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.     

Groundwater flow through Pleistocene glacial deposits in the rapidly urbanizing Rouge River–Highland Creek watershed,City of Scarborough,southern Ontario,Canada

The city of Scarborough lies on the eastern margin of the Greater Toronto Area of southern Ontario, Canada, along the northern coastline of Lake Ontario. The City has a population of 500,000 and is presently one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. The City is expanding northwards onto rural land on the south slope of the large Pleistocene glacial Oak Ridges Moraine system. The moraine system is underlain by a thick (150 m) succession of tills, sands and gravels and is a regionally-significant recharge area for three principle aquifer systems that discharge to numerous watercourses that flow to Lake Ontario. Protection of deeper aquifers from surface-generated urban contaminants is a particular concern. A groundwater flow model using Visual MODFLOW was developed for the 350-km² Rouge River–Highland Creek (RRHC) drainage basin using an extensive GIS-based collection of subsurface geological, geophysical and hydrogeological data, maps of land use and surficial geology. The RRHC model was calibrated against point water level data, known potentiometric surfaces of the principal aquifers and baseflow measurements from streamflow gauging stations and determined to be within acceptable limits. Water balance calculations indicate that 70% of the basin recharge (106,000 m³/day) enters the Upper Aquifer along the crest and immediate flanks of the Oak Ridges Moraine. To the south, Upper Aquifer water moving through fractured till aquitards accounts for more than 75% of recharge to deeper aquifers. Water quality data confirm previous observations that urban- and rural-sourced contaminants (chlorides and nitrates) present in Upper Aquifer waters are moving rapidly into deeper aquifers. Some 83% of total RRHC recharge water is ultimately discharged as baseflow to creeks draining to Lake Ontario; the remainder discharges to springs and along eroding lakeshore bluffs. Model results demonstrate that deeper aquifers are poorly protected from urban contaminants and that long-term protection of ground and surface water quality has to be a priority of municipal planners if the resource is not to be severely degraded. Electronic Publication     

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.     

Hydrogeology of northern Sierra de Chiapas,Mexico: a conceptual model based on a geochemical characterization of sulfide-rich karst brackish springs

Conspicuous sulfide-rich karst springs flow from Cretaceous carbonates in northern Sierra de Chiapas, Mexico. This is a geologically complex, tropical karst area. The physical, geologic, hydrologic and chemical attributes of these springs were determined and integrated into a conceptual hydrogeologic model. A meteoric source and a recharge elevation below 1,500 m are estimated from the spring-water isotopic signature regardless of their chemical composition. Brackish spring water flows at a maximum depth of 2,000 m, as inferred from similar chemical attributes to the produced water from a nearby oil well. Oil reservoirs may be found at depths below 2,000 m. Three subsurface environments or aquifers are identified based on the B, Li⁺, K⁺ and SiO₂ concentrations, spring water temperatures, and CO₂ pressures. There is mixing between these aquifers. The aquifer designated Local is shallow and contains potable water vulnerable to pollution. The aquifer named Northern receives some brackish produced water. The composition of the Southern aquifer is influenced by halite dissolution enhanced at fault detachment surfaces. Epigenic speleogenesis is associated with the Local springs. In contrast, hypogenic speleogenesis is associated with the brackish sulfidic springs from the Northern and the Southern environments.     

Coupling isotopic and piezometric data to infer groundwater recharge mechanisms in arid areas: example of Samail Catchment,Oman

Hydrochemistry and well hydrographs are coupled to assess groundwater recharge in the regional catchment of Samail, Oman. The complex geology comprises three aquifers: limestones of the Hajar Supergroup (HSG) at the highlands of North Oman Mountains (NOM); fractured/weathered ophiolites; and Quaternary alluvium. Groundwater flows south–north from the NOM to the coast. Samples from groundwater wells and springs (38) were analyzed for isotopes and major ions. Corrected ¹⁴C dating reveals modern groundwater across the entire catchment, while ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70810–0.70895) shows greater homogeneity. Groundwater in the upper catchment is depleted in ²H and ¹⁸O, indicating a high-altitude recharge source (NOM), and becomes enriched downstream, with a slope indicating an evaporation effect. The hydrographs of nested piezometers located in the upper, middle and lower catchment show different recharge responses between deep and shallower depths. Head difference in response to recharge is observed upstream, suggesting a lateral recharge mechanism, contrary to vertical recharge downstream reflected in identical recharge responses. The homogeneous ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio, head changes, downstream enrichment of ²H and ¹⁸O, and the presence of modern groundwater throughout the catchment suggest that groundwater recharge takes place across the entire catchment and that the three aquifers are hydraulically connected. The recharge estimated using the chloride mass balance method is in the range of 0–43% of the mean annual rainfall.     

