Deterministic modelling of the cumulative impacts of underground structures on urban groundwater flow and the definition of a potential state of urban groundwater flow: example of Lyon,France

Underground structures have been shown to have a great influence on subsoil resources in urban aquifers. A methodology to assess the actual and the potential state of the groundwater flow in an urban area is proposed. The study develops a three-dimensional modeling approach to understand the cumulative impacts of underground infrastructures on urban groundwater flow, using a case in the city of Lyon (France). All known underground structures were integrated in the numerical model. Several simulations were run: the actual state of groundwater flow, the potential state of groundwater flow (without underground structures), an intermediate state (without impervious structures), and a transient simulation of the actual state of groundwater flow. The results show that underground structures fragment groundwater flow systems leading to a modification of the aquifer regime. For the case studied, the flow systems are shown to be stable over time with a transient simulation. Structures with drainage systems are shown to have a major impact on flow systems. The barrier effect of impervious structures was negligible because of the small hydraulic gradient of the area. The study demonstrates that the definition of a potential urban groundwater flow and the depiction of urban flow systems, which involves understanding the impact of underground structures, are important issues with respect to urban underground planning.     

Simulation of the hydrogeologic effects of oil-shale mining on the neighbouring wetland water balance: case study in north-eastern Estonia

The water balance of wetlands plays an integral role in their function. Developments adjacent to wetlands can affect their water balance through impacts on groundwater flow and increased discharge in the area, and they can cause lowering of the wetland water table. A 430 km² area was selected for groundwater modelling to asses the effect of underground mining on the water balance of wetlands in north-eastern Estonia. A nature conservation area (encompassing Selisoo bog) is within 3 km of an underground oil-shale mine. Two future mining scenarios with different areal extents of mining were modeled and compared to the present situation. Results show that the vertical hydraulic conductivity of the subsurface is of critical importance to potential wetland dewatering as a result of mining. Significant impact on the Selisoo bog water balance will be caused by the approaching mine but there will be only minor additional impacts from mining directly below the bog. The major impact will arise before that stage, when the underground mine extension reaches the border of the nature conservation area; since the restriction of activities in this area relates to the ground surface, the conservation area’s border is not sufficiently protective in relation to underground development.     

The impact of tunneling construction on the hydrogeological environment of “Tseng-Wen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion Project” in Taiwan

Groundwater flow and the associated surface water flow are potential negative factors on underground tunnels. Early detection of environmental impacts on water resources is of significant importance to planning, design and construction of tunnel projects, as early detection can minimize accidents and project delays during construction. The groundwater modeling software package Groundwater Modeling System (GMS), which supports the groundwater numerical codes MODFLOW and FEMWATER, was utilized to determine the impact of tunneling excavation on the hydrogeological environment in a regional area around the tunnel and a local hot springs area, at the “Tseng-Wen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion Project”, in Taiwan. A hydrogeological conceptual model was first developed to simplify structures related to the site topography, geology and geological structure. The MODFLOW code was then applied to simulate groundwater flow pattern for the hydrogeological conceptual model in the tunnel area. The automated parameter estimation method was applied to calibrate groundwater level fluctuation and hydrogeological parameters in the region. Calibration of the model demonstrated that errors between simulated and monitored results are smaller than allowable errors. The study also observed that tunneling excavation caused groundwater to flow toward the tunnel. No obvious changes in the groundwater flow field due to tunnel construction were observed far away in the surrounding regions. Furthermore, the FEMWATER code for solving 3-D groundwater flow problems, in which hydrogeological characteristics are integrated into a geographic information system (GIS), is applied to evaluate the impact of tunnel construction on an adjacent hot spring. Simulation results indicated that the groundwater drawdown rate is less than the groundwater recharge rate, and the change to the groundwater table after tunnel construction was insignificant for the hot spring area. Finally, the groundwater flow obtained via the GMS indicated that the hydrogeological conceptual model can estimate the possible quantity of tunnel inflow and the impact of tunnel construction on the regional and local groundwater resources regime of the transbasin diversion project.     

