Analysis of the exchange of groundwater and river water by using Radon-222 in the middle Heihe Basin of northwestern China

In arid regions of western China, water resources come from mountain watersheds and disappear in the desert plain. The exchange of surface water and groundwater takes place two or three times in a basin. It is essential to analyze the interaction of groundwater with surface water to use water resources effectively and predict the change in the water environment. The conventional method of analysis, however, measures only the flow of a stream and cannot determine groundwater seepage accurately. As the concentration of Radon-222 (²²²Rn) in groundwater is much higher than in surface water, the use of ²²²Rn was examined as an indicator for the analysis of the interaction between surface water and groundwater. Measurement of the ²²²Rn concentration in surface water was conducted to detect groundwater seepage into a stream in the middle Heihe Basin of northwestern China. Furthermore, the simultaneous groundwater flow into and out of a stream from the aquifers was quantified by solving the ²²²Rn mass balance equation, in which the losses of gas exchange and radioactive decay of ²²²Rn are considered. Meanwhile, river runoff was gauged to determine the exchange rates between surface water and groundwater. The result shows that ²²²Rn isotope can be used as a good environmental tracer with high sensitivity for the interaction between surface water and groundwater, especially in the fractured aquifer system, karst aquifer system and discharge basins.     

Dynamics and anthropogenic impacts of multiple karst flow systems in a mountainous area of South China

The Xiangxi River basin, South China, is a steep terrane with well-developed karst features and an important Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer. Meteoric water in this mountainous area features a mean δ¹⁸O elevation gradient of –2.4?‰/km. This gradient was used to estimate mean recharge elevations of 760 m for Shuimoxi (SMX) spring, 1,060 m for Xiangshuidong (XSD) spring, and 1,430 m for drill hole ZK03, indicating multiple flow paths in the Cambrian-Ordovician karst aquifer. Mean residence times of 230 and 320 days and ～2 years were estimated for these features, respectively, using the damped running average model that predicts the isotopic variations in groundwater from those in precipitation. Groundwater in the regional karst flow system has the longest residence time, the highest recharge elevation, the longest flow paths, the lowest addition of anthropogenic components, and the greatest amount of water–rock interaction as indicated by its higher dissolved solids, Mg²⁺ concentrations and Mg/Ca ratios than the springs. In contrast, the local and shallow karst flow systems respond rapidly to recharge events. Artificial tracer tests prove that these shallow karst systems can also quickly transmit anthropogenic contaminants, indicating that they are highly vulnerable to human impacts, which include the enrichment of NO₃ ^–. The intensity of water–rock interaction and groundwater vulnerability are mainly determined by the structure and dynamics of the multiple karst flow systems.     

Stable isotope (2H, 18O and 87Sr/86Sr) and hydrochemistry monitoring for groundwater hydrodynamics analysis in a karst aquifer (Gran Sasso,Central Italy)

This paper deals with chemical and isotope analyses of 21 springs, which were monitored 3 times in the course of 2001; the monitoring program was focused on the groundwater of the Gran Sasso carbonate karst aquifer (Central Italy), typical of the mountainous Mediterranean area.Based on the hydrogeological setting of the study area, 6 groups of springs with different groundwater circulation patterns were distinguished. The hydrogeochemistry of their main components provided additional information about groundwater flowpaths, confirming the proposed classification. The spatial distribution of their ion concentrations validated the assumptions underlying the hydrogeological conceptual model, showing diverging groundwater flowpaths from the core to the boundaries of the aquifer. Geochemical modelling and saturation index computation elucidated water–carbonate rock interaction, contribution by alluvial aquifers at the karst aquifer boundaries, as well as impacts of human activities.The analysis of ¹⁸O/¹⁶O and ²H/H values and their spatial distribution in the aquifer substantiated the hydrogeology-based classification of 6 groups of springs, making it possible to trace back groundwater recharge areas based on mean isotope elevations; the latter were calculated by using two rain monitoring stations. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr analyses showed seasonal changes in many springs: in winter–spring, the changes are due to inflow of new recharge water, infiltrating into younger rocks and thus increasing ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values; in summer–autumn, when there is no recharge and spring discharge declines, changes are due to base flow groundwater circulating in more ancient rocks, with a subsequent drop in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values.The results of this study stress the contribution that spatio-temporal isotope monitoring can give to the definition of groundwater flowpaths and hydrodynamics in fissured and karst aquifers, taking into account their hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical setting.     

