Hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics of Wadi el Mujib catchment area,Jordan

Hydrological and hydrogeological data in the area have been verified to evaluate the availability and the potentiality of the water resources for the proposed damsites in the Wadi el Mujib catchment area, which is considered a semiarid to arid region. The quantity of the surface waters is very small compared with the surface area of the basin, however, due to the shortage of precipitation in the country and the necessity to attain socioeconomic objectives, the investigation of these waters has become more vital. The most reliable exploitation can be essentially achieved by constructing small storage dams on the suitable sites in order to benefit from the flood waters coming from the main wadis. For the above purpose, the hydrogeological and hydrological study of Wadi el Mujib catchment area was carried out, where the Wadi Mujib dam site will be constructed. The hydrogeological investigation of the groundwater was performed by constructing a groundwater contour map of the Amman-Wadi Es Sir aquifer (B2/A7) so as to verify the groundwater flow system and to determine the potentiality of the aquifer from the hydraulic parameters obtained from the pumping test analysis. The hydrological feasibility study of the dam was carried out by evaluating the water balance for a long-term period (1970 to 1990) in order to obtain reliable data that can be used to estimate the recharge to B2/A7 aquifer. In addition, a frequency analysis was performed to estimate the flood design of the reservoir area as well as the spillway at the proposed dam site.     

The impact of hydrological changes on travertine deposits related to thermal springs in the Pamukkale area (SW Turkey)

Pamukkale thermal waters (35 °C), exhibiting calcium-bicarbonate-sulfate composition and high carbon dioxide concentration, are of a predominantly meteoric origin. The meteoric fluid, circulating through faults and fractures, is heated by magmatic intrusions at great depth, and ascends from deep reservoirs to the surface. Mixing with relatively cold groundwater in the near surface zone promotes different saturation conditions with respect to calcium carbonate that later precipitates at depth and/or the surface. Dissolution-deposition processes of calcium carbonate both at surface and depth environments may help to reconstruct past climate direction in the field. During wet climate conditions a high-rate of calcium carbonate accumulation would be expected to occur at the surface because thermal fluid would be under-saturated with respect to calcium carbonate at depth because of a relatively higher mixing ratio with cold groundwater. During dry climate conditions the thermal fluid would be super-saturated at depth because of the highly acidic environment. Hydrometeorological studies reveal that the annual precipitation at the Pamukkale hydrothermal field tends to decrease with time. This climatic change in the area was also detected from geological records. While humid climate conditions prevailed during the late Quaternary, the area has recently been affected by arid/semi-arid climate conditions, followed by some episodic transitions. This study has shown how the system has possibly reacted to different climate conditions since antiquity.     

The Investigation of Mass Transfer in the Karasu Karstic Aquifer, Konya, Turkey

In this study, the changes in the chemical composition of the groundwater along a flow path were examined by using the water samples collected from unconfined, semi-confined and confined parts of the Karasu karstic aquifer. It was determined that transport of bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium was dominant in unconfined and semi-confined parts of the aquifer, whereas calcite and dolomite precipitate in the confined parts. On the other hand, gypsum dissolution is present in all parts of the aquifer. In addition, the computed saturation indices explain the occurrences and precipitation of travertines in the Goksu Valley, which is the discharge area for the aquifer. Electronic Publication     

Seismic risk assessment of buildings in urban areas: a case study for Denizli,Turkey

