Assessment of groundwater recharge and water fluxes of the Guarani Aquifer System, Brazil

The groundwater recharge and water fluxes of the Guarani Aquifer System in the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil were assessed through a numeric model. The study area (6,748 km²) comprises Jacaré-Guaçú and Jacaré-Pepira River watersheds, tributaries of the Tietê River in the central region of the state. GIS based tools were used in the storage, processing and analysis of data. Main hydrologic phenomena were selected, leading to a groundwater conceptual model, taking into account the significant outcrops occurring in the study area. Six recharge zones were related to the geologic formation and structures of the semi-confined and phreatic aquifer. The model was calibrated against the baseflows and static water levels of the wells. The results emphasize the strong interaction of groundwater flows between watersheds and the groundwater inflow into the rivers. It has been concluded that lateral groundwater exchanges between basins, the deep discharges to the regional system, and well exploitation were not significant aquifer outflows when compared to the aquifer recharge. The results have shown that the inflows from the river into the aquifer are significant and have the utmost importance since the aquifer is potentially more vulnerable in these places.     

Stochastic simulation of time-series models combined with geostatistics to predict water-table scenarios in a Guarani Aquifer System outcrop area, Brazil

Stochastic methods based on time-series modeling combined with geostatistics can be useful tools to describe the variability of water-table levels in time and space and to account for uncertainty. Monitoring water-level networks can give information about the dynamic of the aquifer domain in both dimensions. Time-series modeling is an elegant way to treat monitoring data without the complexity of physical mechanistic models. Time-series model predictions can be interpolated spatially, with the spatial differences in water-table dynamics determined by the spatial variation in the system properties and the temporal variation driven by the dynamics of the inputs into the system. An integration of stochastic methods is presented, based on time-series modeling and geostatistics as a framework to predict water levels for decision making in groundwater management and land-use planning. The methodology is applied in a case study in a Guarani Aquifer System (GAS) outcrop area located in the southeastern part of Brazil. Communication of results in a clear and understandable form, via simulated scenarios, is discussed as an alternative, when translating scientific knowledge into applications of stochastic hydrogeology in large aquifers with limited monitoring network coverage like the GAS.     

Groundwater geochemical evolution in the northern portion of the Guarani Aquifer System (Brazil) and its relationship to diagenetic features

The groundwater flow pattern in the northern portion of GAS (Guarani Aquifer System) is characterized by the existence of four regional recharge areas located in São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás states. From these areas of recharge the regional flow is radial and directed toward the center of the Paraná Sedimentary Basin. Local discharge occurs in portions of outcrop regions. The groundwater has low mineralization and can be classified as Ca or Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type, Na–HCO₃ type and Na–HCO₃/Cl/SO₄ type, this sequence represents the hydrochemical evolution. The mechanisms responsible for this evolution are dissolution of feldspars and removal of the carbonate cement from the sandstone mineral framework, followed by ion exchange, responsible for the increase in the Na concentration and decrease of Ca, and, finally, enrichment in Cl and SO₄ derived from underlying aquifer units. The hydrochemical evolution is consistent with diagenetic features that are observed in the sandstones, with the presence of siliceous cement in the outcrop areas, and carbonate cement toward the center of Paraná Basin.     

Aquifer vulnerability using recharge,depth to groundwater,soil type and slope to classify the vadose zone (Molototsi and Middle Letaba quaternary catchments,Limpopo Province,South Africa)

The aquifer vulnerability of the Molototsi (B81G) and Middle Letaba (B82D) quaternary catchments was assessed to determine the influence of the vadose zone on the groundwater regime. The aquifer vulnerability was assessed by developing a new method, which evaluates the vadose zone as a pathway for pollutants using the following four parameters: recharge, depth to water table, soil type (saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity) and slope (RDSS). Recharge was estimated using the chloride mass balance method, and the depth to the water table was measured in the field using dipmeter. The seepage behaviour (soil type) was determined as hydraulic conductivity from in situ infiltration and percolation testing (SABS 0252-2:1993 and double ring infiltrometer). The slopes were determined with the digital elevation method using ArcGIS software. The four parameters were overlaid using weighted sum, weighted overlay and raster calculator to produce the vulnerability map. Different weightings were attributed in the methods and the best selected. The results obtained indicated high vulnerability on the lower and upper parts of both catchments. The benefits of the method described are (a) the easy quantification of the parameters through fairly simple methods and (b) the exclusion of arbitrary index values.     