The origin of groundwater arsenic and fluorine in a volcanic sedimentary basin in central Mexico: a hydrochemistry hypothesis

A groundwater sampling campaign was carried out in the summer of 2013 in a low-temperature geothermal system located in Juventino Rosas (JR) municipality, Guanajuato State, Mexico. This groundwater presents high concentrations of As and F^? and high Rn counts, mainly in wells with relatively higher temperature. The chemistry of major elements was interpreted with different methods, like Piper and D’Amore diagrams. These diagrams allowed for classification of four groundwater types located in three hydrogeological environments. The aquifers are hosted mainly in alluvial-lacustrine sediments and volcanic rocks in interaction with fault and fracture systems. The subsidence, faults and fractures observed in the study area can act as preferential channels for recharge and also for the transport of deep fluids to the surface, especially in the basin plain. The formation of a piezometric dome and the observed hydrochemical behavior of groundwater suggest a possible origin of the As and F^?. Geochemical processes occurring during water–rock interaction are related to high concentrations of As and F^?. High temperatures and alteration processes (like rock weathering) induce dissolution of As and F^?-bearing minerals, increasing the content of these elements in groundwater.     

Tracing the sources of strontium in karst groundwater in Chongqing, China: a combined hydrogeochemical approach and strontium isotope

Groundwater quality in karst regions is largely controlled by natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Over the past 10?years, dissolved Sr and its radiogenic isotope, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, were widely used to trace the sources of solutes in groundwater. However, there is little research about hydrogeochemistry and Sr isotopic compositions of the karst groundwater in Chongqing karst area. In this paper, thirty-five representative karst groundwater samples were collected from different aquifers (limestone and dolomite) and various land use types. Hydrochemical types of karst groundwater in Chongqing were mainly of the Ca-HCO₃ type or Ca(Mg)-HCO₃ type. The dissolved Sr concentrations of the studied groundwater ranged from 0.57 to 15.06???mmol/L, and the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr varied from 0.70751 to 0.71627. The groundwater samples from different aquifers and land use types showed distinctive dissolved Sr concentrations and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr. The very positive relationship between Ca/Sr and Mg/Sr in dolomite and limestone aquifers suggests that Ca, Mg and Sr element come mainly from the release of carbonate rock under the groundwater?Crock?CCO₂ gas interaction. According to the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio, the Sr element in karst groundwater in Chongqing was controlled by the weathering of limestone, dolomite and silicate rock (allogenic water in a non-karst area). The relationship ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr versus Sr²⁺/[K⁺?+?Na⁺] shows that the anthropogenic inputs also obviously contribute to the Sr contents. The research results show that the karst groundwater in Chongqing is facing serious crisis of water quality, and needs to be protected further.     

Geochemical indicators of interbasin groundwater flow within the southern Rio Grande Valley, southwestern USA

