Effects of carbon dioxide variations in the unsaturated zone on water chemistry in a glacial-outwash aquifer

The research site at Otis Air Base, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has been developed for hydrogeological and geochemical studies of sewage-effluent contaminated ground water since 1982. Research of hydrologic properties, transport, and chemical and biological processes is ongoing, but the origin of background water chemistry has not been determined.The principal geochemical process giving rise to the observed background water chemistry is CO₂-controlled hydrolysis of Na feldspar. Geochemical modeling demonstrated that CO₂ sources could vary over the project area. Analyses of unsaturated zone gases showed variations in CO₂ which were dependent on land use and vegetative cover in the area of groundwater recharge. Measurements of CO₂ in unsaturated-zone gases showed that concentrations of total inorganic C in recharge water should range from about 0.035 to 1.0 mmoles/L in the vicinity of Otis Air Base. Flux of CO₂ from the unsaturated zone varied for 4 principal land uses, ranging from 86 gC/m²/yr for low vegetated areas to 1630 gC/m²/yr for a golf course. Carbon dioxide flux from woodlands was 220 gC/m²/yr, lower than reported fluxes of 500 to 600 gC/m²/yr for woodlands in a similar climate. Carbon dioxide flux from grassy areas was 540 gC/m²/yr, higher than reported fluxes of 230 to 490 gC/m²/yr for grasslands in a similar climate.     

河岸带表土层氮素非饱和入渗运移规律模拟

自制土槽装置,室内模拟氮素在河岸带表土层中非饱和入渗的过程.通过观测土槽中不同点位渗流水体出流时间的先后顺序以及各点水体中TN、NH₄+-N浓度随入渗时间的变化,探讨氮素在河岸带表土层中非饱和入渗的运移规律.试验结果表明:在河岸带表土层非饱和入渗过程中,水分水平运移速度小于垂直运移速度,NH₄+-N的运移滞后于水分的运移;在土壤"干"-"湿"-"干"过程中,各点TN、NH₄+-N浓度值随时间先急剧增加再缓慢减少然后趋于稳定.另外,河岸带表土层对非饱和入渗氮素的截留效果较好,试验11 h时,在1.08m的坡长距离上,距土表面12 cm深度TN、NH₄+-N浓度比进水分别下降74.23%和68.02%.     

粗砂砾石地层中高压旋喷桩隔水帷幕施工技术

太原万达广场A2区商住楼基坑工程部分区域为粗砂砾石地层,基坑隔水帷幕中深层搅拌桩无法有效使用。提出了在粗砂砾石地层采用高压旋喷桩隔水帷幕的施工技术方案,采用双套管锚杆钻机引孔、单管高压喷射工艺进行施工,成功实施了这一工程。经检查,喷射注浆体相互咬合良好,有效桩径内水泥含量均匀无夹块现象,隔水帷幕止水效果良好。     

导水裂缝带部分波及顶板含水层条件下涌水量预测

针对煤层顶板导水裂缝带部分波及含水层时涌水量预测不准确问题,通过对煤层回采后顶板水文地质条件变化、顶板含水层地下水渗流场变化进行分析,建立工作面水文地质概念模型,得出了基于达西定律和承压水Dupuit理论的顶部进水型涌水量预测模型。通过对数学模型的分析论证,并将此涌水量数学模型应用于实际生产,得出涌水量预测模型概化合理,符合煤层开采实际情况下水文地质条件,对于顶板导水裂缝带部分波及含水层情况下工作面涌水量预测有借鉴意义。     

热脉冲式包气带微流速监测系统研究和室内试验

本文介绍了热脉冲式包气带微流速监测系统的原理研究、硬件设计及其标定和室内模拟试验.该监测系统理论上应用了线状热源热传导方程的两个阶段:计算微流速采用的是热传导方程的稳态阶段;计算热导率和土壤含水率用的是方程的非稳态阶段.监测系统前端机的研制着重介绍了硬件设计.室内模拟试验为饱和砂土的室内对比试验,流速值从18～485mm/h.实验结果显示系统的测量值和实际值能很好的吻合.     