岩溶地下工程地质环境影响区范围划定初步研究

在大量建设城市地下轨道交通及城市更新工程的背景之下,我国城市岩溶地质灾害日趋严重。文章以深圳市3个岩溶地面塌陷事件为例,开展岩溶地下工程地质环境影响区的划定研究。首先运用高频岩溶地下水气压力监测技术对工程影响实际范围进行监测分析,然后结合工程施工参数、岩溶塌陷主要影响因素与水文地质试验参数,采用定性分析和量化计算的综合研究方法,推导出岩溶地下工程地质环境影响范围理论计算经验公式。结果表明:岩溶地下工程影响范围主要与渗透系数、工程深度成正比,与土层厚度成反比,推导的半定量理论公式适用于岩溶承压水条件下,可快速为缺乏地下水监测资料的岩溶地区地下工程安全建设及城市防灾减灾工作提供依据。      

Distribution and origin of nitrate in groundwater in an urban and suburban aquifer in Mar del Plata,Argentina

The impact of urbanization on groundwater quality is of special concern for water managers dealing with the provision of drinking water to large urban centers. Nitrate is one of the most common contaminants found in urban aquifers. This paper presents a case study aiming at evaluating the distribution and sources of nitrate in an urban aquifer in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina. Four study zones under different land uses, including a pristine, a semi-rural, an intermediate, and an urban area, were evaluated as a part of this study. The three latter zones are linked by the groundwater flow system. The average nitrate concentration in the pristine area is 6.7 mg/L as nitrate and is over the permissible level of 50 mg/L for drinking water in the other areas. In the semi-rural area it ranges from 39.2 to 107.1 mg/L with an average value of 38.2 mg/L and the nitrate concentration tends to decrease in the intermediate zone to an average value of 38.2 mg/L; however, values above 60 mg/L are also observed there. Then the nitrate concentration in the urban area water is higher than that in the intermediate zonewater ranging from 48.2 to 100.3 mg/L with an average value of 67.3 mg/L. Data on the stable isotopes 15N and 18O in nitrate show that the main sources of nitrate in the study area are manure associated to agriculture uses and cesspools in the semi-rural area, and leakage of the sewage distribution network in the urban area, respectively. This is supported by a previous study which found that 20 % of the water flooding many underground structures in the city came from leakage of the sewage network. No evidence of nitrate attenuation by denitrification was found in the groundwater. This study has shown that aquifers in urban areas can be affected by agricultural activity in the upstream areas and leakage of the sewage network in the urban area.     

Identifying environmental impacts of underground construction

Dewatering of the groundwater resource and associated reduced flow of surface water features are potential negative impacts when constructing underground facilities. Little work has been done to develop methods for the early detection of environmental impacts on water resources where major underground construction is being undertaken. Recognizing this, prior to construction of two rock tunnels in the southwestern USA, a 3-year preconstruction program was implemented to monitor over 100 wells, springs, and streams in the project area that might be affected. This preconstruction monitoring phase has established data for a hydrologic reference which indicates a high degree of spatial and temporal variability. This variability must be accounted for when trying to identify construction-related impacts. The project area was subdivided into areas of similar characteristics based on geologic and hydrologic features. Measurements from features within each unit were then normalized and aggregated to derive a single representative flow parameter. This representative flow was then correlated to precipitation and major stream flow records to allow for a method of estimating unimpacted flow and groundwater levels during and after construction. Application of this method proved useful in determining and enabling a quick response to construction-related impacts.     

The effect of graben structures on the migration of groundwater contaminants at an industrial site

Industrial sites present a challenge to the hydrogeological delineation of pollution sources and their impacts. When large-scale geologic structures such as grabens exist on such sites, these can have a significant impact on the hydrology and water quality distribution. At the site investigated, geophysical techniques, standard hydrogeological approaches and hydrochemical characterisation (with methods such as depth-profiling and isotopes) were used to determine the impact of a graben structure and the hydrogeological properties and consequent water quality distribution. Zones of high conductivity, corresponding with available data, were identified from the geophysical investigation and subsequent pumping tests in the area. Through hydrochemical characterisation, including isotopes, it was determined that the fault zone acts as a barrier for groundwater flow and is thus the reason for the lower levels of pollutants in groundwater beyond this feature. However, the surface water flow is not restricted by these zones, and contributes significantly to the flow and salt loads at the discharge point. The study showed that graben structures are important controls on the movement of contaminants, and that the effect of such geological features on groundwater quality distribution must be investigated using multiple methodologies to construct a feasible conceptual model of the interactions.     

