presently being recharged as some of its waters show stable isotope compositions similar to those of average rainfall waters of the region.     

塔里木盆地区域地下水环境同位素特征及其意义

以大量水环境同位素样品测试结果为依据,对塔里木盆地的区域水环境同位素特征进行了分析,得出了一些有意义的认识:(1)塔里木盆地不同14C年龄的地下水的δD、δ18O值差异不明显,反映了水资源形成区在最后冰期和冰后期气温相差不大,推测是由于新构造运动使山体隆升,同一位置因高程变化产生的气温变化弥合了气候的变化,这一特征使我们难以运用δD-δ18O关系区别古水(冰期)与现代水(冰后期)。(2)在δD-δ18O关系图上,沿大气降水线可把盆地内主要河流及其补给形成的地下水大致圈定在3个域内,这3个域的区别不是大气环流作用的结果,而是河流源区山脉高程效应的反映。(3)与西北内陆盆地其他大型河流比较,阿克苏河流域下游承压自流水的14C年龄小得多,这是由阿克苏河径流量大、下游为河槽洼地、不完全具备山前倾斜平原水文地质特征等决定的。阿克苏河下游承压水水循环交替迅速,开发潜力较大,在西北内流盆地中是一个特例。(4)塔克拉玛干沙漠第四系松散层地下水主要是从盆地南缘侧向补给的,在沙漠腹地由深部向浅部顶托排泄。盆地内深层油田水处于高度封闭的滞留状态,与上部松散沉积层地下水之间基本没有联系。     

Isotopic and morphological features of fracture calcite from granitic rocks of the Tono area,Japan: a promising palaeohydrogeological tool

This study aimed to develop a methodology for assessing the hydrochemical evolution of a groundwater system, using fracture-filling and fracture-lining calcite. Fracture calcite in deep (to ca. 1000 m) granitic rocks of the Tono area, central Japan, was investigated by optical and electron microscopy, and chemical and isotopic analysis. Coupled with geological evidence, these new data imply 3 main origins for the waters that precipitated calcite: (1) relatively high-temperature hydrothermal solutions, precipitating calcite distinguished by δ¹⁸O_SMOW from −3 to ca. 10‰, and with δ¹³C_PDB from ca. −18 to −7‰; (2) seawater, probably partly of Miocene age, which precipitated calcite distinguished by δ¹³C_PDB of ca. 0‰ and δ¹⁸O_SMOW > ca. 20‰; (3) fresh water, with a variable δ¹³C_PDB composition, but which precipitated calcite distinguished by δ¹³C_PDB that was significantly < 0‰ and as low as ca. −29‰ and δ¹⁸O_SMOW > ca. 17‰. Data for ¹⁴C suggest that at least some of the fresh-water calcite formed within the last 50 ka. The present day hydrogeological regime in the Tono area is also dominated by fresh groundwater. However, the marine calcite of probable Miocene age found at depth has shown no evidence for dissolution and many different calcite crystal forms have been preserved. Studies of other groundwater systems have correlated similar crystallographic variations with variations in the salinity of coexisting groundwaters. When this correlation is applied to the Tono observations, the calcite crystal forms imply a similar range of groundwater salinity to that inferred from the isotopic data. Thus, the present study suggests that even in presently low-salinity groundwater systems, calcite morphological variations may record the changing salinity of coexisting groundwaters. It is suggested that calcite morphological data, coupled with isotopic data, could provide a powerful palaeohydrogeological tool in such circumstances.     

Recharge and sustainability of a coastal aquifer in northern Albania

The River Mati in Albania has formed a coastal plain with Holocene and Pleistocene sediments. The outer portion of the plain is clay, with three underlying aquifers that are connected to an alluvial fan at the entry of the river into the plain. The aquifers supply water for 240,000 people. Close to the sea the aquifers are brackish. The brackish water is often artesian and found to be thousands of years old. Furthermore, the salinity, supported by δ¹⁸O results, does not seem to be due to mixing with old seawater but due to diffusion from intercalated clay layers. Heavy metals from mines in the upstream section of River Mati are not an immediate threat, as the pH buffering of the river water is good. Moreover, the heavy metals are predominantly found in suspended and colloidal phases. Two sulphur isotope signatures, one mirroring seawater sulphate in the brackish groundwater (δ³⁴S >21 ‰) and one showing the influence of sulphide in the river and the fresh groundwater (δ³⁴S <10 ‰), indicate that the groundwater in the largest well field is recharged from the river. The most serious threat is gravel extraction in the alluvial fan, decreasing the hydraulic head necessary for recharge and causing clogging of sediments.     