This study aims to carry out a seismic risk assessment for a typical mid-size city based on building inventory from a field study. Contributions were made to existing loss estimation methods for buildings. In particular, a procedure was introduced to estimate the seismic quality of buildings using a scoring scheme for the effective parameters in seismic behavior. Denizli, a typical mid-size city in Turkey, was used as a case study. The building inventory was conducted by trained observers in a selected region of Denizli that had the potential to be damaged from expected future earthquakes according to geological and geotechnical studies. Parameters that are known to have some effect on the seismic performance of the buildings during past earthquakes were collected during the inventory studies. The inventory includes data of about 3,466 buildings on 4,226 parcels. The evaluation of inventory data provided information about the distribution of building stock according to structural system, construction year, and vertical and plan irregularities. The inventory data and the proposed procedure were used to assess the building damage, and to determine casualty and shelter needs during the M6.3 and 7.0 scenario earthquakes, representing the most probable and maximum earthquakes in Denizli, respectively. The damage assessment and loss studies showed that significant casualties and economic losses can be expected in future earthquakes. Seismic risk assessment of reinforced concrete buildings also revealed the priorities among building groups. The vulnerability in decreasing order is: (1) buildings with 6 or more stories, (2) pre-1975 constructed buildings, and (3) buildings with 3–5 stories. The future studies for evaluating and reducing seismic risk for buildings should follow this priority order. All data of inventory, damage, and loss estimates were assembled in a Geographical Information System (GIS) database.     

Radiomagnetotelluric mapping, groundwater numerical modelling and 18-Oxygen isotopic data as combined tools to determine the hydrogeological system of a landslide prone area

Three methods were combined to determine the groundwater recharge and transfer processes of a landslide prone area. First, the radiomagnetotelluric method was used to investigate the distribution of electrical resistivity (ρ) of the subsurface and build a three-dimensional model of permeability (k), through an experimental relation between ρ and k. Second, this structural model of permeability and additional climatologic data were used to fix boundary and recharge conditions to perform a three-dimensional and transient numerical simulation of the groundwater flow. Finally 18-Oxygen time series observed at the main springs were used to validate the model. This association of methods led to an improved characterization of the groundwater flow system at local scale and a better understanding of the role of this system on the landslide phenomenon. This structured approach is thought to be useful to design specific remediation strategies to drain the unstable mass.     

Groundwater quality in a coastal area: a case study from Andhra Pradesh, India

Over-exploitation of groundwater results in decline of water levels, leading to intrusion of salt water along the coastal region, which is a natural phenomenon. A groundwater quality survey has been carried out to assess such phenomena along the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Brackish groundwaters are observed in most of the wells. The rest of the wells show a fresh water environment. The factors responsible for the brackish groundwater quality with respect to the influence of seawater are assessed, using the standard ionic ratios, such as Ca²⁺:Mg²⁺, TA:TH and Cl⁻:HCO⁻ ₃. Results suggest that the brackish nature in most of the groundwaters is not due to the seawater influence, but is caused by the hydrogeochemical process. Some influence of seawater on the groundwater quality is observed along the rock fractures. The combined effect of seawater and urban wastewaters is due to the inferior quality of groundwater in a few wells, where they are at topographic lows close to the coast.     

Groundwater quality degradation as a result of overpumping in the delta Wadi El-Arish area,Sinai Peninsula,Egypt

The delta Wadi El-Arish area of the Sinai Peninsula is one of the most important parts of Egypt for industrial and agricultural expansion projects because of its relatively abundant supply of groundwater. This study focuses on the hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of the Quaternary aquifer in the delta Wadi El-Arish area and on the impacts pumping has had on groundwater quality. The objectives were to determine the relationships between groundwater pumping and water levels and water quality, to estimate the hydraulic parameters of the Quaternary aquifer, and to determine the hydrochemistry of groundwater in the Quaternary aquifer and its suitability for irrigation. The conclusions are: (1) potentiometric surface elevations have declined by an average of about 0.5 m since 1981 in response to an increase in pumping, (2) the transmissivity of the lower Pleistocene calcareous sandstone (kurkar) unit is higher than the transmissivity of the upper Pleistocene alluvium, (3) groundwater in the Pleistocene aquifer is augmented with groundwater leaking from the overlying Holocene sand dune deposits through the intervening sandy clay aquitard, (4) groundwater in the kurkar is of lower quality than groundwater in the alluvium, (5) total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations have increased by an average of about 1500 ppm since 1962, (6) an increase in saltwater intrusion has occurred in the northern part of the study area, and (7) the irrigation suitability of groundwater pumped from wells in much of the area is limited to salt tolerant crops. Our recommendations are: (1) no new pumping wells should be drilled and no increase in pumping rates should be allowed in the delta Wadi El-Arish area, (2) reliable estimates of the quantity of groundwater recharge should be made, (3) flood irrigation systems should be replaced by either drip or sprinkler     