Formation mechanism and evolution process of the Chada rock avalanche in Southeast Tibet,China

The Chada rock avalanche is a prehistoric high-elevation giant rock landslide located in the Boshula Mountains, Lhorong County, Southeast Tibet. It is composed of conglomerates with a volume of 6.62?×?10⁶ m³ and has a height difference of 1450 m and a transport distance of 3155 m. The accumulational landform shows characteristics indicating rock avalanches. With a unique red conglomerate as the marker of landslide movement, we combined the results of geological surveys, aerial surveys, and engineering geological drilling to determine the entrainment and geomorphic features of the rock avalanche. The rock avalanche was divided into the main scarp, entrainment zone (residual deposit, mixed deposit, and impact fragmentation areas), transport zone (compressed, local landslide, and longitudinal ridge areas), and deposit zone. The sequence of deposits in the valley indicates that the rock avalanche formed before the first-stage terrace and after the second-stage terrace. Combined with 3D numerical simulation, four movement stages were obtained: (1) the rock mass was broken and disintegrated due to progressive failure, initiating high-speed sliding; (2) the sliding mass scraped the thick previous slope material and formed oblique ridges by forward extrusion and lateral friction; (3) the 4.95?×?10⁶ m³ sliding mass was compressed and decelerated to form bending ridges, and the 1.67?×?10⁶ m³ sliding mass continued to move through the channel; and (4) the sliding mass extended to form longitudinal ridges in the channel and hummocks in the valley. The rock avalanche accelerated three times and decelerated three times during its motion.

     

From the geological to the numerical model in the analysis of gravity-induced slope deformations: An example from the Central Apennines (Italy)

This paper presents the findings from a study on gravity-induced slope deformations along the northern slope of Mt. Nuria (Rieti-Italy). The slope extends from the village of Pendenza to the San Vittorino plain and hosts the Peschiera River springs, i.e. the most important springs of the Central Apennines (average discharge: about 18 m³/s).

Detailed geological-geomorphological and geomechanical surveys, supported by a site stress-strain monitoring system and laboratory tests, led us to define the main evolutionary features of the studied phenomena. Based on the collected data, a “geological-evolutionary model” was developed with a view to identifying a spatio-temporal correlation between relief forms, jointing of the rock mass and its stress conditions. The geological-evolutionary model was expected to improve numerical simulations and to test our assumptions.

The numerical model also allowed us to simulate changes in the stress-strain conditions of the rock mass and correlate them with jointing, seepage, as well as with site-detected and site-monitored forms and deformations. In particular, significant relations between seepage, tensile stresses within the rock mass, karst solution and collapse of cavities were identified.     

Springs in a headwater basin in the Deccan Trap country of the Western Ghats, India

Available literature reveals that little work has been done on the origin of springs in a basaltic terrain. Close examination of such springs in about 2,000 km² of the upper Koyna River basin in the Deccan Trap country of the Western Ghats (hills), India, reveals that their origins are dependent on the lithologic character of different basaltic flow units and the existing physiography. Although rainfall, its seasonality and areas of recharge, play vital roles in the recharge of these springs, their yields are also controlled by lithological variations and hydraulic characteristics of their source-aquifers. Chemical concentrations of these springs are heavily dependent on the lithological compositions of the source-aquifers and the residence time of groundwater in these aquifers. Currently, basaltic springs are classified with those issuing from other terrains. However, because the emergence of groundwater in the form of springs is largely controlled by the lithology and the resulting water-bearing properties of the formations, a new classification scheme is proposed that classifies the springs on the basis of their source-aquifers. While tapping springs for drinking/irrigation purposes, it must be remembered that they also sustain thousands of other life forms vital to a balanced ecosystem. Changes in the uses of these springs may also affect other human communities downstream. Therefore, before developing spring flow, a trade-off must be made considering local needs and downstream users. Emphasizing only local human needs may lead to severe intercommunity conflict and negative environmental consequences. Electronic Publication     

