A study of the interrelation between surface water and groundwater using isotopes and chlorofluorocarbons in Sanjiang plain,Northeast China

Surface water and groundwater are the main water resources used for drinking and production. Assessments of the relationship between surface water and groundwater provide information for water resource management in Sanjiang plain, Northeast China. The surface water (river, lake, and wetland) and groundwater were sampled and analyzed for stable isotopic (δD, δ ¹⁸O) composition, tritium, and chlorofluorocarbons concentrations. The local meteoric water line is δD = 7.3δ ¹⁸O–6.7. The tritium (T) and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) contents in groundwater were analyzed to determine the groundwater ages. Most groundwater were modern water with the ages <50 years. The groundwaters in mountain area and near rivers were younger than in the central plain. The oxygen isotope (δ ¹⁸O) was used to quantify the relationship between surface water and groundwater. The Songhua, Heilongjiang, and Wusuli rivers were gaining rivers, but the shallow groundwater recharged from rivers at the confluence area of rivers. At the confluence of Songhua and Heilongjiang rivers, 88 % of the shallow groundwater recharged from Songhua river. The combination of stable isotopes, tritium, and CFCs was an effectively method to study the groundwater ages and interrelation between surface water and groundwater. Practically, the farmlands near the river and under foot of the mountain could be cultivated, but the farmlands in the central plain should be controlled.     

Flow of river water into a karstic limestone aquifer—2. Dating the young fraction in groundwater mixtures in the Upper Floridan aquifer near Valdosta, Georgia

Tritium/helium-3 (³H/³He) and chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs, CFC–11, CFC–12, CFC–113) data are used to date the young fraction in groundwater mixtures from a karstic limestone aquifer near Valdosta, Georgia, where regional paleowater in the Upper Floridan aquifer receives recharge from two young sources—the flow of Withlacoochee River water through sinkholes in the river bed, and leakage of infiltration water through post-Eocene semi-confining beds above the Upper Floridan aquifer. In dating the young fraction of mixtures using CFCs, it is necessary to reconstruct the CFC concentration that was in the young fraction prior to mixing. The ³H/³He age is independent of the extent of dilution with older (³H-free and ³He_trit-free) water. The groundwater mixtures are designated as Type-1 for mixtures of regional paleowater and regional infiltration water and Type-2 for mixtures containing more than approximately 4% of river water. The fractions of regional paleowater, regional infiltration water, and Withlacoochee River water in the groundwater mixtures were determined from Cl⁻ and δ¹⁸O data for water from the Upper Floridan aquifer at Valdosta, Georgia.The chlorofluorocarbons CFC–11 and CFC–113 are removed by microbial degradation and/or sorption processes in most anaerobic (Type-2) groundwater at Valdosta, but are present in some aerobic Type-1 water. CFC–12 persists in both SO₄-reducing and methanogenic water. The very low detection limits for CFCs (approximately 0.3 pg kg⁻¹) permitted CFC–11 and CFC–12 dating of the fraction of regional infiltration water in Type-1 mixtures, and CFC-12 dating of the river-water fraction in Type-2 mixtures. Overall, approximately 50% of the 85 water samples obtained from the Upper Floridan aquifer have CFC–12-based ages of the young fraction that are consistent with the ³H concentration of the groundwater. Because of uncertainties associated with very low ³H and ³He content in dilute mixtures, ³H/³He dating is limited to the river-water fraction in Type-2 mixtures containing more than about 10% river water. Of the 41 water samples measured for ³H/³He dating, dilution of ³H and low ³He concentration limited ³H/³He dating to 16 mixtures in which ³H/³He ages are defined with errors ranging from ±2 to ±7.5 a (1 σ). After correction for dilution with (assumed) CFC-free regional infiltration water and regional paleowater in the Upper Floridan aquifer, adjusted CFC–12 ages agree with ³H/³He ages within 5 a or less in 7 of the 9 co-dated Type-2 mixtures.Tritium data and dating based on both CFC–11 and CFC–12 in Type-1 mixtures indicate that travel times of infiltration water through the overlying Post-Eocene semi-confining beds exceed 35 a. The CFC and ³H/³He dating indicate that the river fraction in most groundwater entered the groundwater reservoir in the past 20 to 30 a. Few domestic and municipal supply wells sampled intercept water younger than 5 a. Calculated velocities of river water in the Upper Floridan aquifer downgradient of the sinkhole area range from 0.4 to 8.2 m/d. Radiocarbon data indicate that ages of the regional paleowater are on the 10 000-a time scale. An average lag time of approximately 10 to 25 a is determined for discharge of groundwater from the surficial and intermediate aquifers above the Upper Floridan aquifer to the Withlacoochee River.     