Investigating the scale of structural controls on chlorinated hydrocarbon distributions in the fractured-porous unsaturated zone of a sandstone aquifer in the UK

Contaminant migration behaviour in the unsaturated zone of a fractured porous aquifer is discussed in the context of a study site in Cheshire, UK. The site is situated on gently dipping sandstones, adjacent to a linear lagoon historically used to dispose of industrial wastes containing chlorinated solvents. Two cores of more than 100 m length were recovered and measurements of chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs), inorganic chemistry, lithology, fracturing and aquifer properties were made. The results show that selecting an appropriate vertical sampling density is crucial both to providing an understanding of contaminant pathways and distinguishing whether CHCs are present in the aqueous or non-aqueous phase. The spacing of such sampling should be on a similar scale to the heterogeneity that controls water and contaminant movement. For some sections of the Permo-Triassic aquifer, significant changes in lithology and permeability occur over vertical distances of less than 1 m and samples need to be collected at this interval, otherwise considerable resolution is lost, potentially leading to erroneous interpretation of data. At this site, although CHC concentrations were high, the consistent ratio of the two main components of the plume (tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene) provided evidence of movement in the aqueous phase rather than in dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL).     

Redox-driven changes in porewater chemistry in the unsaturated zone of the chalk aquifer beneath unlined cattle slurry lagoons

Farm waste stores such as cattle slurry lagoons are widespread in the UK and many overly important aquifers. Stores can be serious risks to water quality because they are important sources of N species, organic C and pathogenic microbes. At two sites on the Chalk aquifer of southern England, inclined boreholes were drilled and cored to obtain aquifer material from directly beneath unlined slurry stores. Vertical boreholes were also drilled adjacent to the slurry stores to determine any lateral movement of contaminants. Interstitial porewaters were analysed for major and minor ions and S isotopes. At the second site, unsaturated zone gases were sampled from the inclined hole. Infiltration of slurry into the unsaturated zone caused significantly elevated concentrations of metals such as Cu and Ni at both sites. Sulphate reduction was occurring at Site 1, as evidenced by SO₄ concentrations decreasing from 150 to 50 mg/l and enhanced ratios of δ³⁴S–SO₄ and δ¹⁸O–SO₄. Ammonium-N also leaches along with dissolved organic C which were found 17 m below ground surface at concentrations up to 400 and 260 mg/l, respectively. Contaminant concentrations were similar in the porewaters from both the inclined and vertical boreholes. At Site 2, higher contaminant concentrations were found in the inclined borehole compared with the vertical borehole. Organic C concentrations were considerably lower than at Site 1, ranging from 10 to 70 mg/l. Ammonium–N concentrations reached a maximum concentration of 25 mg/l, however NO₃-N concentrations were up to 500 mg/l and SO₄ concentrations were generally higher than Site 1. Data for N₂/Ar and δ¹⁵N–N₂ from the gas samplers show a peak of 102 and 2.2‰, respectively, at 14 m below ground level indicating denitrification was taking place. Evidence from δ³⁴S–SO₄ and δ¹⁸O–SO₄ suggest that some SO₄ reduction was taking place simultaneously. From CH₄ and NH₃ detected at depth it is suggested that slurry contamination, emanating from early use of the store, has passed through the top 18 m of the unsaturated zone at Site 2. The presence of high concentrations of NO₃ and lower concentrations of organic C suggests that this lagoon has formed a relatively impermeable seal at its base within the first few years of its lifetime. The anoxic conditions at both sites may have mobilised U from N–P–K fertilisers. Both sites are continuing to impact on the porewater chemistry and pose a risk of groundwater contamination.     

Contribution of stable isotopes to the understanding of the unsaturated zone of a carbonate aquifer (Nerja Cave, southern Spain)

We analysed the stable isotopes (¹⁸O and ²H) of rainwater and drip water within a cave (Nerja Cave) located in the unsaturated zone of a carbonate aquifer. Rainfall is more abundant and presents lower isotopic content in winter, while the volume of drip water is greater and its isotopic content is lower in summer. The flow analysis of ¹⁸O through the unsaturated zone confirms the seasonal lag between rainfall and the appearance of drip water in the cave and reveals that the unsaturated zone of the aquifer, in the sector of the cave, behaves like an inertial system with a strong capability to modulate the input signal. To cite this article: F. Carrasco et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