Neural networks and landslide susceptibility: a case study of the urban area of Potenza

For those working in the field of landslide prevention, the estimation of hazard levels and the consequent production of thematic maps are principal objectives. They are achieved through careful analytical studies of the characteristics of landslide prone areas, thus, providing useful information regarding possible future phenomena. Such maps represent a fundamental step in the drawing up of adequate measures of landslide hazard mitigation. However, for a complete estimation of landslide hazard, meant as the degree of probability that a landslide occurs in a given area, within a given space of time, detailed and uniformly distributed data regarding their incidence and causes are required. This information, while obtainable through laborious historical research, is usually partial, incomplete and uneven, and hence, unsatisfactory for zoning on a regional scale. In order to carry this out effectively, the utilization of spatial estimation of the relative levels of landslide hazard in the various areas was considered opportune. These areas were classified according to their levels of proneness to landslide activity without taking recurrence periods into account. Various techniques were developed in order to obtain upheaval numerical estimates. The method used in this study, which was applied in the area of Potenza, is based on techniques derived from artificial intelligence (Artificial Neural Network—ANN). This method requires the definition of appropriate thematic layers, which parameterize the area under study. These are recognized by means of specific analyses in a functional relationship to the event itself. The parameters adopted are: slope gradient, slope aspect, topographical index, topographical shape, elevation, land use and lithology.     

Hydro-morphological characteristics and hydrogeological functioning of a wetland system: a case study in southern Spain

The analysis and interpretation of physical and limnological parameters combined with hydrochemical (major ions and stable isotopes) analyses enabled us to evaluate the hydrogeological functioning and the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in two adjacent lakes related to a karstic aquifer (Archidona, southern Spain). Lake water, groundwater and the outflow from a spring, were monitored periodically from 1998 to 1999 and sporadically from 2000 to 2006. The evolution of groundwater chemistry from recharge (dolines) to discharge areas (spring) showed an increment of 20% in magnesium and 15% in sulphate, and such higher increments were recorded for the water from the lakes, suggesting the existence of different hydrogeological paths. A simple water budget model, together with morphological interpretation, suggests that groundwater discharge into the lakes is of relative importance to the input into these systems. Finally, we believe that the development of a new typology for hydro-morphological elements, by means of several hydrological factors and the assessment of pressures and impacts will be useful for the correct management of these lakes and other semi-arid aquatic ecosystems.     

Use of GIS for optimalization of human activity in a catchment area: An example of the Beauce region (France)

The quality of groundwater often represents a limiting factor for its exploitation. The chemical composition of groundwater is a very complicated process involving geochemical, hydrochemical, and biochemical interaction between the water and the rock with which it is in contact. In addition, as a result of human activity, the deterioration of groundwater quality is a serious problem. The use of a geographic information system (GIS) combining various data may help solve this problem. The article describes multicriterion analysis applied to the Beauce basin in France, which is a part of the SAGE project of the BRGM Orléans.     

Karst groundwater protection in the Kupa River catchment area and sustainable development