Stable isotopes (2H, 18O and 13C) in groundwaters from the northwestern portion of the Guarani Aquifer System (Brazil)

The groundwater flow pattern of the western part of the Guarani Aquifer System (GAS), Brazil, is characterized by three regional recharge areas in the north, and a potentiometric divide in the south, which trends north–south approximately. Groundwater flow is radial from these regional recharge areas toward the center of Paraná Sedimentary Basin and toward the western outcrop areas at the border of the Pantanal Matogrossense, because of the potentiometric divide. The isotopic composition of GAS groundwater leads to understanding the paleoclimatic conditions in the regional recharge areas. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H isotopic ratios of GAS groundwaters vary, respectively, from –9.1 to –4.8‰ V-SMOW and –58.4 to –21.7‰ V-SMOW. In the recharge zones, enriched δ¹⁸O values are observed, while in the confined zone lighter δ¹⁸O values are observed. These suggest that climatic conditions were 10°C cooler than the present during the recharge of these waters. The δ¹³C ratios in groundwater of GAS, in the study area, vary from –19.5 to –6.5‰ VPDB, increasing along the regional flow lines toward the confined zone. This variation is related to dissolution of carbonate cement in the sandstones.     

Evaluation of distributed recharge in an upland semi-arid karst system: the West Bank Mountain Aquifer,Middle East

Assessment of recharge in a structurally complex upland karst limestone aquifer situated in a semi-arid environment is difficult. Resort to surrogate indicators such as measurement of spring outflow and borehole discharge, is a common alternative, and attempts to apply conventional soil moisture deficit analysis may not adequately account for the intermittent spate conditions that arise in such environments. A modelling approach has been made using the West Bank Mountain Aquifer system in the Middle East as a trial. The model uses object oriented software which allows various objects to be switched on and off. Each of the main recharge processes identified in the West Bank is incorporated. The model allows either conventional soil moisture deficit analysis calculations or wetting threshold calculations to be made as appropriate, and accommodates both direct recharge and secondary recharge. Daily time steps enable recharge and runoff routing to be calculated for each node. Model runs have enabled a series of simulations for each of the three aquifer basins in the West Bank and for the whole of the West Bank. These provide recharge estimates comparable to those prepared by earlier workers by conventional means. The model is adaptable and has been successfully used in other environments.     

Delineation of small-scale landforms relative to flood inundation in the western Red River delta, northern Vietnam using remotely sensed data

Flood susceptibility mapping using geomorphologic approaches is effective for delineating flood extent and various degrees of potential flood-affected areas. This approach is useful where the channel system and floodplain morphology change dynamically and in regions where detailed digital elevation models are not available. The first important step in flood zonation using this approach is detailed geomorphologic mapping, also called landform classification. This study aims to describe landform classification using the rule-based method of Ho et al. (Int J Geoinform 8(4):27–38, 2012) adapted to local characteristics in the western plain of the Red River delta, northern Vietnam. The original classification scheme is generally based on the moist condition classification, local land-surface parameters, and relative position indices derived from multi-temporal Landsat data and a shuttle radar topographic mission digital elevation model (SRTM DEM). This study uses average elevations and the standard deviation of elevations as local land-surface parameters rather than local relief, which was used in the study by Ho et al. (Int J Geoinform 8(4):27–38, 2012). Multi-temporal land cover classification was performed using an integrated method to effectively correct the SRTM DEM. The overall classification is consistent with manual mapping by visual comparison. The quantitative comparison between landform units and past flood-affected areas demonstrates a precise boundary delineation of landform objects using this method. The high agreement between the boundaries of landform units and flood-inundated areas suggests the applicability of this method taking advantage of readily available remotely sensed datasets in alluvial floodplains.     