Increased groundwater withdrawals for the growing population in the Rio Grande Valley and likely alteration of recharge to local aquifers with climate change necessitates an understanding of the groundwater connection between the Jornada del Muerto Basin and the adjoining and more heavily used aquifer in the Mesilla Basin. Separating the Jornada and Mesilla aquifers is a buried bedrock high from Tertiary intrusions. This bedrock high or divide restricts and/or retards interbasin flow from the Jornada aquifer into the Mesilla aquifer. The potentiometric surface of the southern Jornada aquifer near part of the bedrock high indicates a flow direction away from the divide because of a previously identified damming effect, but a groundwater outlet from the southern Jornada aquifer is necessary to balance inputs from the overall Jornada aquifer. Differences in geochemical constituents (major ions, δD, δ¹⁸O, δ³⁴S, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) indicate a deeper connection between the two aquifers through the Tertiary intrusions where Jornada water is geochemically altered because of a geothermal influence. Jornada groundwater likely is migrating through the bedrock high in deeper pathways formed by faults of the Jornada Fault Zone, in addition to Jornada water that overtops the bedrock high as previously identified as the only connection between the two aquifers. Increased groundwater withdrawals and lowering of the potentiometric surface of the Jornada aquifer may alter this contribution ratio with less overtopping of the bedrock high and a continued deeper flowpath contribution that could potentially increase salinity values in the Mesilla Basin near the divide.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidences of the groundwater regime in Datong Basin, Northern China

Datong Basin is one of the Cenozoic faulted basins in Northern China’s Shanxi province, where groundwater is the major source of water supply. The results of hydrochemical investigation show that along the groundwater flow path, from the margins to the lower-lying central parts of the basin, groundwater generally shows increases in concentrations of TDS, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, Cl^?, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ (except for Ca²⁺ content). Along the basin margin, groundwater is dominantly of Ca–HCO₃ type; however, in the central parts of the basin it becomes more saline with Na–HCO₃-dominant or mixed-ion type. The medium-deep groundwater has chemical compositions similar to those of shallow groundwater, except for the local area affected by human activity. From the mountain front to the basin area, shallow groundwater concentrations of major ions increase and are commonly higher than those in medium-deep aquifers, due to intense evapotranspiration and anthropogenic contamination. Hydrolysis of aluminosilicate and silicate minerals, cation exchange and evaporation are prevailing geochemical processes occurring in the aquifers at Datong Basin. The isotopic compositions indicate that meteoric water is the main source of groundwater recharge. Evaporation is the major way of discharge of shallow groundwater. The groundwater in medium-deep aquifers may be related to regional recharges of rainwater by infiltrating along the mountain front faults, and of groundwater permeating laterally from bedrocks of the mountain range. However, in areas of groundwater depression cones, groundwater in the deep confined aquifers may be recharged by groundwater from the upper unconfined aquifer through aquitards.     

Spatial and temporal constraints on regional-scale groundwater flow in the Pampa del Tamarugal Basin,Atacama Desert,Chile

Aquifers within the Pampa del Tamarugal Basin (Atacama Desert, northern Chile) are the sole source of water for the coastal city of Iquique and the economically important mining industry. Despite this, the regional groundwater system remains poorly understood. Although it is widely accepted that aquifer recharge originates as precipitation in the Altiplano and Andean Cordillera to the east, there remains debate on whether recharge is driven primarily by near-surface groundwater flow in response to periodic flood events or by basal groundwater flux through deep-seated basin fractures. In addressing this debate, the present study quantifies spatial and temporal variability in regional-scale groundwater flow paths at 20.5°S latitude by combining a two-dimensional model of groundwater and heat flow with field observations and δ¹⁸O isotope values in surface water and groundwater. Results suggest that both previously proposed aquifer recharge mechanisms are likely influencing aquifers within the Pampa del Tamarugal Basin; however, each mechanism is operating on different spatial and temporal scales. Storm-driven flood events in the Altiplano readily transmit groundwater to the eastern Pampa del Tamarugal Basin through near-surface groundwater flow on short time scales, e.g., 10⁰–10¹ years, but these effects are likely isolated to aquifers in the eastern third of the basin. In addition, this study illustrates a physical mechanism for groundwater originating in the eastern highlands to recharge aquifers and salars in the western Pampa del Tamarugal Basin over timescales of 10⁴–10⁵ years.     