Mixing of magmatic CO2 into volcano groundwater flow at Aso volcano assessed combining carbon and water stable isotopes

To understand deep groundwater flow systems and their interaction with CO₂ emanated from magma at depth in a volcanic edifice, deep groundwater samples were collected from hot spring wells in the Aso volcanic area for hydrogen, oxygen and carbon isotope analyses and measurements of the stable carbon isotope ratios and concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Relations between the stable carbon isotope ratio (δ¹³C_DIC) and DIC concentrations of the sampled waters show that magma-derived CO₂ mixed into the deep groundwater. Furthermore, groundwaters of deeper areas, except samples from fumarolic areas, show higher δ¹³C_DIC values. The waters' stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios (δD and δ¹⁸O) reflect the meteoric-water origin of that region's deep groundwater. A negative correlation was found between the altitude of the well bottom and the altitude of groundwater recharge as calculated using the equation of the recharge-water line and δD value. This applies especially in the Aso-dani area, where deeper groundwater correlates with higher recharge. Groundwater recharged at high altitude has higher δ¹³C_DIC of than groundwater recharged at low altitude, strongly suggesting that magmatic CO₂ is present to a much greater degree in deeper groundwater. These results indicate that magmatic CO₂ mixes into deeper groundwater flowing nearer the magma conduit or chamber.     

矿区流域不同水体同位素时空特征及水循环指示意义

为了探究平朔矿区所在流域不同水体同位素的时空变化规律, 揭示采煤活动下区域水循环规律, 于2020年8月和12月对流域内地表水、地下水和矿井水进行采样, 测试样品的D和18O同位素组成, 并利用贝叶斯混合模型MixSIAR计算了矿井水不同来源的贡献率。结果表明: ①地表水和矿井水δD和δ18O夏季较冬季高; 地下水δD和δ18O季节差异不明显。地表水氢氧同位素值沿程呈增加趋势, 但局部受到矿井水的补给, 出现贫化; 地下水氢氧同位素值沿径流方向呈逐渐增加趋势。②采煤区氢氧同位素值较非采煤区明显增加。受季节效应影响, 在空间分布上8月浅层地下水氢氧同位素高值区域较12月明显增多。③ δ18O与δD关系图表明, 地表水在接受大气降水的补给之后受到了蒸发分馏作用的影响; 浅层地下水的补给源较复杂, 深层地下水由于采煤形成的导水裂隙带受到了浅层地下水和地表水的补给; 矿井水受地表水、浅层地下水和深层地下水的补给。④ MixSIAR模型揭示出深层地下水是矿井水的主要补给来源, 占61.60%~67.20%, 且补给比例冬季大于夏季; 浅层地下水对矿井水的补给存在明显季节差异。     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidence of groundwater evolution and recharge in aquifers in Beijing Plain, China

An investigation was conducted in Beijing to identify the groundwater evolution and recharge in the quaternary aquifers. Water samples were collected from precipitation, rivers, wells, and springs for hydrochemical and isotopic measurements. The recharge and the origin of groundwater and its residence time were further studied. The groundwater in the upper aquifer is characterized by Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the upstream area and Na-HCO₃ type in the downstream area of the groundwater flow field. The groundwater in the lower aquifer is mainly characterized by Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the upstream area and Ca-Na-Mg-HCO₃ and Na-Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the downstream area. The δD and δ¹⁸O in precipitation are linearly correlated, which is similar to WMWL. The δD and δ¹⁸O values of river, well and spring water are within the same ranges as those found in the alluvial fan zone, and lay slightly above or below LMWL. The δD and δ¹⁸O values have a decreasing trend generally following the precipitation → surface water → shallow groundwater → spring water → deep groundwater direction. There is evidence of enrichment of heavy isotopes in groundwater due to evaporation. Tritium values of unconfined groundwater give evidence for ongoing recharge in modern times with mean residence times <50 a. It shows a clear renewal evolution along the groundwater flow paths and represents modern recharge locally from precipitation and surface water to the shallow aquifers (<150 m). In contrast, according to ¹⁴C ages in the confined aquifers and residence time of groundwater flow lines, the deep groundwater is approximately or older than 10 ka, and was recharged during a period when the climate was wetter and colder mainly from the piedmont surrounding the plain. The groundwater exploitation is considered to be “mined unsustainably” because more water is withdrawn than it is replenished.     

The deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopic composition of the groundwater in Khan Younis City,southern Gaza Strip (Palestine)

The environmental isotopes such as deuterium and oxygen-18 and the deuterium excess values have been used to assess groundwater recharge sources and their dynamics in Khan Younis City in the Gaza Strip in Palestine. Three isotopic lines for the relationship between δ²H and δ¹⁸O were used in the assessment. These lines are the global meteoric water line, the local meteoric water line and the groundwater evaporation line. The δ²H, δ¹⁸O and D-excess values indicate that deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopes originated in the groundwater from groundwater mixing with rainfall and other water sources; the groundwater in the area recharged from rainfall from a distant source that came from the Mediterranean Sea and from other sources such as wastewater, irrigation return flow and saline water.     

Comparison of stable isotopes,ratios of Cl/Cl and I/I in brine and deep groundwater from the Pacific coastal region and the eastern margin of the Japan Sea

Fifty-three samples, including brines associated with oil and natural gas reservoirs and groundwater samples from deep boreholes, were collected from the Pacific and Japan Sea coastal regions in Japan. The ¹²⁹I/¹²⁷I and ³⁶Cl/Cl ratios, and stable isotopes (δD and δ¹⁸O) are compared to investigate differences related to the geotectonic settings of the two regions. The δD and δ¹⁸O data indicate that brine and groundwater from the Pacific coastal region reflect mixing of meteoric water with connate seawater in the pores of sedimentary rocks. On the other hand, brine and groundwater from the Japan Sea coastal region have been hydrothermally altered. In particular, brines associated with petroleum accumulations at Niigata and Akita showed the same isotopic characteristics as fluids found in the Kuroko deposits of the Green Tuff region in northeastern Japan. There is little difference in the ³⁶Cl/Cl ratios in brine and groundwater from the Pacific and Japan Sea coasts. Most brine and some deep groundwater, except those from the Pleistocene Kazusa Group, have already reached the average secular equilibrium ratio of 9.9 ± 2.7 × 10⁻¹⁵ for their mudstone and sandstone reservoirs. There was no correlation between the ³⁶Cl/Cl ratios and differences in geotectonic setting between the Pacific and the Japan Sea coast. The molar I/Br ratio suggests that the I in all of water samples was of biogenic origin. The average ¹²⁹I/¹²⁷I ratio was 290 ± 130 × 10⁻¹⁵ to 294 ± 105 × 10⁻¹⁵ in both regions, showing no relationship to the different geotectonic settings. The uncontaminated brine and groundwater samples are likely to have retained the original ¹²⁹I/¹²⁷I ratios of marine I released from the old organic matter stored in sedimentary rock.     

Isotopes (δD and δ18O) in precipitation, groundwater and surface water in the Ordos Plateau, China: implications with respect to groundwater recharge and circulation

The characteristics of δD and δ¹⁸O in precipitation, groundwater and surface water have been used to understand the groundwater flow system in the Ordos Plateau, north-central China. The slope of the local meteoric water line (LMWL) is smaller than that of the global meteoric water line (GMWL), which signifies secondary evaporation during rainfall. The distribution of stable isotopes of precipitation is influenced by temperature and the amount of precipitation. The lake water is enriched isotopically due to evaporation and its isotopic composition is closely related to the source of recharge and location in the groundwater flow systems. River water is enriched isotopically, indicating that it suffers evaporation. The deep groundwater (more than 150?m) is depleted in heavy isotopes relative to the shallow groundwater (less than 150?m), suggesting that deep groundwater may have been recharged during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene, when the climate was wetter and colder than at present. All groundwater samples plot around the LMWL, implying groundwater is of meteoric origin. Shallow groundwater has undergone evaporation and the average evaporation loss is 53%. There are two recharge mechanisms: preferential flow, and the mixture of evaporated soil moisture and subsequent rain.     

Mixing of shallow and deep groundwater as indicated by the chemistry and age of karstic springs

Large karstic springs in east-central Florida, USA were studied using multi-tracer and geochemical modeling techniques to better understand groundwater flow paths and mixing of shallow and deep groundwater. Spring water types included Ca–HCO₃ (six), Na–Cl (four), and mixed (one). The evolution of water chemistry for Ca–HCO₃ spring waters was modeled by reactions of rainwater with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions. The Na–Cl and mixed-type springs were modeled by reactions of either rainwater or Upper Floridan aquifer water with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions and mixed with varying proportions of saline Lower Floridan aquifer water, which represented 4–53% of the total spring discharge. Multiple-tracer data—chlorofluorocarbon CFC-113, tritium (³H), helium-3 (³He_trit), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)—for four Ca–HCO₃ spring waters were consistent with binary mixing curves representing water recharged during 1980 or 1990 mixing with an older (recharged before 1940) tracer-free component. Young-water mixing fractions ranged from 0.3 to 0.7. Tracer concentration data for two Na–Cl spring waters appear to be consistent with binary mixtures of 1990 water with older water recharged in 1965 or 1975. Nitrate-N concentrations are inversely related to apparent ages of spring waters, which indicated that elevated nitrate-N concentrations were likely contributed from recent recharge.The online version of the original article can be found at     