Hydrochemical characteristics and salinity of groundwater in the Ejina Basin, Northwestern China

A hydrochemical investigation was conducted in the Ejina Basin to identify the hydrochemical characteristics and the salinity of groundwater. The results indicate that groundwater in the area is brackish and are significantly zonation in salinity and water types from the recharge area to the discharge area. The ionic ration plot and saturation index (SI) calculation suggest that the silicate rock weathering and evaporation deposition are the dominant processes that determine the major ionic composition in the study area. Most of the stable isotope δ¹⁸O and δD compositions in the groundwater is a meteoric water feature, indicating that the groundwater mainly sources from meteoric water and most groundwater undergoes a long history of evaporation. Based on radioactive isotope tritium (³H) analysis, the groundwater ages were approximately estimated in different aquifers. The groundwater age ranges from less than 5 years, between 5 years and 50 years, and more than 50 years. Within 1 km of the river water influence zone, the groundwater recharges from recent Heihe river water and the groundwater age is about less than 5 years in shallow aquifer. From 1 km to 10 km of the river water influence zone, the groundwater sources from the mixture waters and the groundwater age is between 5 years and 50 years in shallow aquifer. The groundwater age is more than 50 years in deep confined aquifer.     

Environmental isotopic study on the recharge and residence time of groundwater in the Heihe River Basin, northwestern China

The recharge and origin of groundwater and its residence time were studied using environmental isotopic measurements in samples from the Heihe River Basin, China. δ¹⁸O and δD values of both river water and groundwater were within the same ranges as those found in the alluvial fan zone, and lay slightly above the local meteoric water line (δD=6.87δ¹⁸O+3.54). This finding indicated that mountain rivers substantially and rapidly contribute to the water resources in the southern and northern sub-basins. δ¹⁸O and δD values of groundwater in the unconfined aquifers of these sub-basins were close to each other. There was evidence of enrichment of heavy isotopes in groundwater due to evaporation. The most pronounced increase in the δ¹⁸O value occurred in agricultural areas, reflecting the admixture of irrigation return flow. Tritium results in groundwater samples from the unconfined aquifers gave evidence for ongoing recharge, with mean residence times of: less than 36 years in the alluvial fan zone; about 12–16 years in agricultural areas; and about 26 years in the Ejina oasis. In contrast, groundwater in the confined aquifers had ¹⁴C ages between 0 and 10 ka BP.     

Groundwater residence time downgradient of Trench No. 22 at the Chernobyl Pilot Site: Constraints on hydrogeological aquifer functioning

Following the explosion of reactor 4 at the Chernobyl power plant in northern Ukraine in 1986, contaminated soil and vegetation were buried in shallow trenches dug directly on-site in an Aeolian sand deposit. These trenches are sources of radionuclide (RN) pollution. The objective of the present study is to provide constraints for the Chernobyl flow and RN transport models by characterising groundwater residence time. A radiochronometer ³H/³He method (t_1/2 = 12.3 a) and anthropogenic tracers including CFC and SF₆ are investigated along with the water mass natural tracers Na, Cl, ¹⁸O and ²H.     