忻州盆地边山岩溶水系统与盆地孔隙水补给分析

忻州盆地边山岩溶水与盆地孔隙水存在密切的水力联系,岩溶水系统的圈划与分析对盆地孔隙水资源评价十分重要。文章运用地下水系统分析理论,基于地理信息系统技术,定量提取区域地质(岩相古地理、地层与构造)和水文地质信息,绘制了基于区域隔水底板等高线图、典型剖面图、盆地-山区两壁投影图等信息的岩溶水系统图;运用岩溶水系统图分析得出下马圈泉岩溶水系统与盆地孔隙水存在间接汇水、潜流和河流(泉)渗漏等补给关系,并给出了补给量的计算方法,为忻州盆地地下水资源评价与定量模拟提供了新的水文地质依据与基础。     

地下含水层水资源赋存条件及其水化学特征—以贵州省安龙县幅为例

以贵州省安龙县1∶50 000水文地质图幅为例,采用含水层探采井的水质、水量监测数据,分析不同含水层水资源赋存特征及其与水化学的相关性。研究结果表明:（1）研究区含水层可分为纯碳酸盐岩管道含水层、非纯碳酸盐岩裂隙含水层、碎屑岩裂隙含水层、松散岩类孔隙含水层4种类型,各含水层中地下水水化学类型均以HCO-Ca?Mg型为主;（2）除非纯碳酸盐岩含水层探采井的降深与水体中Mg2+、HCO-3浓度呈现出显著的负相关性（R2=-0.77/-0.74）外,其余离子浓度与钻井单位涌水量、降深的相关性均不显著,相关系数(R2)均小于0.3;（3）非纯碳酸盐岩含水层和松散岩类含水层的总矿化度（TDS）、总硬度（TH）含量均比纯碳酸盐岩含水层低5 mg?L-1以上,TDS、TH的高值区均集中于纯碳酸盐岩含水层中,而低值区则分布于松散岩类含水层。      

Geochemical patterns and origin of alkaline thermal waters in Central Greece (Platystomo and Smokovo areas)

This study investigates the origin and chemical composition of the thermal waters of Platystomo and Smokovo areas in Central Greece as well as any possible relationships of them to the neighboring geothermal fields located in the south-eastern part of Sperchios basin. The correlations between different dissolved salts and the temperature indicate that the chemical composition of thermal waters are controlled by, the mineral dissolution and the temperature, the reactions due to CO₂ that originates possibly by diffusion from the geothermal fields of Sperchios basin and the mixing of thermal waters with fresh groundwater from karst or shallow aquifers. Two major groups of waters are recognized on the basis of their chemistry: thermal waters of Na–HCO₃–Cl type and thermal waters mixed with fresh groundwater of Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃ type. All thermal waters of the study area are considered as modified by water–rock interaction rainwater, heated in depth and mixed in some cases with fresh groundwater when arriving to the surface. Trace elements present low concentrations. Lithium content suggests discrimination between the above two groups of waters. Boron geochemistry confirms all the above remarks. Boron concentration ranges from 60 μg L^?1 to 10 mg L^?1, while all samples’ constant isotopic composition (δ¹¹B ≈ 10 ‰) indicates leaching from rocks. The positive correlation between the chemical elements and the temperature clearly indicates that much of the dissolved salts are derived from water–rock interactions. The application of geothermometers suggests that the reservoir temperature is around 100–110 °C. Chalcedony temperatures are similar to the emergent temperatures and this is typical of convective waters in fault systems in normal thermal gradient areas.     

Hydrochemical characterization of complex volcanic aquifers in a continental rifted zone: the Middle Awash basin, Ethiopia

The Middle Awash basin is an arid region in Ethiopia where surface waters are scarce and local communities are dependent on groundwater resources for water supply. The complex hydrogeological system of this basin has been conceptualized. Multivariate statistical analysis of hydrochemical variables and water isotopes were used to study the rock?Cwater interaction, geochemical reaction processes and the hydrological link between aquifers. Groundwaters from aquifers of the high-rainfall plateau bounding the rift are slightly mineralized, as well as depleted in ??¹⁸O and ??D, and contain ³H above 0.8?TU. This suggests a low degree of rock?Cwater interaction and that groundwater is under recharge from heavy rain that falls on surrounding highlands. On the other hand, groundwaters from aquifers of the rift floor are highly mineralized and show slight enrichment in ??¹⁸O and ??D with positive oxygen shift, but contain ³H below 0.8?TU. The positive oxygen shift in rift floor groundwaters may be caused by the isotopic exchange of oxygen between groundwater and aquifer materials during rock?Cwater interaction, whereas the low ³H content could be due to the decay of tritium along relatively long flow paths. The approach utilized in this study may be applicable to understanding hydrogeochemical processes in other complex volcanic terrains.     