Mixing of shallow and deep groundwater as indicated by the chemistry and age of karstic springs

Large karstic springs in east-central Florida, USA were studied using multi-tracer and geochemical modeling techniques to better understand groundwater flow paths and mixing of shallow and deep groundwater. Spring water types included Ca–HCO₃ (six), Na–Cl (four), and mixed (one). The evolution of water chemistry for Ca–HCO₃ spring waters was modeled by reactions of rainwater with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions. The Na–Cl and mixed-type springs were modeled by reactions of either rainwater or Upper Floridan aquifer water with soil organic matter, calcite, and dolomite under oxic conditions and mixed with varying proportions of saline Lower Floridan aquifer water, which represented 4–53% of the total spring discharge. Multiple-tracer data—chlorofluorocarbon CFC-113, tritium (³H), helium-3 (³He_trit), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)—for four Ca–HCO₃ spring waters were consistent with binary mixing curves representing water recharged during 1980 or 1990 mixing with an older (recharged before 1940) tracer-free component. Young-water mixing fractions ranged from 0.3 to 0.7. Tracer concentration data for two Na–Cl spring waters appear to be consistent with binary mixtures of 1990 water with older water recharged in 1965 or 1975. Nitrate-N concentrations are inversely related to apparent ages of spring waters, which indicated that elevated nitrate-N concentrations were likely contributed from recent recharge.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Groundwater flow dynamics in the complex aquifer system of Gidabo River Basin (Ethiopian Rift): a multi-proxy approach

Hydrochemical and isotope data in conjunction with hydraulic head and spring discharge observations were used to characterize the regional groundwater flow dynamics and the role of the tectonic setting in the Gidabo River Basin, Ethiopian Rift. Both groundwater levels and hydrochemical and isotopic data indicate groundwater flow from the major recharge area in the highland and escarpment into deep rift floor aquifers, suggesting a deep regional flow system can be distinguished from the shallow local aquifers. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H values of deep thermal (≥30 °C) groundwater are depleted relative to the shallow (<60 m below ground level) groundwater in the rift floor. Based on the δ¹⁸O values, the thermal groundwater is found to be recharged in the highland around 2,600 m a.s.l. and on average mixed with a proportion of 30 % shallow groundwater. While most groundwater samples display diluted solutions, δ¹³C data of dissolved inorganic carbon reveal that locally the thermal groundwater near fault zones is loaded with mantle CO₂, which enhances silicate weathering and leads to anomalously high total dissolved solids (2,000–2,320 mg/l) and fluoride concentrations (6–15 mg/l) exceeding the recommended guideline value. The faults are generally found to act as complex conduit leaky barrier systems favoring vertical mixing processes. Normal faults dipping to the west appear to facilitate movement of groundwater into deeper aquifers and towards the rift floor, whereas those dipping to the east tend to act as leaky barriers perpendicular to the fault but enable preferential flow parallel to the fault plane.     

Br/Cl ratio,Zn and radon constraints on the origin and fate of geothermal fluids in the coastal region of southeastern China

Low-to-medium temperature geothermal fluids in the granite regions of southeastern China are an important renewable energy resource, but they are also a source of contamination containing highly toxic elements such as fluoride and arsenic. This study analyzed the origin of the geothermal fluids in a regional-scale hydrogeological unit in the city of Xiamen, China, based on isotope and hydrochemical analyses. The Br/Cl ratios suggested that the inland geothermal fluid is merely recharged by rainwater from the mountain edge, while the coastal geothermal fluid is originally recharged by the seawater and later mixed with rain-derived groundwater. The geothermal water featured high SiO₂ and detectable Zn concentrations. The former reflects the significant water–granite interaction along the flow path, and the latter indicates the active hydraulic connection between surface waters, shallow aquifers and deep geothermal fluids. High radon content was detected near the deep conductive fault adjacent to a geothermal well, demonstrating that the fault damage zone acts as a major conduit for upward transport of the deep geothermal fluid. As a result, the fault damage zones developed in the granite are necessary for the formation of geothermal water, which leads to the uneven distribution of geothermal water in the subsurface. High-temperature geothermal water can be found in those regions with fairly sparse fault damage zones. In contrast, in the region with high-density fault activities, the active communication between shallow cool water and deep geothermal fluids can decrease the water temperature.