Analysis of an anti-dip landslide triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China

The Guantan landslide, with a total displaced mass of about 468 × 10⁴ m³, was triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and succeeding rainfall in Jushui Town, Sichuan Province, China. The landslide occurred on an anti-dip hard rock slope with a weak rock founding stratum of 200 m in thickness. To investigate the failure mechanism of the Guantan landslide, dynamic behaviors of hard and soft rock slopes were investigated by means of large scale shaking table tests. The laboratory models attempted to simulate the field geological conditions of the Guantan landslide. Sinusoidal waves and actual seismic waves measured from the Wenchuan Earthquake were applied on the slope models under 37 loading configurations. The experimental results indicated that deformation mainly developed at a shallow depth in the upper part of the hard rock slope and in the upper (near the crest) and lower (near the toe) parts of the soft rock slope. An equation for predicting the depth of sliding plane was proposed based on the location of the maximum horizontal acceleration. Finally, it was concluded that the failure process of the Guantan landslide occurred in three stages: (1) toppling failure caused by compression of the underlying soft rock strata, (2) formation of crushed hard rock and sliding surface in soft rock as the result of seismic shocks, particularly in the horizontal direction, and (3) aftershock rainfall accelerates the process of mass movement along the sliding plane.     

Progressive evolution and failure behavior of a Holocene river-damming landslide in the SE Tibetan Plateau,China

This paper presents a study on an ancient river-damming landslide in the SE Tibet Plateau, China, with a focus on time-dependent gravitational creep leading to slope failure associated with progressive fragmentation during motion. Field investigation shows that the landslide, with an estimated volume of 4.9?×?10⁷ m³, is a translational toe buckling slide. Outcrops of landslide deposits, buckling, toe shear, residual landslide dam, and lacustrine sediments are distributed at the slope base. The landslide deposits formed a landslide dam over 60 m high and at one time blocked the Jinsha River. Optically stimulated luminescence dating for the lacustrine sediments indicates that the landslide occurred at least 2,600 years ago. To investigate the progressive evolution and failure behavior of the landslide, numerical simulations using the distinct element method are conducted. The results show that the evolution of the landslide could be divided into three stages: a time-dependent gravitational creep process, rapid failure, and granular flow deposition. It probably began as a long-term gravitationally induced buckling of amphibolite rock slabs along a weak interlayer composed of mica schist which was followed by progressive fragmentation during flow-like motion, evolving into a flow-like movement, which deposited sediments in the river valley. According to numerical modeling results, the rapid failure stage lasted 35 s from the onset of sudden failure to final deposition, with an estimated maximum movement rate of 26.8 m/s. The simulated topography is close to the post-landslide topography. Based on field investigation and numerical simulation, it can be found that the mica schist interlayer and bedding planes are responsible for the slope instability, while strong toe erosion caused by the Jinsha River caused the layered rock mass to buckle intensively. Rainfall or an earthquake cannot be ruled out as a potential trigger of the landslide, considering the climate condition and the seismic activity on centennial to millennial timescales in the study area.

     