The application of isotope and chemical analyses in managing transboundary groundwater resources

Managing transboundary groundwater resources requires accurate and detailed knowledge of aquifers and groundwater bodies. The Pannonian Basin is the largest intracontinental basin in Europe with a continuous succession of more than 7 km of Miocene to Quaternary sediments and with an average geothermal gradient of about 5 °C/100 m. Geographically the Pannonian basin overlaps eight countries (Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia and Ukraine), so the issue of transboundary cold and thermal water resources is regionally very important. The T-JAM bilateral Hungarian–Slovenian (HU–SLO) project is the first to apply modern isotopic and chemical analyses in the characterization and correlation of a number of shared groundwater resources in the Mura-Zala Sub-basin of the Pannonian. The aims of this work were the identification of groundwater flow paths, the delineation of transboundary aquifers based on thermal and cold groundwater geochemical and isotope properties in the Mura-Zala Basin, and providing input to calibrate a hydraulic numerical model. Following a common groundwater sampling campaign, 24 cold and thermal groundwater samples from seven aquifers were collected for chemical, isotope, gas and noble gas analyses. Chemical analyses, and D, O and C isotopes were used to correlate cross border aquifers. A regional groundwater flow is hydrogeologically possible in some aquifers in the Mura-Zala Basin, and has been confirmed by hydrogeochemistry. The Újfalu (HU) and Mura (SLO) Formations are a part of the active regional thermal groundwater flow system, probably hydraulically separated from the shallower flow system of the Ptuj-Grad (SLO), Zagyva and Somló-Tihany (HU) Formations. The thermal water is of meteoric origin, reductive and alkaline. The predominant water type in the Quaternary and Pliocene aquifers is Ca–Mg–HCO₃, changing to Na–HCO₃ in the main Pannonian geothermal aquifer, and Na–Cl brine in deeper and older Miocene aquifers. Total dissolved solids and Na content generally increase with depth. Deuterium is in the range −87‰ to −75‰, ¹⁸O from −11.9‰ to −10.4‰, while ¹⁴C values are less than 6.1 pmC in the samples of the active regional thermal groundwater flow system. These and results of noble gas analyses indicate recharge during the Pleistocene interglacial period with temperatures around 6–7 °C. Regional thermal water resources are limited and environmental isotopes can be used as an early warning in the management of thermal water.     

Hydrochemical constraints between the karst Tabular Middle Atlas Causses and the Saïs basin (Morocco): implications of groundwater circulation

The karst Tabular Middle Atlas Causses reservoir is the main drinking-water supply of Fez-Meknes region (Saïs Basin) in Morocco. Recent analyses showed a decline in associated groundwater chemical quality and increased turbidity. To understand this hydrosystem, four surveys were undertaken during fall and spring, 2009–2011. Hydrogeochemical studies coupled with isotopic analyses (δ¹⁸O, δD and ²²²Rn) showed that the aquifers between the causses (mountains) and the Saïs Basin are of Liassic origin and at the southern extremities are of Triassic origin. Five recharge zones of different altitudes have been defined, including two main mixing zones in the south. Deuterium excess results suggest local recharge, while a plot of δ¹⁸O versus δD characterizes a confined aquifer in the eastern sector. ²²²Rn results reveal areas of rapid exchanges with an upwelling time of less than 2 weeks. A schematic conceptual model is presented to explain the groundwater circulation system and the behavior of this karst system.     