One of the most significant water resources in the Republic of Croatia is the catchment area of the Kupa River, located in the region bordering the Republic of Slovenia. About 88% of the total amount of water in this catchment originates in Croatia and just 12% from Slovenia; therefore, the largest part of the catchment area (about 1000 km²) is on the Croatian side of the border. It is a typical karst area of the Dinarides with aquifers characterized by a relatively rapid water exchange, high groundwater flow velocities and aquifers open to human impact from the surface. Consequently, the aquifers are highly vulnerable and at risk. Due to the availability of large quantities of high-quality spring water (about 6 m³/s), the entire area has a strategic importance within the context of any future development strategy pertaining to the western part of Croatia. The catchment area on the Croatian side was investigated using a wide range of research methods that included a classical hydrogeological approach, the detailed hydrologic calculation of water balance to the hydrogeochemical analyses and modelling. The objective was to determine protection zones and protection measures for the whole area. The difficulties are increased due to the fact that the karst catchment area is crossed by major traffic corridors, oil pipelines and a railway and that many settlements and a highly developed wood industry are present. The combination of protecting water resources with adequate prevention measures and necessary remedial activities that should satisfy the very strict requirements necessary for the protection of the karst aquifers while still allowing for present and future human activities is difficult – but not impossible – to achieve. One good example is the present highway with a closed dewatering system and waste water treatment before the water passes into the karst underground system.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic composition of a low-temperature geothermal source in northwest Turkey: case study of Kirkgecit geothermal area

Chemical and isotopic compositions of three hot springs and one cold spring in the Kirkgecit geothermal field, located 15 km southwest of Canakkale-Biga in the northwest of Turkey, were monitored five times during 2005 and 2007. The physico-chemical characteristics of the hot springs are average discharge 3–3.5 L/s, surface temperature 45–52°C, pH 8.9–9.3, and electrical conductivity (EC) 620–698 μS/cm. The cold spring has a temperature of 12–13°C, pH 7.5–8.3, and EC 653–675 μS/cm. The hot waters are Na-SO₄ type, whereas the cold water is Ca-HCO₃ type. Chemical geothermometers suggest that the reservoir temperature is around 80–100°C. The isotopic data (oxygen-18, deuterium and tritium) indicate that the thermal waters are formed by local recharge and deep circulation of meteoric waters.     

北山预选区公婆泉形成的地质、水文地质条件分析

公婆泉是我国高放废物处置库场址北山预选区众多泉中少有的淡水泉,该泉水的成因问题与处置库场址选择具有一定的关系。通过前人资料的分析,结合水文地质调查工作,探讨了该泉的成因,认为该泉是一个受潜水补给的下降泉。泉水的补给来源是位于该泉西南部的驼马滩盆地古近系一新近系下覆基岩古风化壳地下水,其水质良好、水量丰富,流向北东,经公婆泉丘陵一带后,在沟谷侵蚀含水层处溢出,形成公婆泉。     

Socio-spatial differentiation and residential segregation in Delhi: a question of scale?

This paper focuses on the pattern of social-spatial differentiation and segmentation of the metropolitan area of Delhi. The main objective is to analyse the mechanisms of residential segregation and the factors that explain it both at the micro- and macro-level. In the context of the Indian society and its caste system traditionally associated with strong social and spatial segregation, we try to appraise the extent to which the metropolitanization process in Delhi engenders original forms of spatial segmentation or perpetuates and strengthens the traditional forms of socio-spatial divisions. At the level of the global spatial organization of the urban agglomeration, our objective is twofold: to analyse the factors that shaped the urban landscape and introduced spatial discontinuity, from physical barriers to the different historic periods and the impact of town planning; to analyse the residential pattern of different segments of the urban population, in order to detect whether certain economic and socio-cultural attributes generate a pattern of segregation. We then pursue a more detailed investigation at the level of a zone, based on the case study of Mayur Vihar-Trilokpuri in east Delhi. We analyse the residential practices developed by different socio-economic groups, their strategies as regards the occupation of the geographical and economic space, their tendency to residential clustering that leads to a pattern of social segregation at the level of the neighbourhood. In this perspective, the links between the urban policies at the macro-level and the individuals’ residential practices at the micro-level are also examined.     

Geophysical, geotechnical and hydrological investigations of a small landslide in the French Alps

Geophysical, geotechnical and hydrological surveys were conducted in the French Alps on a small landslide in black marl material to assess the stability. The geophysical survey, consisting of electromagnetic, geo-electric and relative differences in water content.

The data on the basal slip surface, together with geotechnical parameters (cohesion and angle of internal friction), were used to make a stability analysis. This analysis revealed that a groundwater level of 4 m below the ground surface is the critical threshold for reactivating the landslide.