Meteoric water-basalt interactions. II: A field study in N.E. Iceland

The compositions of rain, snow, melt, spring and geothermal waters from the rift zone of N.E. Iceland can be explained by seaspray addition, chemical fractionation at the seawater-air interface, burning of fossil fuel, farming activities, purification by partial melting of snow and ice, dissolution of basalts and buffering by alteration minerals. The dissolution of the rocks appears to be incongruent. During solute acquisition, spring compositions move through the stability fields of kaolinite and smectite to the laumontite and illite fields. All but four of the springs are undersaturated with respect to calcite. Silica concentrations are compatible with the solubility of basaltic glass. The reactions reflected in the spring waters appear to have taken place sealed off from atmospheric CO₂ after initial saturation.The geothermal waters which are recharged by the spring waters are depleted in Mg and Ca but enriched in carbon and sulfur with respect to dissolution of primary rocks. Expressions are derived relating dissolution rates of rocks, age of groundwaters, physical properties of groundwaters and mass transfer. The characteristic rock particle radii in the cold water aquifers range from 0.2 to 2 cm and the characteristic crack openings are of the order 0.04 to 0.4 cm. Using laboratory studies on the Icelandic lavas as a guide, the residence times of the cold waters in the aquifers can be estimated at 60 days to 4 years. The average active surface area of the aquifers enclosing 1000 g of spring water is of the order of 0.6 to 6 m² and these 1000 g of water have reacted with 0.1 to 1 g of basaltic rocks. The same mass of thermal water has interacted with 100 to 300 g of unaltered rocks.     

全长粘结式锚杆加固节理边坡的动静态位移响应

锚杆通常被作为表面粗糙的轴力杆单元进行分析,但在节理边坡加固中,由于节理面的错动,同时考虑锚杆的轴向和横向作用显得更加合理。通过理论分析,建立锚杆三弹簧单元的力学特征模型和变形特征模型,对其受力和变形进行全面分析;运用拉格朗日元数值方法(FLAC3D),建立以理想弹塑性本构Mohr-Coulomb准则为基础的节理边坡模型,应用三弹簧锚杆单元,对其锚固前后的动静态位移响应进行模拟。结果表明：节理面锚固处理后,岩体的刚度得到提高;边坡各部位的位移减小,节理两侧位移的突变值变小;锚杆对节理的上下盘岩体起到有效的拉结作用,抑制了两盘之间的较大变形位移,有利于边坡稳定。     

A stable isotope study of cave seepage waters

An isotope study (δ¹⁸O, δ²-H) of 62 samples of waters from both the interior of the Nerja cave (Málaga, Southern Spain) and the exterior sinkholes and springs at the site was carried out. Rainfall water in the study area was also studied. The mean value of seepage waters can be considered as the mean isotopic value of the precipitation waters of the area. The origin and aquifers of these different types of waters has also been studied, obtaining a clear meteoric origin both for the seepage waters and the waters from the wells and springs, but the aquifer of the latter is different, showing more negative isotopic values. This suggests that they could have mixed with waters from other aquifers which are either deeper or originate at other altitudes.     

基于三维非连续变形分析的巨石崩塌运动研究

巨石作为一种大体积、大质量的滚石,其崩塌失稳及高速、高能远程运动往往导致沿途建筑物和交通线路的毁灭性灾难。以西藏自治区G318国道K4580典型滑坡为工程背景,基于三维非连续变形分析（three-dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis,简称3D-DDA）方法研究巨石崩塌失稳及运动全过程的特征与现象。分别建立该边坡未滑坡、浅层滑坡后和深层滑坡后3种坡形的巨石崩塌3D-DDA数值模型。采用滚石运动横向偏移经验模型,验证3D-DDA巨石运动模拟的准确性。在此基础上,分析巨石崩塌失稳机制及破坏后沿3种不同坡形边坡的运动轨迹和动能演进等运动特征。结果表明,3D-DDA能够有效模拟巨石崩塌失稳、运动发展、剧烈冲击碰撞直至最终静止等整个动力学过程。巨石崩塌表现为滑动→倾倒?滑动→倾倒→翻转?下落的失稳模式转换;巨石运动表现为碰撞、弹跳、飞跃、滚动、滑动等多种运动形式以及横向偏移、侧向偏转等三维空间运动特征,经过道路并与高架桥发生碰撞,引发巨石灾害。不同坡面几何特征下的巨石运动偏移量、弹跳高度、运动至坡底碰撞时间、最终稳定时间等均随着未滑坡、浅层滑坡后、深层滑坡后3种坡形变化而减小。通过3D-DDA巨石崩塌运动分析,预测巨石运动全过程、影响范围、冲击能量、停积位置等,可为巨石防灾减灾对策或措施制定提供依据。     

Investigating the hydrogeological properties of springs in a karstic aquifer in Dorfak region (Guilan Province,Iran)