Investigation of young water inflow in karst aquifers using SF6–CFC–3H/He–85Kr–39Ar and stable isotope components

Karst aquifers are known for their wide distribution of water transfer velocities. From this observation, a multiple geochemical tracer approach seems to be particularly well suited to provide a significant assessment of groundwater flows, but the choice of adapted tracers is essential. In this study, several common tracers in karst aquifers such as physicochemical parameters, major ions, stable isotopes, and δ¹³C to more specific tracers such as dating tracers – ¹⁴C, ³H, ³H–³He, CFC-12, SF₆ and ⁸⁵Kr, and ³⁹Ar – were used, in a fractured karstic carbonated aquifer located in Burgundy (France). The information carried by each tracer and the best sampling strategy are compared on the basis of geochemical monitoring done during several recharge events and over longer time periods (months to years).This study’s results demonstrate that at the seasonal and recharge event time scale, the variability of concentrations is low for most tracers due to the broad spectrum of groundwater mixings. The tracers used traditionally for the study of karst aquifers, i.e., physicochemical parameters and major ions, efficiently describe hydrological processes such as the direct and differed recharge, but require being monitored at short time steps during recharge events to be maximized. From stable isotopes, tritium, and Cl⁻ contents, the proportion of the fast direct recharge by the largest porosity was estimated using a binary mixing model. The use of tracers such as CFC-12, SF₆, and ⁸⁵Kr in karst aquifers provides additional information, notably an estimation of apparent age, but they require good preliminary knowledge of the karst system to interpret the results suitably. The CFC-12 and SF₆ methods efficiently determine the apparent age of baseflow, but it is preferable to sample the groundwater during the recharge event. Furthermore, these methods are based on different assumptions such as regional enrichment in atmospheric SF₆, excess air, and flow models among others. ⁸⁵Kr and ³⁹Ar concentrations can potentially provide a more direct estimation of groundwater residence time. Conversely, the ³H–³He method is inefficient in the karst aquifer for dating due to ³He degassing.     

Long‐Term Reaction Characteristics of CO2–Water–Rock Interaction: Insight into the Potential Groundwater Contamination Risk from Underground CO2 Storage

CO₂ sequestration into saline aquifers is considered to be one of the most promising options for reducing industrial CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere. However, there are still many uncertainties regarding the storage of CO₂ in the subsurface because of a lack of knowledge about CO₂–water–rock interaction within CO₂ reservoirs and the potential risk of CO₂ leakage. In this study, we construct a semi‐open type experimental system that can reproduce the interactions under conditions close to those of actual CO₂ reservoirs. Using the system, we conduct CO₂–water–rock interaction experiments for 8 months to monitor the long‐term reaction and the mobilization of harmful metal elements. Altered tuffaceous rock is used in the experiment because these tuffaceous rock formations (called “Green Tuff”) are a potential candidate for CO₂ storage in Japan. The results show that the major‐element water composition will converge to the point where host rock dissolution and secondary mineral precipitation are balanced; then, the interaction will proceed under a certain groundwater composition. In addition, we found that groundwater contamination by some metal elements (Ni, Ba, and Mn) may reach unsafe levels for drinking water as a result of CO₂‐water–rock interaction.     

Carbonate weathering and connate seawater influencing karst groundwaters in the Gevas–Gurpinar–Güzelsu basins,Turkey