     

The inter-relationship between coastal sub-aquifers and the Mediterranean Sea, deduced from radioactive isotopes analysis

Radioactive isotopes were used to estimate the rate of seawater intrusion into the coastal aquifer of Israel, the connection between the different sub-aquifers, and the connection between the sub-aquifers and the sea. This was done by dating both fresh and saline groundwaters from the vicinity of the shoreline, which were analyzed for their ¹⁴C and tritium content together with their chemical and stable isotope composition. The results indicate that the distinct sub-aquifers differ in their water chemistry and age. The saline groundwater in the lower sub-aquifers is older than ca. 10,000 years, as evidenced by the absence of tritium and low ¹⁴C activity (<12 PMC). On the other hand, saline groundwaters in the upper sub-aquifers contain tritium and are thus younger than 50 years, indicating recent intrusion of seawater. The ages of the saline groundwaters become younger upward from the lower sub-aquifers to the upper ones, reflecting the sea-level rise since the last glacial period. The older ages also imply slow groundwater flow in the lower sub-aquifers. The fresh groundwaters in most cases in the lower sub-aquifers were found to be older than ca. 10,000 years and this implies that the flow to the sea is blocked or restricted.     

Multi-isotopic composition (δLi–δB–δD–δO) of rainwaters in France: Origin and spatio-temporal characterization

In the present work, the first results are reported for both Li and B isotope ratios in rainwater samples collected over a long time period (i.e. monthly rainfall events over 1 a) at a national scale (from coastal and inland locations). In addition, the stable isotopes of the water molecule (δD and δ¹⁸O) are also reported here for the same locations so that the Li and B isotope data can be discussed in the same context. The range of Li and B isotopic variations in these rainwaters were measured to enable the determination of the origin of these elements in rainwaters and the characterization of both the seasonal and spatio-temporal effects for δ⁷Li and δ¹¹B signatures in rainwaters. Lithium and B concentrations are low in rainwater samples, ranging from 0.004 to 0.292 μmol/L and from 0.029 to 6.184 μmol/L, respectively. δ⁷Li and δ¹¹B values in rainwaters also show a great range of variation between +3.2‰ and +95.6‰ and between −3.3‰ and +40.6‰ over a period of 1 a, respectively, clearly different from the signature of seawater. Seasonal effects (i.e. rainfall amount and month) are not the main factors controlling element concentrations and isotopic variations. δ⁷Li and δ¹¹B values in rainwaters are clearly different from one site to another, indicating the variable contribution of sea salts in the rainwater depending on the sampling site (coastal vs. inland: also called the distance-from-the-coast-effect). This is well illustrated when wind direction data (origin of air masses) is included. It was found that seawater is not the main supplier of dissolved atmospheric Li and B, and non-sea-salt sources (i.e. crustal, anthropogenic, biogenic) should also be taken into account when Li and B isotopes are considered in hydrogeochemistry as an input to surface waters and groundwater bodies as recharge. In parallel, the isotopic variations of the water molecule, vector of the dissolved B and Li, are also investigated and reported as a contour map for δ¹⁸O values based on compiled data including more than 400 δ¹⁸O values from throughout France. This δ¹⁸O map could be used as a reference for future studies dealing with δ¹⁸O recharge signature in relation to the characterization of surface waters and/or groundwater bodies.     

中国北方第四系地下水同位素分层及其指示意义

中国北方第四系地下水中的D, 18O, 3H和14C含量存在明显的分层现象, 这种现象与末次冰期以来的古气候变化有着较好的对应性, 反映了全新世和末次冰期气候条件的差别以及地下水不同的形成机制.深层地下水为晚更新世末次冰期时期形成, 其δ(D) 和δ(18O) 值与全新世补给形成的浅层地下水相比, 分别贫4× 10-3~ 16× 10-3和1× 10-3~ 2× 10-3, 说明末次冰期时期年均气温较低.古地下水中D和18O的大陆梯度与全新世以来地下水中的梯度基本相同, 说明在过去30000a来尽管气温发生变化, 但中国北方大陆的大气循环模式没有发生实质性的改变.地下水同位素分层现象反映了3种不同的补给机制及参与现代水循环程度.这些信息对大陆尺度上的水循环研究和地下水的可持续开发利用有着重要的意义.