Karstic aquifers are considered as the main sources of groundwater in the northeast of Rudbar, Iran. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hydrogeological properties of karstic springs in this region. For this purpose, saturation indices (SI values) were calculated using the geochemical PHREEQC model for a number of minerals in the groundwater in the karstic aquifer. Moreover, AqQA-RockWare software packages were used to prepare hydrogeochemical plots for the aquifer, using which the sources of the ions in the water were identified. The origin of bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium ions in water was determined using chloro-alkaline indices. Moreover, through plotting a Piper diagram for spring water samples, it was discovered that water type of all springs is the Ca-HCO₃ type, confirming the karstic characteristic of springs in the area. A Durov diagram also suggests that the water composition of the springs is of the bicarbonate type with the dominant Ca cation, suggesting the calcareous effects of the region on the quality of groundwater and exhibiting a single source for the springs. The calculated saturation indices show that most of the water samples are undersaturated with respect to calcite, dolomite, and CO₂. The stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) and deuterium excess values were used to get information about transport pathways in groundwater, atmospheric moisture, and the degree of interaction between these reservoirs. The degree of karstification of the recharge area of the karst aquifer was determined to be 5.5 from an analysis of the hydrograph Sefidab Spring.     

The Gradenbach Observatory—monitoring deep-seated gravitational slope deformation by geodetic, hydrological, and seismological methods

The Gradenbach mass movement (GMM) is an example of DGSD (deep-seated gravitational slope deformation) in crystalline rocks of the Eastern Alps (12.85°E, 47.00°N). The main body of the GMM covers an area of 1.7 km² and its volume is about 120?×?10⁶ m³. A reconstruction of the deformation history yields a mean displacement of?～?22 m from 1962 to 2011. In 1965/66, 1975, 2001, and 2009 high sliding velocities, exceeding several meters per year, interrupt the quasi-stationary periods of slow movement (≤0.3 m/year). Since 1999 the displacement of the main body of the GMM has been observed by GPS. Time series of extensometer readings, precipitation, snow cover water equivalent, water discharge, and hydrostatic water level observed in boreholes were re-processed and are presented in this paper. Continuous recording of seismic activity by a seismic monitoring network at the GMM began in the summer of 2006. Deformation has been monitored since 2007 by an embedded strain rosette based on fiber optics technology and a local conventional geodetic deformation network. The velocity of the GMM could be modeled to a large extent by a quantitative relation to hydro-meteorological data. During the phase of high sliding velocity in spring 2009, the seismic activity in the area increased significantly. Several types of seismic events were identified with some of them preceding the acceleration of the main body by about 6 weeks. The potential inherent in the Gradenbach Observatory data to supply early warning and hazard estimation is discussed.     

Groundwater recharge in Pleistocene sediments overlying basalt aquifers in the Palouse Basin, USA: modeling of distributed recharge potential and identification of water pathways

Groundwater levels in basalt aquifers around the world have been declining for many years. Understanding water pathways is needed for solutions like artificial drainage. Water supply in the Palouse Basin, Washington and Idaho, USA, primarily relies on basalt aquifers. This study presents a combination of modeling and field observations to understand the spatial distribution of recharge pathways in the overlying Pleistocene sediments. A spatially distributed model was used to quantify potential recharge rates. The model shows clearly that recharge predominantly occurs through non-argilic soils and soils that are not underlain by fine-grained sediments, i.e. the upper area of the watershed. A field survey was conducted to determine recharge pathways from this area. It revealed 83 ?perennial springs. Drillings near springs showed connection of coarse-grained layers within the fine-grained Sediments of Bovill to these springs. Such layers, with streambed-like features, act as paleo-channels. Water from one of these coarse-grained layers had a similar electrical conductivity (200? ??S? cm^?C1) to water from a downstream perennial spring, also suggesting the existence of a lateral conduit for deep percolation water.     