Continental strike-slip rifts and their stratigraphic signature: application to the Bangong/Nujiang zone (Tibet) and the South Penninic zone (Alps)

Our literature studies show that the thermal regime along continental strike-slip rifts is inconspicuous and that they are "low-volcanicity rifts" at best. Along with that, young continental strike-slip rifts exhibit no signs of major thermally controlled doming. We suggest that the larger the strike-slip component of a rift is, the less likely major thermal doming is causally associated with the rift zone. Since vertical lithosphere movements are reflected in the stratigraphic record of a rifted area, different rift modes (strike-slip, dip-slip) may be distinguished by analyzing the relevant sequences. Two ancient and especially suitable strike-slip rift margins in Tethyan mountain belts, the Bangong/Nujiang zone of Tibet and the South Penninic zone of the Alps, were analyzed with regard to their uplift history. The results confirm recent regional rift models which indicate in both cases that rifting was dominated by strike-slip. The stratigraphic approach may provide significant clues as to the mode of paleorifting when structural data are unavailable.     

Groundwater nitrate pollution in the recharge zone of a regional Quaternary flow system (Wielkopolska region, Poland)

The present study examines the behaviour of nitrate in the recharge zone of a regional Quaternary flow system. The presence of contaminated groundwater with high nitrate content in the shallow part of the flow system was documented. Tritium analyses confirmed that these contaminants can migrate downward. A high downward gradient exists in the study area, extending into the regions of groundwater extraction. In the unconfined part of the flow system, which is the most vulnerable to pollution, a high concentration of nitrate was found to occur at great depth. However, denitrification processes limit nitrate migration. As a result, in the deeper parts of the flow system in regions under confined conditions, an absence of nitrate was observed, and a higher sulphate concentration and total hardness were evident. The denitrification was also confirmed by the existence of a high gaseous N₂ concentration. It was documented that denitrification occurs in both the confined and unconfined parts of the flow system, but the potential for denitrification is higher in the confined parts (leading to the disappearance of nitrate in deep aquifers). Autotrophic denitrification supported by sulphide compounds was indicated as the dominant denitrification process.     

Integrating outcrop data and forward computer modelling to unravel the development of a Messinian carbonate platform in SE Spain (Sorbas Basin)

Geological mapping, definition of facies distributions and reconstruction of platform‐interior growth geometries of the Messinian Cariatiz carbonate platform (Sorbas basin, South Spain), were performed to evaluate the controlling factors in platform growth and to test a 3‐D computer simulation program. For the simulation with the program REPRO, five platform‐related facies were modelled: (1) the reef crest facies by the numerical solution of a Fisher equation; (2) the lagoonal facies by a function of water depth‐dependent carbonate production; (3) the proximal and middle slope facies (breccia and block facies, calcarenite facies) by a subroutine simulating gravity‐driven particle export from the reef crest; (4) a distal slope; and (5) a basinal facies by a pelagic rain function. Development of a fan delta conglomeratic system is simulated by using a siliciclastic point source and gravity‐driven particle redistribution. A best fit between the observed platform growth geometries and modelling results is achieved by assuming that high‐frequency sea‐level changes superimposed onto a longer term sea‐level fall controlled platform growth. For the modelling, a relative sea‐level curve was reconstructed, which is based on a deep‐sea benthic foraminiferal stable oxygen isotope record at ODP Site 926 with a 45 m eustatic sea‐level fall, and a tectonic uplift component of 20 m. The consistency of 3‐D simulation results is corroborated by the coral growth rates provided by the Fisher‐equation subroutine. These rates of 2–8 mm year⁻¹ compare well to the coral growth rates in Recent fringing reefs. We propose that during the early stage of platform evolution the high‐frequency fluctuations were obliquity‐modulated precessional cycles, whereas precessional cycles control later stages of platform growth. REPRO provides a separate visualization of the different facies bodies as a function of time and space, showing the intrinsic pattern of facies distribution in the platform. This is the result of a combination of platform growth and syndepositional subaerial erosion. For example, only the youngest stages of reef framework facies in the development of the Cariatiz carbonate platform are preserved.     