Groundwater residence time and movement in the Maltese islands – A geochemical approach

The Maltese islands are composed of two limestone aquifers, the Upper and Lower Coralline Limestone separated by an aquitard, the ‘Blue Clay’. The Lower Coralline Limestone is overlain in part by the poorly permeable Globigerina Limestone. The upper perched aquifers are discontinuous and have very limited saturated thickness and a short water level response time to rainfall. Frequent detections of coliforms suggest a rapid route to groundwater. However, the unsaturated zone has a considerable thickness in places and the primary porosity of the Upper Coralline Limestone is high, so there is likely to be older recharge by slow matrix flow as well as rapid recharge from fractures. Measurement of SF₆ from a pumping station in a deep part of one of the perched aquifers indicated a mean saturated zone age of about 15 a. The Main Sea Level aquifers (MSL) on both Malta and Gozo have a large unsaturated thickness as water levels are close to sea level. On Malta, parts of the aquifer are capped by the perched aquifers and more extensively by the Globigerina Limestone. The limited detection of coliform bacteria suggests only some rapid recharge from the surface via fractures or karst features. Transmissivity is low and ³H and CFC/SF₆ data indicate that saturated zone travel times are in the range 15–40 a. On Gozo the aquifer is similar but is more-extensively capped by impermeable Blue Clay. CFC data show the saturated zone travel time is from 25 a to possibly more than 60 a. Groundwater age is clearly related to the extent of low-permeability cover. The δ¹³C signature of groundwater is related to the geochemical processes which occur along the flowpath and is consistent with residence time ages in the sequence; perched aquifers < Malta MSL < Gozo MSL. The ¹⁸O and ²H enriched isotopic signature of post 1983 desalinated water can be seen in more-modern groundwater, particularly the urbanized areas of the perched and Malta MSL aquifers. In all aquifers, movement of solutes from the surface travelling slowly through the matrix provide a long-term source of groundwater contaminants such as NO₃.     

Environmental tracers as indicators of karst conduits in groundwater in South Dakota,USA

Environmental tracers sampled from the carbonate Madison aquifer on the eastern flank of the Black Hills, South Dakota, USA indicated the approximate locations of four major karst conduits. Contamination issues are a major concern because these conduits are characterized by direct connections to sinking streams, high groundwater velocities, and proximity to public water supplies. Objectives of the study were to estimate approximate conduit locations and assess possible anthropogenic influences associated with conduits. Anomalies of young groundwater based on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), tritium, and electrical conductivity (EC) indicated fast moving, focused flow and thus the likely presence of conduits. δ¹⁸O was useful for determining sources of recharge for each conduit, and nitrate was a useful tracer for assessing flow paths for anthropogenic influences. Two of the four conduits terminate at or near a large spring complex. CFC apparent ages ranged from 15 years near conduits to >50 years in other areas. Nitrate-N concentrations >0.4 mg/L in groundwater were associated with each of the four conduits compared with concentrations ranging from <0.1 to 0.4 mg/L in other areas. These higher nitrate-N concentrations probably do not result from sinking streams but rather from other areas of infiltration.     

Geochemical and isotopic evidence for palaeo-seawater intrusion into the south coast aquifer of Laizhou Bay, China