Modelling the cutoff behavior of underground structure in multi-aquifer-aquitard groundwater system

The quaternary deposit of Shanghai is composed of an alternated multi-aquifer-aquitard system (MAAS) consisting of a sequence of aquitards laid over aquifers one by one. In the MAAS, any drawdown of groundwater head in an aquifer may cause consolidation of the overburden aquitard. When underground structures penetrate those aquifers, groundwater seepage path changes and drawdown occurs at the side characterized by the lower hydraulic potential along the flow direction (hereafter refers as to the lower side). This drawdown may cause additional subsidence at the lower side and unbalanced load between the two sides of the underground structure. In order to evaluate the cutoff effect of an underground structure on groundwater seepage in a MAAS representative of the underground of the city of Shanghai, a numerical analysis based on a groundwater flow model has been carried out. The simulated results have shown that underground structures which cut off groundwater flow locally change both magnitude and direction of the flow velocity field. The induced changes in the groundwater field are highly sensitive to the penetration depth and width of the underground structure. Design recommendations for underground structures in aquifers belonging to a MAAS are also presented, which has not yet been considered in the engineering practice of Shanghai.     

Use of stream response functions to determine impacts of replacing surface-water use with groundwater withdrawals

A regional-scale numerical groundwater model is used to study the impacts of replacing surface-water use with groundwater wells to improve low-flow stream conditions for endangered species within the Bertrand and Fishtrap watersheds, southern British Columbia, Canada and Washington, USA. Stream response functions ranging from 0 to 1.0 were calculated for individual wells placed within a steady-state groundwater flow model at varying distances from the streams to determine the impact that these replacement wells, operating under sustained pumping rates, would have on summer instream flows. Lower response ratios indicate groundwater pumping will have less of an impact on streamflow than taking an equivalent amount of water directly from a surface-water source. Results show that replacing surface-water use with groundwater withdrawals may be a viable alternative for increasing summer streamflows. Assuming combined response factors should be ≤0.5 for irrigators to undergo the expense of installing new wells, ~57% of the land area within 0.8 km of Bertrand Creek would be suitable for replacement wells. Similarly, 70% of the land area within 0.8 km of Fishtrap Creek was found to be appropriate. A visual analysis tool was developed using STELLA to allow stakeholders to quickly evaluate the impact associated with moving their water right.     

Integrated methods and scenario development for urban groundwater management and protection during tunnel road construction: a case study of urban hydrogeology in the city of Basel,Switzerland

In the northwestern area of Basel, Switzerland, a tunnel highway connects the French highway A35 (Mulhouse–Basel) with the Swiss A2 (Basel–Gotthard–Milano). The subsurface highway construction was associated with significant impacts on the urban groundwater system. Parts of this area were formerly contaminated by industrial wastes, and groundwater resources are extensively used by industry. During some construction phases, considerable groundwater drawdown was necessary, leading to major changes in the groundwater flow regime. Sufficient groundwater supply for industrial users and possible groundwater pollution due to interactions with contaminated areas had to be taken into account. A groundwater management system is presented, comprising extensive groundwater monitoring, high-resolution numerical groundwater modeling, and the development and evaluation of different scenarios. This integrated approach facilitated the evaluation of the sum of impacts, and their interaction in time and space with changing hydrological boundary conditions. For all project phases, changes of the groundwater system had to be evaluated in terms of the various goals and requirements. Although the results of this study are case-specific, the overall conceptual approach and methodologies applied may be directly transferred to other urban areas.     

Hydrogeological characterization and environmental effects of the deteriorating urban karst groundwater in a karst trough valley: Nanshan,SW China

The unique hydrogeology of karst makes the associated groundwater respond quickly to rainfall events and vulnerable to anthropogenic pollutions. In this study, high-frequency monitoring of spring discharge, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC) and pH, along with monthly hydrochemical and microbial analyses, was undertaken at the outlet of Laolondong karst underground river in Nanshan, southwestern China. The aim was to explore the environmental effects of the catchment’s urban area on the karst groundwater resources. The monitoring data of a tracer test and the response of discharge to rainfall events demonstrate that conduits and narrow fissures coexist in the Laolongdong karst aquifer. The EC, Na⁺, Cl^? and SO₄^2? values (840 μS/cm, 33.7, 38.6 and 137.2 μg/L, respectively), along with high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria, at the outlet indicate considerable urban pollution in this area. The contaminants sulfate and nitrate showed different relationships with discharge and EC in different stages of a rainfall event. This behavior provided information about aquifer structure and the influence of transport properties. Meanwhile, the hydrological processes of groundwater flow could be modified by urbanization and result in increasing magnitude of urban floods in the underground river. In addition, sulfuric and nitric acids introduced by urbanization not only impact the karst groundwater quality, but also result in a significant perturbation to the carbon cycling system in the karst area.     