黄土高原丘陵沟壑区包气带土壤水运移过程

包气带土壤水运移过程是黄土高原生态修复中亟需回答的关键科学问题。环境同位素方法可获取其他方法难以获取的水文过程信息。通过对黄土高原丘陵沟壑区羊圈沟小流域降水、包气带0~150 cm土壤水和绣线菊（Spiraea salicifolia）木质部水等样品的同位素δD和δ18O进行测定。结果表明:羊圈沟小流域降水同位素组成受蒸发作用影响较大,呈现明显分馏效应。包气带土壤水、降水与木质部水同位素组成存在明显月份变化特征。降水是土壤水的主要补给来源,灌丛的水分利用来源主要为降水和土壤水,符合降水-土壤水-植被水的运移特征。灌丛木质部水和20~40 cm土壤水δD和δ18O最为接近,20~40 cm土壤水是灌丛水分利用的主要来源。研究揭示了包气带土壤水运移过程及植物水分利用来源,为土壤水运移过程、模型结构与参数识别等提供科学依据。     

Movement of water through the thick unsaturated zone underlying Oro Grande and Sheep Creek Washes in the western Mojave Desert,USA

Previous studies indicate that a small quantity of recharge occurs from infiltration of streamflow in intermittent streams in the upper Mojave River basin, in the western Mojave Desert, near Victorville, California. Chloride, tritium, and stable isotope data collected in the unsaturated zone between 1994 and 1998 from boreholes drilled in Oro Grande and Sheep Creek Washes indicate that infiltration of streamflow occurs to depths below the root zone, and presumably to the water table, along much of Oro Grande Wash and near the mountain front along Sheep Creek Wash. Differences in infiltration at sites along each wash are the result of hydrologic variables such as proximity to the mountain front, quantity of streamflow, and texture of the subsurface deposits. Differences in infiltration between the washes are the result of large-scale geomorphic processes. For example, Oro Grande wash is incised into the Victorville fan and infiltration has occurred at approximately the same location over recent geologic time. In contrast, Sheep Creek Wash overlies an active alluvial fan and the stream channel can move across the fan surface through time. Infiltration does not occur to depths below the root zone at control sites outside of the washes. Electronic Publication     

Modeling the suction- and deviator stress-dependent resilient modulus of unsaturated fine/coarse soil mixture by considering soil–water retention curve

Experimental observations have shown that the resilient modulus M_r of fine/coarse soil mixture can be significantly affected by the coarse grain content f_v, deviator stress σ_d and suction \(\psi\). In this study, a constitutive model incorporating the soil–water retention curve (SWRC) was proposed to describe the effects of \(\psi\) and \(\sigma_{{\text{d}}}\) on M_r. This model was then extended to the effect of f_v. The proposed model implied the resilient modulus at saturation condition (M_r-sat), the resilient modulus at optimum moisture content (OMC) condition (M_r-opt), the suction at OMC (\(\psi_{{{\text{opt}}}}\)) and the parameters related to SWRC. The model was validated using experimental data from five studies reported in the literature. Comparisons with three representative existing models showed that the proposed model was capable to well describe the suction-dependent effect of deviator stress in the full range of suction, while the existing models gave satisfactory simulation results only in the low suction range. Indeed, experimental studies revealed that there was a threshold suction \(\psi_{{{\text{th}}}}\), and with increasing \(\sigma_{{\text{d}}}\), the M_r decreased when \(\psi < \psi_{{{\text{th}}}}\), but increased when \(\psi > \psi_{{{\text{th}}}}\). When \(\psi < \psi_{{{\text{th}}}}\), all models gave good simulations. On the contrary, when \(\psi > \psi_{{{\text{th}}}}\), only the proposed model gave good simulations, in particular when \(\psi_{{{\text{th}}}} > \psi_{{{\text{opt}}}}\). This showed the performance of the proposed model in describing the variation in resilient modulus of unsaturated fine/coarse soil mixtures with changes in coarse grain content, deviator stress and suction.