This research aims to improve the current knowledge of groundwater salinisation processes in coastal aquifers using combined hydrochemical and isotopic parameters and inverse hydrochemical modelling. Field investigations were conducted in Laizhou Bay, which is the area most seriously affected by seawater intrusion in north China. During three sampling campaigns along a vertical transect in the Changyi-Liutuan area, 95 ground- and surface-water samples were collected for major ion and isotope analysis (²H/¹⁸O, ³H, ¹⁴C, ³⁴S). The groundwater changes along the general flowpath towards the coast from fresh (<1 g/L), brackish (1-10 g/L), saline (10-100 g/L) to brine water (>100 g/L). Molar Cl/Br ratios are close to those of seawater in almost all groundwater samples, indicating that brines and deep seawater evolved from different events of palaeo-seawater intrusion. Depleted isotopic signatures of brines and deep saline water point to a former, initially depleted seawater reservoir due to runoff dilution. Tritium and ¹⁴C activities in deep saline water below confining units indicate isolation from modern precipitation and significant residence times. Brine water shows a wide range of ³H and ¹⁴C ages due to the complex conditions of mixing without isolation from modern groundwater. Sulphur-34 isotope ratios support seawater intrusion as a possible salt origin, although this parameter does not exclude gypsum dissolution. The combined use of Cl and ¹⁸O yields four different end-members of groundwater, and three different mixing scenarios were identified explaining the hydrochemical composition of groundwater samples with intermediate salinity in the different areas. To improve understanding of the various water types and their related processes in a spatial context, a conceptual model was developed integrating the results derived from the presented data in a vertical cross-section. Results of three inverse modelling simulations using PHREEQC-2 show that all hypothetical mixing scenarios derived from conservative components are thermodynamically feasible. In all scenarios, mixing, ion exchange, dissolution of dolomite and precipitation of gypsum and calcite account for the hydrochemical changes.     

利用CFC研究地下水混合作用——以关中盆地浅层地下水为例

从介绍了CFC在识别地下水混合中的应用入手,将此方法实际应用于关中盆地浅层下水研究。理论分析表明CFC浓度比值不受地下水混合作用的影响,利用CFC浓度年龄和CFC比值年龄可分析地下水混合作用,并可估算新水所占的比例。关中盆地下水CFC浓度从山前向渭河谷地有下降趋势,反映地下水以侧向流动为主,山前补给的新水与含水层中的老水有混合作用。地下水中新水所占的比例可达50%以上,表明该区地下水较易接受现代水补给。     

Using environmental tracers to assess the extent of river–groundwater interaction in a quarried area of the English Chalk

The Swanscombe area of Kent, SE England represents a typical example of a heavily quarried Chalk area currently undergoing re-development. Because the Chalk is also an important aquifer, a good understanding of groundwater movement is required if environmental impacts are to be minimised and the water resource maximised. In particular, the nature of the relationship between the River Darent and groundwater in the Swanscombe Chalk Block requires better characterisation. Here, ‘environmental tracers’ in the form of ambient concentrations of stable isotopes, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) and tritium (³H) are used to investigate this and other aspects of groundwater movement in the vicinity of the quarries. Stable isotopic contrasts indicate little evidence for widespread river infiltration to the regional Chalk aquifer, although stable isotope and ³H data suggest that 20–35% of the abstraction by river-valley public water supply boreholes may be derived from the river. The CFCs, while present at above-modern concentrations in almost all groundwaters, can be used as tracers, indicating basically S–N flowpaths in the area south of the quarries, though sub-karstic conduits associated with areas of Palaeogene cover add a level of uncertainty at the local scale. Simple piston flow residence times based on SF₆ range from 1 to 17 a, but the data are probably better interpreted in terms of mixing between varying amounts of modern recharge derived from the south and deeper stored groundwater. The information gained from environmental tracers can therefore contribute to effective resource management.     

Changes of δ<Superscript>18</Superscript>O and δD along the Dousitu River,Inner Mongolia,China, and their evidence of river water evaporation

On the basis of the hydrogeology of the Dousitu River drainage basin, the changes of water flow rate, δ¹⁸O and δD along the Dousitu River are discussed according to measured and analytical results. Changes of flow rate along the Dousitu River agree well with groundwater level contours and the recharge and discharge of groundwater to the river. When compared with other types of water in the area, it is obvious that the ¹⁸O and D of river waters have experienced evaporation. The changes of δ¹⁸O and δD along the Dousitu River are mainly caused by combined effects of groundwater recharge and river water evaporation. The recharge of groundwater makes δ¹⁸O and δD of the river water decrease. Evaporation makes δ¹⁸O and δD of the river water increase. The evaporation fractions of the river water are calculated using the kinetic fractionation theory. Results showed as much as 10–30% of water was evaporated in different segments of Dousitu River.     