The hydrological investigation, which entailed measurements of saturated permeability and pressure heads, indicated that instability depended on long-term wet conditions with little evapotranspiration.     

塔北哈拉哈塘地区奥陶系层间改造区岩溶古水文条件分析

哈拉哈塘地区自北往南可分为潜山岩溶区、层间岩溶顺层改造区、层间岩溶台缘叠加区、层间岩溶斜坡区。层间岩溶-顺层改造区为潜山岩溶区和层间岩溶区过渡区域,文章对前志留纪和良里塔格组岩溶期沉积间断古岩溶水文条件特征进行了详细分析,认为地表河流特征总体表现为自北往南径流,深切河谷决定着局部排泄基准面的深度。在此基础上对地下暗河特征进行刻画,本区地下暗河类型多样,总体表现为流入型和流出型暗河管道系统发育,多为单流入、流出系统,地震反射暗河特征较明显,多为连续或断续串珠强反射,以良里塔格组岩溶期暗河最为发育,且前志留纪岩溶期“断头河”多为部分伏流出口。地下暗河管道附近往往发育大型缝洞体,是目前勘探开发重点研究攻坚对象,因此精确恢复和刻画古岩溶流域水文系统的分布特征,寻找油气藏有利储层是广大岩溶油藏专家所关注的重点。      

基于物理试验的岩溶区PSSK转化关系研究

为深入了解岩溶地区不同水源转化机理,文章以Basic Hydrology System为平台设计了4组小尺度物理试验。分别对裸露型岩溶区裂隙管道地下径流衰减规律,覆盖型岩溶区土壤达西流、裂隙管道水流转化规律,地表径流、土壤达西流、裂隙管道地下径流三者在覆盖型岩溶区和不同覆盖厚度条件下的转化关系进行了物理模拟。通过试验数据并结合指数衰减方程,得到了裸露型岩溶区流量衰减系数与降雨强度的关系;覆盖型岩溶区以及不同覆盖厚度条件下PSSK(precipitation-surface water-soil water-karst water,降水-地表水-土壤水-岩溶水)转化规律。     

煤层气开发中的层间矛盾问题——以柳林地区为例

直井分层压裂及合层排采能有效降低煤层气勘探开发成本,提高煤层气产能,但层间矛盾的干扰制约了这一排采工艺的推广。借鉴常规油气层间矛盾问题相关理论,首次提出并总结了煤层气开发中层间矛盾的概念、特点和影响因素。通过分析柳林地区典型井产能曲线特征,剖析了该区层间矛盾的特征和原因。结果表明:柳林地区合层排采太原组煤层（8号+9号）和合层排采山西组与太原组煤层（3号+4号+5号与8号+9号）时,层间矛盾问题严重;引起该层间矛盾的原因有煤层物性特征和煤层顶底板水文地质条件因素,其中8号煤层顶板水文地质条件是引发该区层间矛盾的主要因素。      

5.12震源区牛眠沟暴雨滑坡泥石流预测模型

牛眠沟研究区位于2008-05-12汶川大地震线性震源的南端,受强烈地震力作用,区内山体遭受严重破坏,发生多处滑坡和泥石流灾害。根据已建立的暴雨滑坡、泥石流预测概念模型,暴雨滑坡、泥石流预测可视为判断滑坡形成的地质环境和确定触发滑坡的降雨特征。查明研究区地质环境及灾害特征,确定了产生滑坡、泥石流的必要地质环境因子,以数字滑坡技术获取这些因子数据,代入模型,即可评价研究区各处、各沟谷发生滑坡、泥石流的危险程度;与相似地质环境及气候条件进行类比,确定研究区触发滑坡、泥石流的降雨特征及降雨量阈值后,最终建立暴雨滑坡、泥石流预测模型。据此模型进行研究区暴雨滑坡、泥石流预测,实地验证表明滑坡、泥石流发生位置的准确率〉90%。