     

Transfer of moisture through the unsaturated zone in the tropical forest using the neutron probe

Knowledge of moisture content is crucial in assessing spatial and temporal movement of water through the unsaturated zone. Moisture storage is also important for monitoring the soil water balance and for validation of water balance models. The purpose of this work was to determine and analyse moisture content profiles at point locations in the unsaturated zone of a lateritic soil around Nsimi, south of Cameroon. Neutron probe has been connected to a set of tensiometers in an area of 60 ha. A comparative study between a site covered with vegetation and a site uncovered was conducted to assess the influence of vegetation in the process of moisture transfers. The results showed that the spatial distribution of moisture profiles varied according to the site and the texture of the soil, with in general increasing of moisture from the surface horizon toward the deeper layers. The mean values of moisture varied fromθ_m = 0,397 cm³/cm³ on barren site, against 0 = 0,429 cm³/cm³ in vegetation. Values of suction were generally strong in surface and at depth, but weak in the intermediate layers.     

Alleviating drought and water scarcity in the Mediterranean region through managed aquifer recharge

Drought and water scarcity can significantly impair the sustainable development of groundwater resources, a scenario commonly found in aquifers in the Mediterranean region. Water management measures to address these drivers of groundwater depletion are highly relevant, especially considering the increasing severity of droughts under climate change. This study evaluates the potential of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) to offset the adverse effects of drought and water scarcity on groundwater storage. Los Arenales aquifer (central Spain), which was unsustainably exploited for irrigation in the second half of the twentieth century, is employed as a case study. Two neighbouring zones within this aquifer are contrasted, namely, Los Arenales (LA) and Medina del Campo (MC). The primary difference between them in terms of water resources management is the wide-scale implementation of MAR systems in LA since the early 2000s. Several groundwater statistical methods are used. Groundwater-level trend analysis and average piezometric levels show in LA a faster recovery of aquifer storage and less susceptibility to drought compared to MC. On the other hand, standardised precipitation indexes and standardised groundwater level indexes of detrended groundwater-level time series, which do not include the effects of MAR, show that LA can be more negatively affected by drought and groundwater abstraction. The sharper recovery of piezometric levels in LA when considering MAR, and bigger drought impacts observed when the effects of this measure are removed, demonstrate that MAR can effectively alleviate the impacts of water scarcity and drought, providing an adaptation solution to climate change worldwide.

     

Processes controlling acid attenuation in the unsaturated zone of a Triassic sandstone aquifer (U.K.), in the absence of carbonate minerals

Continuous core samples were taken through the unsaturated zone at three sites on the outcrop of Permo-Triassic sandstone in the British West Midlands. Sample sites were chosen for lack of recent, direct anthropogenic disturbance, and for differing vegetation: heathland, birch woodland and conifer forest. Interstitial water was extracted and analyzed for 32 major and trace elements. Solid phases were analyzed for exchangeable cations and mineralogy. The rate of recharge calculated using a Cl mass balance method was three times greater below heathland than below afforested sites owing to higher evapotranspiration rates in the woodlands.Carbonate minerals were absent from the unsaturated zone at each site. Soil solutions were acidic and soils at the woodland sites were more acidic (pH 4.0) than those at the heathland site (pH 4.5). Acidic interstitial water solutions were found to up to 5.0 m depth in the unsaturated zone and are partially neutralized by two aluminosilicate mineral reactions in the unsaturated zone: cation exchange and K-feldspar dissolution. The rate at which these acid neutralizing reactions act to neutralize acidity is revealed by the rate of depletion of base cations from the unsaturated zone in recharge solutions; K⁺ (dissolution), Ca⁺² + Mg⁺² (cation exchange). The total base cation depletion rate was greatest below heathland; this can be attributed mainly to the greater rate of SO₄ assimilation by the woodland biome.     

Modeling root water uptake when calculating unsaturated flow in the vadose zone and groundwater recharge

This paper considers models of the transpiration root water uptake and principles for substantiating their parameters when calculating unsaturated flow in the vadose zone and estimating infiltration groundwater recharge. The possible use of generalized parameters for different landscape and soil conditions is substantiated based on analyzing the natural patterns of water balance formation in the vadose zone and the sensitivity of transpiration models. Recommendations are given for selecting the models of transpiration water uptake and substantiating their parameters, which enables one to minimize the errors in estimating infiltration groundwater recharge.     