Stable isotopic compositions of waters in the karst environments of China: Climatic implications

A total of 117 water samples, including cave water, ground water, spring water and river water, collected from the monsoonal area of China have been analyzed for their H- and O-isotope composition. Overall, a δ¹⁸O–δD correlation is observed of δD = −4.45 + 6.6δ¹⁸O (R² = 0.90) and a significant evaporation effect observed for the southern sites. Average δ¹⁸O and δD site values generally correspond to those of precipitation in nearby cities, with correlations of δD = 2.18 + 7.23δ¹⁸O (R² = 0.95) for the sample sites and δD = 11.05 + 7.95δ¹⁸O (R² = 0.95) for the cities. The effects of rainfall amount and temperature on precipitation δ¹⁸O were calculated using a simplified theoretical model derived from the Rayleigh distillation equation, which demonstrated that the sign of δ¹⁸O_pvs. T correlation is dependent on precipitation intensity. The mean δ¹⁸O value of cave waters exhibit decreasing trends with increasing latitude and reveal a spatial pattern of positive correlation with annual mean temperature and precipitation, mainly reflecting isotopic fractionations in the moisture source traveling from the ocean side to the inland continent. This spatial pattern implies that the δ¹⁸O values recorded in the proxy climate records derived from speleothems might be influenced by shifts in monsoon boundary during the past, especially between glacial and interglacial intervals.     

Carbon isotopes to constrain the origin and circulation pattern of groundwater in the north-western part of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin (Czech Republic)

The Bohemian Cretaceous Basin represents a complex hydrogeological system composed of several aquifers with very favourable hydrogeological properties. These aquifers have been exploited for many years. The sustainability of such resources might be guaranteed by well organised water management, which requires a detailed knowledge about the functioning of the hydrogeological system. Although many efforts have previously been made to evaluate groundwater residence time, the many intricate geochemical processes complicate groundwater dating. The current study clarifies the functioning of this complex hydrogeological basin using hydrogeochemical and isotopic investigations. Chemical data and a combination of ¹³C and ¹⁴C isotopes within the Cenomanian and the Turonian layers indicate groundwater interactions with deep-seated CO₂, rock matrix, surface waters and fossil organic matter. Very depleted δ¹³C values (average δ¹³C ∼ −13.4‰) suggest interactions with fossil organic matter, whereas enriched values account for the interaction with deep CO₂ gas ascending from the upper mantle via the numerous faults and fractures, and also, to a lesser extent, from calcite dissolution. Geochemical processes that take place in the system cause a clear depletion in ¹⁴C that greatly complicates groundwater residence time evaluation. Different dilution correction models have been applied considering the different C origins. The stable isotope content, mainly ¹⁸O values, indicates both the contribution of modern precipitation and the partial infiltration of palaeowaters during colder climatic conditions from the end of the Pleistocene. The apparent ¹⁴C groundwater ages range from modern to 11.1 ka BP, which suggests some post glacial infiltration from melting ice sheets. Finally, all the acquired information was used to propose a conceptual model of C origin within the basin.     

Impacts of agricultural irrigation recharge on groundwater quality in a basalt aquifer system (Washington, USA): a multi-tracer approach

Irrigation in semi-arid agricultural regions can have profound effects on recharge rates and the quality of shallow groundwater. This study coupled stable isotopes (²??, ¹⁸O), age-tracers (³H, CFCs, ¹⁴C), ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and elemental chemistry to determine the sources, residence times, and flowpaths of groundwater and agricultural contaminants (e.g. NO ₃ ^?C ) in the Saddle Mountains Basalt Aquifer in central Washington, USA, where over 80% of the population depend on groundwater for domestic use. Results demonstrate the presence of two distinct types of water: contaminated irrigation water and pristine regional groundwater. Contaminated irrigation water has high NO ₃ ^?C concentrations (11?C116? mg/l), ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.70659?C0.71078) within range of nitrogen-based fertilizers, detectable tritium (2.8?C13.4 TU), CFC ages 20?C40?years, high ??¹⁸O values (?16.9 to ?13.5??), and ??100 percent modern ¹⁴C. Pristine regional groundwater has low NO ₃ ^?C concentrations (1?C5? mg/l), no detectable tritium (??0.8 TU), low ??¹⁸O values (?18.9 to ?17.3??) and ¹⁴C ages from ??15 to 33?ky BP. Nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of NO ₃ ^?C , combined with high dissolved oxygen values, show that denitrification is not an important process in the organic-poor basalt aquifers resulting in transport of high NO ₃ ^?C irrigation water to depths greater than 40?m in less than 30? years.     