Land use change scenarios and associated groundwater impacts in a protected peri-urban area

Land use changes in peri-urban areas are usually associated with significant impacts on groundwater resources due to alteration of the recharge regime as well as through the establishment of pollution sources. Quantifying the aforementioned impacts and assessing the vulnerability of the groundwater resources is an important step for the better management and protection of the aquifers. In the present study, a physically based, distributed hydrologic model has been used to identify the impacts from specific land use change scenarios in the protected area of Loutraki catchment. A vulnerability assessment method has been also implemented to provide a decision support tool to the land planning authorities and also hydrologic mitigation measures for the sustainable development of the area have been proposed. The hydrologic impacts of the land use scenarios include a 5% reduction in the annual recharge of the study aquifer for scenario 1 (doubling of the current urban areas) and 7% decrease for scenario 2 (tripling of the current urban areas). Nevertheless, these impacts can be minimised if small-scale artificial recharge infrastructure is developed and the land planning measures suggested through the vulnerability and recharge maps will be followed.     

上海市城市化进程引起的地面沉降因素分析

20世纪90年代上海中心城区的地面沉降在地下水开采量没有增加的情况下出现了新一轮的增长。与此同时,上海进行了大规模的城市化建设。通过对中心城区地面沉降量与工程建设进行相关性分析发现,近年来中心城区的地面沉降量与工程建设具有相关性。目前城市化建设引起地面沉降的现象已受到关注,但尚缺乏对城市化进程引起地面沉降机制的系统研究。针对上海市城市化进程引起地面沉降的因素进行分析探讨,城市化进程引起的沉降包括建筑物荷载及交通荷载等外荷载引起的沉降,基坑开挖、降水及隧道施工等工程施工引起的土体压缩,以及隧道渗漏,周边地区对地下水补给量的减小,地下构筑物挡水效应等引起的地下水位持续下降而诱发的沉降     

Influence of underground space development mode on the groundwater flow field in Xiong’an new area

The degree and scale of underground space development are growing with the continuous advancement of urbanization in China. The lack of research on the change of the groundwater flow field before and after the development of underground space has led to various problems in the process of underground space development and operation. This paper took the key development zone of the Xiong’an New Area as the study area, and used the Groundwater modeling system software (GMS) to analyse the influence on the groundwater flow field under the point, line, and surface development modes. The main results showed that the underground space development would lead to the expansion and deepening of the cone of depression in the aquifer. The groundwater level on the upstream face of the underground structure would rise, while the water level on the downstream face would drop. The “line” concurrent development has the least impact on the groundwater flow field, and the maximum rise of water level on the upstream side of the underground structure is expected to be approximately 3.05 m. The “surface” development has the greatest impact on the groundwater flow field, and the maximum rise of water level is expected to be 7.17 m.     

Relation of tectonic structure to groundwater flow in the Beypazari region, NW Anatolia, Turkey

The Beypazari region in NW Anatolia (Turkey) is characterized by high water demand and stress on available water resources. Tectonic structures control the groundwater flow, hydraulic head and well yield in the study area, which is located in the central part of the Beypazari Neogen basin. The impact of major tectonic structures on groundwater flow in the Cakiloba-Karadoruk aquifer is described. This aquifer is of sedimentary composition and underwent tectonic deformation, post-Miocene, forming northeast-striking asymmetric synclines, anticlines, monoclines, high-angle reverse faults and N–S striking tensional faults. Some of these structures affect groundwater flow by separating the aquifer system into sub-compartments, each having unique recharge, boundary and flow conditions. The groundwater system is compartmentalized into three sub-systems under the impacts of the Zaviye and Kanliceviz faults: (1) Arisekisi, (2) Elmabeli and (3) Southern sub-systems. The southern part of the Arisekisi sub-system and the Southern sub-system are characterized by a syncline and the aquifer is confined in the central part of the syncline. The Elmabeli sub-system has unconfined conditions. Consequently, the effects of tectonic structures are shown to be important for selecting well locations, evaluating groundwater use, groundwater management, and contaminant control in the study area, and also in other tectonic regions.     