地震作用下康定市郭达山危岩带运动特征

康定地区多为深切河谷地貌,山坡陡峻,基岩裸露,崩塌落石多发,地震频发。为开展地震作用下崩塌运动特征和规律研究,以康定市郭达山危岩带为研究对象,采用颗粒流离散元软件(particle flow code in 2 dimension,PFC^2D)模拟危岩带不同部位崩塌源(坡顶孤石、坡体上部碎裂岩体、坡体中部老崩塌堆积体、坡体下部块状危岩)在面波震级(surface ware magnitude,Ms) 8.0地震作用下的运动特征和破坏过程。研究结果表明: ①坡顶孤石质量越小越易启动,孤石越接近球形越易发生倾覆和滚动,沿临空面飞出后运动类型以坠落、碰撞、滚动为主,坡顶孤石的运动速率最大时达11.8 m/s; ②坡体上部碎裂岩体破坏过程可分为裂隙延伸贯通—启动坠落—碰撞解体—滚动堆积4个阶段,位于碎裂岩体上部的块石运动距离最远,达269 m; ③老崩塌堆积体块石自前向后形成碎屑流,沿坡面运动类型以滚动、碰撞为主; ④下部块状危岩运动特征为启动—滑动—挤压—解体—再滑动—再挤压—堆积; ⑤不同部位的崩塌在运动过程中块石会发生碰撞、摩擦、挤压、解体,快速消耗自身动能,导致运动距离和速率骤降。采用离散元模拟能够更全面更精细化的认识深切河谷区的崩塌,可为崩塌灾害的工程治理和山区城镇的防灾减灾提供科学依据。     

Spring flow,bacterial contamination,and water resources in rural Haiti

Field data from 25 karst springs were collected during the summer of 2008 near Verrettes, Haiti, to gain a better understanding of water quality in fresh water springs used as the primary source of potable water in rural Haiti. Two water samples were taken at each spring for bacterial analysis: one sample was submitted to a local hospital for analysis, while a duplicate sample was cultured using inexpensive and commercially available Coliscan^® Easygel^® Kits. Both capped and uncapped springs were sampled in order to evaluate whether capping improves water quality. Water quality parameters and flow volume estimates were recorded at each spring; however, no correlations between field water parameters and the presence of E. coli or total coliform bacteria were found. Spring flow rates varied from 0.4 to 268.5 L/min. Geologic contacts and regional structures trend in a northwest direction and appear to be exerting a primary control on spring locations. E. coli and total coliform colony counts from the local hospital and Coliscan^® Easygel^® Kits yielded different results for the same springs due to sample handling and analysis complications common in rural Haiti. Water sample analysis and storage problems encountered during this study likely resulted in underprediction, rather than overprediction, of bacterial contamination. Water from 71 to 100% of the springs was unsafe to drink based on the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Both capped and uncapped springs had bacterial counts in excess of the WHO standard, suggesting that water treatment from all sources is necessary to ensure clean and safe drinking water. Negatively impacted subterranean microbial ecosystems, poor sanitation practices, shallow karst aquifers with open flow paths, and high spring water temperatures, averaging 26.5°C, may be contributing to the observed bacterial abundance.     

Karstological study of the new Kunming airport building area (Yunnan, China)

In Kunming area (6.8 mio population), two big interventions are in progress: construction of a new airport, the 23 km² area of which will extend across karst terrain northeast of the city, and extensive uptake of water from karst aquifers for drinking and agricultural use. In the study, an interdisciplinary approach was utilized to demonstrate the need for holistic karstology studies prior to performing extensive interferences in the karst environment. This study included survey of surface karst features and microscopic analyses of rock samples in the area of the new airport location, accompanied by hydrogeological studies and microbiological analyses of two karst drinking water sources in its vicinity (Qinglongdong, Huanglongdong). Results showed the specific characteristics of the subsoil stone forest that indicated a high level of karstification. The direction and characteristics of groundwater flow from the sinking Qiaotou Stream at the margin of the new airport area toward the Huanglongdong Spring were defined with a single tracer test. Additional information about hydrogeological characteristics of the karst aquifer was obtained by individual measurements of physical and chemical parameters of the springs and sinking stream. Selected chemical and bacteriological parameters showed substantial pollution of both springs due to various types of human activities in the catchments. The results of the study pointed to the necessity of taking immediate measures for the springs’ protection and showed the importance of interdisciplinary research when planning anthropogenic activities in the karst.