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.     

Identifying interactions between river water and groundwater in the North China Plain using multiple tracers

Interactions between river water and groundwater have been used to help understand the movement of water and to evaluate water quality in the semi-arid area of the North China Plain (NCP). Stable isotopes, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochemistry were used to study the influence of surface water from the Xiao River on regional groundwater. Using a mass balance approach based on chloride concentrations, hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios, the average fraction of surface water recharging to groundwater was 50–60 %. CFC results indicated that the groundwater recharge age varied from 22.5 to 39.5 years. The vertical flow velocity of groundwater was estimated at about 1.8–3.5 m year^?1. Nitrate concentrations in groundwater varied from 9.42 to 156.62 mg L^?1, and exceeded 50 mg L^?1 in most aquifers shallower than 80 m bordering the Xiao River. The δ ¹⁵N-NO₃ data indicate that the major sources of nitrogen in groundwater are human sewage and animal excreta. Because groundwater is the main source of drinking water, there should be concern about public health related to the elevated nitrate concentrations in the NCP.     

The use of O,H, B,Sr and S isotopes for tracing the origin of dissolved boron in groundwater in Central Macedonia,Greece

The groundwater B concentration in Mesozoic karst, Neogene and alluvial aquifers in the West part of Chalkidiki province in Central Macedonia, Greece reaches 6.45 mg L⁻¹, which exceeds the limit of 1 mg L⁻¹, set by the European Union for drinking water. The high B contents have been detected in this area, not only near the shoreline, where seawater intrusion occurs, but also in the inland part of the basin. Multi isotope (²H, ¹⁸O, ³⁴S, ¹⁸O_(SO4), ¹¹B, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) data from borehole and thermal water springs allow identification of the possible B sources. The B dissolved in groundwater in the Chalkidiki area is mainly geogenic. The low δ¹¹B values, 0–1‰, similar to those of thermal fluids from continental geothermal fields, and the low Cl/B ratio compared to seawater both indicate a geothermal origin for B and reflect deep circulation and interaction with igneous rocks. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio also indicates that the deep-aquifer granodiorite is the predominant rock source of Sr, while the shallow limestone unit has negligible effects on the dissolved Sr budget in these thermal karst waters which O and H isotopes show to be of meteoric origin. The main source of high B in borehole water is mainly mixing with B-rich geothermal water. The mixing between geothermal water and water from the Neogene aquifer is also reflected by isotopic contents of SO₄.     

Hydrogeology of a coal-seam gas exploration area, southeastern British Columbia, Canada: Part 1. Groundwater flow systems