High-resolution chronostratigraphy of the Cerro Barcino Formation (Patagonia): Paleobiologic implications for the mid-cretaceous dinosaur-rich fauna of South America

The Cretaceous Cerro Barcino Formation (Chubut Group) of Central Patagonia, Argentina has yielded a remarkable fossil vertebrate fauna, which form important components of the South American “mid-Cretaceous” fauna, including titanosauriform sauropod dinosaurs, theropod dinosaurs, crocodyliforms, turtles, and lepidosauromorphs. However, a lack of robust chronostratigraphic framework for its fossil occurrences has so far hampered a full realization of their paleobiologic significance. This contribution presents new stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and U-Pb isotopic age data from 11 localities throughout the Patagonian Somuncurá-Canadón Asfalto Basin and analyzes the evolutionary characteristics of the Cerro Barcino fauna within the biostratigraphic context of the Cretaceous of Gondwana.Four new high-precision ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon dates by the CA-ID-TIMS method range from 118.497 ± 0.063 Ma to 98.466 ± 0.048 Ma (2σ internal errors) and limits the Puesto La Paloma, Cerro Castaño and Las Plumas members of the Cerro Barcino Formation largely to the Aptian, Albian and Cenomanian stages of the Cretaceous, respectively. Accordingly, the majority of the Cerro Barcino vertebrates fall within a ~118–110 Ma time interval in the latest Early Cretaceous, which makes them the oldest documented component of the “mid-Cretaceous” faunal assemblage of Gondwana. Paleobiologic analyses of the latter assemblage suggests a ~10 m.y. period of faunistic stability characterized by only minor evolutionary novelties or faunal turnovers.     

Initial assessment of the infiltration and overland flow for different rainfall events in land constituted of sandstones of the Botucatu Formation (Guarani Aquifer), State of São Paulo, Brazil

This study was carried out in the Córrego do Vaçununga basin constituted of eolic sandstones of Botucatu Formation and residual unconsolidated materials (>90%), considered the most important unconfined aquifer in Brazil, in the city of Luiz Antonio, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Laboratory and in situ tests were performed to characterize the unconsolidated materials in terms of basic physical properties, potential infiltration rate, suction and hydraulic conductivity. The results for infiltration and overland flow depths were obtained according to Morel-Seytoux and Khanji (Water Resour Res 10(4):795–800, 1976) and Chu (Water Resour Res 14(3):461–466, 1978) adaptation of the Green and Ampt [J Agr Sci 4(Part 1):1–24, 1911] model for steady and transient rainfalls, respectively. Rainfall data were collected from January of 2000 to December of 2002, and 12 scenarios were defined considering the intensity and durations. Rather than high homogeneity in terms of the texture of unconsolidated materials, the infiltration and overland flow ratio depends on the type of land use and associated management practices. The results showed that rainfall with high intensity and short duration do not produce high overland flow ratio as we have observed for transient scenarios with long duration and low intensities.     

A new species of the genus Echinorhinus (Chondrichthyes,Echinorhiniformes) from the upper cretaceous of southern South America (Argentina-Chile)

We describe isolated shark teeth collected from levels of the Calafate Formation at the SE coast of the Argentino Lake, Calafate city, Santa Cruz province, Argentina (Atlantic Ocean), and from the Algarrobo coast at the Valparaíso Region in central Chile (Pacific Ocean). The teeth belong to a new species of the echinorhiniform genus Echinorhinus. Echinorhinus maremagnum n. sp. was a taxon distributed in both the southwestern Atlantic and the southeastern Pacific. This new taxon constitutes the oldest record of echinorhiniforms from South America and one of the few Mesozoic records at a worldwide scale.     

Microinclusions of ore minerals in gold from the Miass placer zone (South Urals): Evidence for source rocks

Microinclusions of ore minerals were found and studied in grains of native gold for characterization of the mineralogy of placer gold of the South Urals. One hundred ten unrounded and poorly rounded grains with a size of 1–2 mm from eight placer zones were studied. Microinclusions of ore minerals were detected in six placers of the Miass zone. The list of minerals includes sulfides, arsenides, Cu-bearing Au, and PGEs. All microinclusions show links to certain deposits of ore gold and chromite occurrences. It is suggested that the northern flanges of the Talovsky and Nurali massifs containing gold placers with PGEs require a search for PGE mineralization.