Potential uses of pumped urban groundwater: a case study in Sant Adrià del Besòs (Spain)

Urban groundwater has often been over-exploited for industrial uses. Now, this usage tends to be reduced or the resource abandoned due to pollution and/or changes in land use. The use and the subsequent disuse of groundwater has resulted in rising water tables that damage underground structures (e.g., building basements and underground car parks and tunnels), leading to the need for additional pumping in urban areas. In the case of the underground parking lot of Sant Adrià del Besòs (Barcelona, NE Spain), large amounts of urban groundwater are pumped to avoid seepage problems. Can this pumped groundwater be used for other purposes (e.g., drinking water and urban irrigation) instead of wasting this valuable resource? To answer this question, it was necessary to quantify the groundwater recharge and to assess the evolution of groundwater quality. The limiting factor at this study site is the groundwater quality because ammonium and some metals (iron and manganese) are present at high concentrations. Hence, further treatment would be needed to meet drinking water requirements. The pumped groundwater could also be used for supplementing river flow for ecological benefit and/or for mitigating seawater intrusion problems. Currently, only a small amount of this urban groundwater is used for cleaning public areas and watering public gardens. This situation highlighted the urgent need to manage this resource in a responsible and more efficient manner, especially in moments of high water demand such as drought periods.     

Relevance of building site categories implementation into the land use plan in underground mining area in the region of Petrvald (Czech Republic)

Deep mining of mineral resources causes extensive changes in rock environment and ground morphology and must be considered in the land use planning. Subsidence as a result of underground mining activities in terrains is one of the serious geological hazards because they can effect slopes and damage engineering structures, settlement areas, natural lakes and allow infiltration of contaminant into the groundwater. The main aim of this article was implementation of the building site categories of underground mining regions into the land use plans. This case study area was selected from the region of Orlova town within the Ostrava-Karvina Coal district, and this region is one of the most affected areas by underground mining of black coal in the Czech Republic. Certain risk categories of land, where the individual categories express generalized influence of deep mining of coal in current and planned constructions were also represented in this article. Extensive variations caused by underground mining were identified within a wide variability of risk categories. An important finding was also the extensive variability over time, manifested by spatial variations in the stated categories in the studied time periods. Moreover, technical documentation of environmental impacts related to underground mining activities was provided; importance of existing and proposed underground mining projects that may significantly impact the land use was discussed and pointed out in this article, especially.     

南京石膏矿特大突水灾害机理研究

发生于2006年9月11日的南京石膏矿特大突水灾害不仅改变了矿区及外围的地下水流场, 并引发了矿区地面沉降变形, 对地表附属物产生了一定的破坏作用, 造成了包括矿山关闭在内的巨大财产损失。南京石膏矿涉及典型的深部矿山地质工程问题, 影响地下开采稳定、矿山灾害和环境问题的主要因素是矿体及围岩的岩性结构及岩体结构构造, 特别是断裂构造及其影响带裂隙发育情况、富水性、导水率。围岩的岩溶强烈富水带的存在是矿坑突水的直接水源; 矿体的软岩特性、矿山开采扰动使采场周围的应力场重新分布、开采对断裂构造及裂隙带等结构体的活化作用都加剧了突水灾害的发生。     

Mapping groundwater contamination risk using GIS and groundwater modelling. A case study from the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Increasing pressure on water resources worldwide has resulted in groundwater contamination, and thus the deterioration of the groundwater resources and a threat to the public health. Risk mapping of groundwater contamination is an important tool for groundwater protection, land use management, and public health. This study presents a new approach for groundwater contamination risk mapping, based on hydrogeological setting, land use, contamination load, and groundwater modelling. The risk map is a product of probability of contamination and impact. This approach was applied on the Gaza Strip area in Palestine as a case study. A spatial analyst tool within Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to interpolate and manipulate data to develop GIS maps of vulnerability, land use, and contamination impact. A groundwater flow model for the area of study was also used to track the flow and to delineate the capture zones of public wells. The results show that areas of highest contamination risk occur in the southern cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah. The majority of public wells are located in an intermediate risk zone and four wells are in a high risk zone.     

青岛主城区地下空间开发利用地质因素的影响评价及适宜性分区

根据青岛市主城区的工程地质特征以及工程建设经验,综合分析岩土体的特征、地下水、地质构造及软土等主要约束地下空间开发利用的地质因素的发育分布特征,并采用模糊综合评判法对主城区地下开发适宜性进行评价,将主城区地下空间开发适宜性划分为适宜区、基本适宜区和适宜性差区,并进行了分区评价,适宜区占主城区总面积的79%,适宜地下空间开发;基本适宜区占主城区面积的13%,地下空间适宜性一般,地下空间开发时应着重注意加固及防水措施;适宜性差占主城区面积的8%,地下空间开发时因尽量避开。