There are 59 springs at the Gevas–Gurp?nar–Güzelsu basins, 38 of these springs emerge from the fractured karst aquifers (recrystallized limestone and travertine) and 21 emerge from the Yuksekova ophiolites, K?rkgeçit formation and alluvium. The groundwater samples collected from 38 out of the total of 59 springs, two streams, one lake and 12 wells were analyzed physico-chemically in the year 2002. EC and TDS values of groundwater increased from the marble (high altitude) to the ophiolites and alluvium (toward Lake Van) as a result of carbonate dissolution and connate seawater. Five chemical types of groundwater are identified: Ca–Mg–HCO₃, Mg–Ca–HCO₃, Mg–Na–HCO₃, Na–Ca–HCO₃ and Mg–Ca–Na–HCO₃. The calculations and hydrochemical interpretations show that the high concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and HCO₃ ^? as predominant ions in the waters are mainly attributed to carbonate rocks and high pCO₂ in soil. Most of the karst springs are oversaturated in calcite, aragonite and dolomite and undersaturated in gypsum, halite and anhydrite. The water–rock interaction processes that singly or in combination influence the chemical composition of each water type include dissolution of carbonate (calcite and dolomite), calcite precipitation, cation exchange and freshening of connate seawater. These processes contribute considerably to the concentration of major ions in the groundwater. Stable isotope contents of the groundwater suggest mainly direct integrative recharge.     

Geochemistry of groundwater from a rhyolite aquifer,Northwest Iran

Chemical data on groundwater composition in rhyolitic hard rock aquifers with limited global occurrence are rarely found. In this research geochemistry of Mahabad Rhyolite Aquifer, NW Iran, was studied considering major ions, silica and trace elements measured in wet and dry seasons. Based on the results, the mean silica content was 18 mg l^?1, less than the average of the rhyolitic waters. However, the relatively higher electrical conductivity (EC) of 418 µS cm^?1 was measured. Based on a PHREEQCI model, the weathering of the silicate minerals and dissolution of carbonated intercalations turns groundwater dominantly into Ca–HCO₃ type, enhancing EC, pH and silica concentration along the flow path. Trace elements of Sr, Ba and Pb were measured at highest concentrations, the later with an average value of 83 ppb exceeds the drinking guidelines. Cluster analysis confirms biotite weathering and barite dissolution as the main sources of the trace elements in the groundwater. The results signify geochemical features of rhyolitic groundwater which can be a useful tracer of mixing in flow systems containing variety of aquifers including rhyolites.     

北京西山泉域岩溶水系统特征探讨

北京西山地区岩溶地下水主要以相对独立的岩溶地下水系统进行循环,其水文地质条件、系统结构模式及其水资源的重要性等,在北方具有代表性。文章主要以北京西山鱼谷洞泉域岩溶水系统、黑龙关泉域岩溶水系统、玉泉山泉域岩溶水系统为研究对象,从岩溶含水层结构、地下水循环、地质构造等方面,总结出北京西山泉域岩溶水系统特征主要为:双层含水层结构、多个子系统构成且多点排泄、系统内岩溶水转化关系复杂多样、岩溶水富集带及系统边界集中在逆冲断层处。      

Groundwater circulation and hydrogeochemical evolution in Nomhon of Qaidam Basin,northwest China

In this study, analysis of hydrogeological conditions, as well as hydrochemistry and isotopic tools were used to get an insight into the processes controlling mineralization, recharge conditions, and flow pattern of groundwater in a typical arid alluvial-lacustrine plain in Qaidam Basin, northwest China. Analysis of the dissolved constituents reveals that groundwater evolves from fresh water (TDS =300–1000 mg/l) to saline water (TDS ≥5000 mg/l) along the flow paths, with the water type transiting from HCO ₃?Cl–Na ?Mg to HCO ₃?Cl–Na, and eventually to Cl–Na. Groundwater chemical evolution is mainly controlled by water–rock interaction and the evaporation–crystallization process. Deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopes in groundwater samples indicate that the recharge of groundwater is happened by meteoric water and glacier melt-water in the Kunlun Mountains, and in three different recharge conditions. Groundwater ages, estimated by the radiogenic (³H and ¹⁴C) isotope data, range from present to Holocene (～28 ka). Based on groundwater residence time, hydrogeochemical characteristics, field investigation, and geological structure distribution, a conceptual groundwater flow pattern affected by uplift structure is proposed, indicating that shallow phreatic water is blocked by the uplift structure and the flow direction is turned to the northwest, while high pressure artesian water is formed in the confined aquifers at the axis of the uplift structure.