     

A southern species of the tropical catfish genus Phractocephalus (Teleostei: Siluriformes) in the Miocene of South America

Catfish bones from Tortonian (Miocene) freshwater beds of central Argentina are here identified as pertaining to a new species of the tropical pimelodid genus Phractocephalus. The new species differs from the other recent and fossil species of the genus in skull, pectoral girdle and spine characters. The material was found in different localities near the city of Paraná, Entre Ríos Province. The bearing horizon is the so-called “Conglomerado osífero” which constitutes the lowermost beds of the fluvial Ituzaingó Formation. The aquatic vertebrate fauna occurring in the bearing bed shows a similar generic composition to several northern South American Miocene units where Phractocephalus remains were found. This report extends the range of Phractocephalus more than 2000 km to the South. The record is in agreement with higher global temperatures and putative ample hydrographic connections of the river basins in the Paraná area with the Amazon basin until at least the early late Miocene.     

Understanding the past to interpret the future: comparison of simulated groundwater recharge in the upper Colorado River basin (USA) using observed and general-circulation-model historical climate data

In evaluating potential impacts of climate change on water resources, water managers seek to understand how future conditions may differ from the recent past. Studies of climate impacts on groundwater recharge often compare simulated recharge from future and historical time periods on an average monthly or overall average annual basis, or compare average recharge from future decades to that from a single recent decade. Baseline historical recharge estimates, which are compared with future conditions, are often from simulations using observed historical climate data. Comparison of average monthly results, average annual results, or even averaging over selected historical decades, may mask the true variability in historical results and lead to misinterpretation of future conditions. Comparison of future recharge results simulated using general circulation model (GCM) climate data to recharge results simulated using actual historical climate data may also result in an incomplete understanding of the likelihood of future changes. In this study, groundwater recharge is estimated in the upper Colorado River basin, USA, using a distributed-parameter soil-water balance groundwater recharge model for the period 1951–2010. Recharge simulations are performed using precipitation, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature data from observed climate data and from 97 CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, phase 5) projections. Results indicate that average monthly and average annual simulated recharge are similar using observed and GCM climate data. However, 10-year moving-average recharge results show substantial differences between observed and simulated climate data, particularly during period 1970–2000, with much greater variability seen for results using observed climate data.     

Compositional variations of Cretaceous pumpellyites along the western margin of South America and their relation to an extensional geodynamic setting

Abstract Pumpellyites in pervasively altered basic to intermediate rocks from three Cretaceous Andean volcanic sequences, the Colombian Diabasic Group, the Ecuadorian-Peruvian Celica Formation/Casma Group and the Chilean Ocoite Group, were studied to test their compositional behaviour in relation to changes in geodynamic setting. They occur mostly in assemblages of the prehnite-pumpellyite facies filling amygdules and inside plagioclase phenocrysts.
(a) Pumpellyites from the three geodynamic settings define three distinct compositional fields in AFM space: (i) those in the Diabasic Group plot closer to the Fe corner; (ii) those in the Ocoite Group plot closer to the Al corner; (iii) those in the Celica Formation/Casma group plot between, and partly overlapping, fields (i) and (ii).
(b) Pumpellyites in group (i) formed in T-MORB like, K-poor tholeiites (high Fe/Al), affected by ocean-floor metamorphism in an oceanic back-arc basin. Pumpellyites in group (ii) generated in K-rich, calc-alkaline (low Fe/Al) to shoshonitic metabasites affected by burial metamorphism in an ensialic, aborted, marginal basin with moderate attenuation of the continental crust. Pumpellyites in group (iii) formed in basic and intermediate, calc-alkaline to tholeiitic rocks, metamorphosed in ensialic marginal basins with various degrees of continental crust thinning, from splitting to moderate attenuation. A correlation between pumpellyite and host-rock composition is suggested by these characteristics.
(c) Pumpellyites in prehnite-pumpellyite facies assemblages of some of the units studied plot inside higher (and lower) grade reference fields (AFM space) corresponding to different geodynamic settings elsewhere. This anomaly is attributed to the changing characteristics of the marginal basins at the South American margin and emphasizes the need to compare equal facies referred to equal settings.