Discovery of high contents of methane gas in coals of the Mist Mountain Formation in the Elk River valley, southeastern British Columbia, Canada, has led to increased exploration activity for coal-seam gas (CSG). CSG production requires groundwater abstraction to depressurize the coal beds and to facilitate methane flow to the production wells. Groundwater abstraction will have hydrodynamic effects on the flow system, and an understanding of the groundwater flow system is needed to evaluate these effects. The purpose of this paper is to describe the groundwater flow system in the area by means of a groundwater flow model and interpretation of hydrochemical and isotopic analyses of groundwater and surface water. Groundwater flow for the Weary Creek exploration area is modeled in two vertical sections. The model domains, based on classic upland–lowland conceptual flow models, are approximately 10,000 m long and 4,000 m deep. Each consists of a fixed water-table boundary and no-flow boundaries along the traces of major faults. Steady-state groundwater flow is calibrated to hydraulic-head, streamflow, and groundwater-recharge data. Simulated steady-state velocity fields define regional and local flow components consistent with the conceptual model. The results are consistent with regional trends in δ²H, δ¹⁸O, tritium, and TDS, which define two distinct groundwater groups (A and B) and a third of intermediate composition. An active, shallow, local flow component (group A) is recharged in beds cropping out along subdued ridges; this component discharges as seeps along lower and mid-slope positions in the southern part of the study area. The waters are tritiated, relatively enriched in δ²H and δ¹⁸O, and have low TDS. A deeper regional flow component (group B), which originates at a higher altitude and which discharges to the Elk River valley bottom, is characterized by non-tritiated groundwater with relatively depleted δ²H and δ¹⁸O, and higher TDS. Groundwater contributes less than 10% of the total direct flow to the Elk River, as indicated by flow measurements and by the absence of group A and group B characteristics in the river water. Thus it is hypothesized that groundwater extraction during CSG production will have little impact on the river. The groundwater flow model developed in this work is used in a companion paper to further test this hypothesis. Electronic Publication     

Constraining groundwater flow,residence times,inter-aquifer mixing,and aquifer properties using environmental isotopes in the southeast Murray Basin,Australia

Environmental isotopes (particularly δ¹⁸O, δ²H, and δ¹³C values, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and a¹⁴C) constrain geochemical processes, recharge distribution and rates, and inter-aquifer mixing in the Riverine Province of the southern Murray Basin. Due to methanogenesis and the variable δ¹³C values of matrix calcite, δ¹³C values are highly variable and it is difficult to correct ¹⁴C ages using δ¹³C values alone. In catchments where δ¹³C values, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and major ion geochemistry yield similar a¹⁴C corrections, ∼15% of the C is derived from the aquifer matrix in the silicate-dominated aquifers, and this value may be used to correct ages in other catchments. Most groundwater has a¹⁴C above background (∼2 pMC) implying that residence times are <30 ka. Catchments containing saline groundwater generally record older ¹⁴C ages compared to catchments that contain lower salinity groundwater, which is consistent with evapotranspiration being the major hydrogeochemical process. However, some low salinity groundwater in the west of the Riverine Province has residence times of >30 ka probably resulting from episodic recharge during infrequent high rainfall episodes. Mixing between shallower and deeper groundwater results in ¹⁴C ages being poorly correlated with distance from the basin margins in many catchments; however, groundwater flow in palaeovalleys where the deeper Calivil–Renmark Formation is coarser grained and has high hydraulic conductivities is considerably more simple with little inter-aquifer mixing. Despite the range of ages, δ¹⁸O and δ²H values of groundwater in the Riverine Province do not preserve a record of changing climate; this is probably due to the absence of extreme climatic variations, such as glaciations, and the fact that the area is not significantly impacted by monsoonal systems.     

Chloride and the environmental isotopes as the indicators of the groundwater recharge in the Gobi Desert,northwest China

The long term recharge in Gobi Desert from Hexi Corridor to Inner Mongolia Plateau was estimated to be 1 mm year⁻¹ by using the chloride mass balance method from one unsaturated zone profile, which shows that no effective modern recharge is taking place. A good rainfall database from Zhangye provides definition of the stable isotopic composition of modern rainfall. The signature of groundwater from the late Pleistocene differs markedly from that of the Holocene, shown clearly by the compositions of −10.5‰ δ¹⁸O as compared with values of −7‰ at the present day. It is apparent that the groundwaters in the Minqin Basin, Ejina Basin and feeding the lake system of the Badain Jaran are part of a regional flow network related to a wetter past climate as source of recharge. The recharge source in the past and to a limited extent in the more arid conditions of the present day included the foothills of the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau. The tritium age determinations accurate to the year are impossible and of no meaning to groundwater studies. A tritium value in the groundwater means multiple recharge ages in this region.