Stream water bypass through a meander neck, laterally extending the hyporheic zone

A meander lobe neck diverts stream water into a hyporheic flow path adjacent to a low gradient stream, Little Kickapoo Creek, Illinois, USA. Hyporheic processes have been well-documented in surface water–groundwater mixing zones underlying and directly adjacent to streams. Alluvial aquifers underlying meander necks provide a further extension of the hyporheic zone. Hydraulic head and temperature data, collected from a set of wells across a meander neck, show stream water moves through the meander neck. The hydraulic gradient across the meander neck (0.006) is greater than the stream gradient (0.003) between the same points, driving the bypass. Rapid subsurface response to elevated stream stage shows a hydraulic connection between the stream and the alluvial aquifer. Temperature data and a Peclet number (Pe) of 43.1 indicate that thermal transport is dominated by advection from the upstream side to the downstream side of the meander neck. The temperature observed within the alluvial aquifer correlates with seasonal temperature variation. Together, the pressure and temperature data indicate that water moves across the meander neck. The inflow of stream water through the meander neck suggests that the meander system may host biogeochemical hyporheic zone processes.     

Specific yield of phreatic variation zone in karst aquifer with the method of water level analysis

Regime of groundwater level is a comprehensive reflection of the hydrogeological environment from the perspective of groundwater. Based on the analysis of the water-level change of 65 groundwater monitoring points from 1987 to 1990, it is found that intermittent cones of depression came into being due to groundwater exploitation in Guilin during the observation period. The buried depth of groundwater in the drawdown cones, the annual variation of water level and specific yield have higher values. Improvement has been made to the formula of infiltration coefficient of precipitation. By using the precipitation response data recorded at every 15 minutes for water level of No. 9 borehole which is near Zengpiyan Cave, the specific yield of phreatic variation zone is indirectly calculated by using the modified formula. The results are range from 0.012 to 0.462 and the spatial distribution of specific yield is ascertained. These make up the deficiency that empirical values cannot be categorized based on the actual conditions. What’s more, the widely used Aviriyanover’s empirical formula is poorly applicable to karst area. This is due to its strict requirement for outside conditions, such as shallow buried depth, homogeneous aquifer medium and small hydraulic gradient.     

Fluid flow modeling of a coastal fractured karstic aquifer by means of a lumped parameter approach

Fluid flow and solute transport phenomena in fractured and karstic aquifers remain an open issue that calls the attention of numerous researchers belonging to different disciplinary fields as far as the aspects linked both to shallow and to deep phenomena are concerned. The hydrogeologic knowledge of these phenomena proves to be of high importance especially if considered in relationship with water resource exploitation, with the problems linked to contamination and the ones linked to urban and industrial development of the territory. In the examined area, characterized by a dismissed contaminated site, the realization of the landfill has required the development of a 3D flow model supported by a detailed local scale geologic model in order to evaluate the effects on groundwater flow and subsequently on contaminant propagation. The results of the flow model prove to be coherent with the fractured and karstic nature of the site in that they show at higher depths the presence of a subterranean stream channel that would speed up pollutant propagation. The obtained results represent the fundamental basis to implement a transport model that will permit to achieve a more in depth knowledge of the subsoil transport phenomena, and therefore to optimize any anthropic intervention that can involve the site.     

Estimation of actual evapotranspiration by numerical modeling of water flow in the unsaturated zone: a case study in Buenos Aires, Argentina

A method is presented to estimate actual evapotranspiration (ET_A) from potential evapotranspiration (ET_P) by numerical modeling of water flow in the unsaturated zone. Water flow is described by the Richards equation with a sink term representing the root water uptake. Evaporation is included in the model as a Neumann boundary condition at the soil surface. The Richards equation is solved in a one-dimensional domain using a mixed finite element method. The values of ET_A are obtained by applying a water stress factor to ET_P to account for soil moisture changes during the simulation period. The proposed numerical model is used to estimate ET_A in an experimental plot located in a flatland area in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Numerical results show that the proposed model is a useful tool for evaluating evapotranspiration under different scenarios.