Evidence for deep groundwater flow and convective heat transport in mountainous terrain, Delta County, Colorado, USA

The Tongue Creek watershed lies on the south flank of Grand Mesa in western Colorado, USA and is a site with 1.5 km of topographic relief, heat flow of 100 mW/m², thermal conductivity of 3.3 W m^–1 °C^–1, hydraulic conductivity of 10^-8 m/s, a water table that closely follows surface topography, and groundwater temperatures 3–15°C above mean surface temperatures. These data suggest that convective heat transport by groundwater flow has modified the thermal regime of the site. Steady state three-dimensional numerical simulations of heat flow, groundwater flow, and convective transport were used to model these thermal and hydrological data. The simulations provided estimates for the scale of hydraulic conductivity and bedrock base flow discharge within the watershed. The numerical models show that (1) complex three-dimensional flow systems develop with a range of scales from tens of meters to tens of kilometers; (2) mapped springs are frequently found at locations where contours of hydraulic head indicate strong vertical flow at the water table, and; (3) the distribution of groundwater temperatures in water wells as a function of surface elevation is predicted by the model.     

Geochemical patterns and origin of alkaline thermal waters in Central Greece (Platystomo and Smokovo areas)

This study investigates the origin and chemical composition of the thermal waters of Platystomo and Smokovo areas in Central Greece as well as any possible relationships of them to the neighboring geothermal fields located in the south-eastern part of Sperchios basin. The correlations between different dissolved salts and the temperature indicate that the chemical composition of thermal waters are controlled by, the mineral dissolution and the temperature, the reactions due to CO₂ that originates possibly by diffusion from the geothermal fields of Sperchios basin and the mixing of thermal waters with fresh groundwater from karst or shallow aquifers. Two major groups of waters are recognized on the basis of their chemistry: thermal waters of Na–HCO₃–Cl type and thermal waters mixed with fresh groundwater of Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃ type. All thermal waters of the study area are considered as modified by water–rock interaction rainwater, heated in depth and mixed in some cases with fresh groundwater when arriving to the surface. Trace elements present low concentrations. Lithium content suggests discrimination between the above two groups of waters. Boron geochemistry confirms all the above remarks. Boron concentration ranges from 60 μg L^?1 to 10 mg L^?1, while all samples’ constant isotopic composition (δ¹¹B ≈ 10 ‰) indicates leaching from rocks. The positive correlation between the chemical elements and the temperature clearly indicates that much of the dissolved salts are derived from water–rock interactions. The application of geothermometers suggests that the reservoir temperature is around 100–110 °C. Chalcedony temperatures are similar to the emergent temperatures and this is typical of convective waters in fault systems in normal thermal gradient areas.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics of the Ilica geothermal system (Erzurum,Turkey)

In this paper, the hydrochemical isotopic characteristics of samples collected from geothermal springs in the Ilica geothermal field, Eastern Anatolia of Turkey, are examined and described. Low-temperature geothermal system of Ilica (Erzurum, Turkey) located along the Eastern Anatolian fault zone was investigated for hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics. The study of ionic and isotopic contents shows that the thermal water of Ilica is mainly, locally fed by groundwater, which changes chemically and isotopically during its circulation within the major fault zone reaching depths. The thermal spring has a temperature of 29–39 °C, with electrical conductivity ranging from 4,000 to 7,510 µS/cm and the thermal water is of Na–HCO₃–Cl water type. The chemical geothermometers applied in the Ilica geothermal waters yielded a maximum reservoir temperature of 142 °C according to the silica geothermometers. The thermal waters are undersaturated with respect to gypsum, anhydrite and halite, and oversaturated with respect to dolomite. The dolomite mineral possibly caused scaling when obtaining the thermal waters in the study area. According to the enthalpy chloride-mixing model, cold water to the thermal water-mixing ratio is changing between 69.8 and 75 %. The δ¹⁸O–δ²H compositions obviously indicate meteoric origin of the waters. Thermal water springs derived from continental precipitation falling on to higher elevations in the study area. The δ¹³C ratio for dissolved inorganic carbonate in the waters lies between 4.63 and 6.48 ‰. In low-temperature waters carbon is considered as originating from volcanic (mantle) CO₂.     

Impact of pit-toilet leachate on groundwater chemistry and role of vadose zone in removal of nitrate and E. coli pollutants in Kolar District, Karnataka, India

Assessment of chemistry of groundwater infiltrated by pit-toilet leachate and contaminant removal by vadose zone form the focus of this study. The study area is Mulbagal Town in Karnataka State, India. Groundwater level measurements and estimation of unsaturated permeability indicated that the leachate recharged the groundwater inside the town at the rate of 1 m/day. The average nitrate concentration of groundwater inside the town (148 mg/L) was three times larger than the permissible limit (45 mg/L), while the average nitrate concentration of groundwater outside the town (30 mg/L) was below the permissible limit. The groundwater inside the town exhibited E. coli contamination, while groundwater outside the town was free of pathogen contamination. Infiltration of alkalis (Na⁺, K⁺) and strong acids (Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?) caused the mixed Ca–Mg–Cl type (60 %) and Na–Cl type (28 %) facies to predominate groundwater inside the town, while, Ca–HCO₃ (35 %), mixed Ca–Mg–Cl type (35 %) and mixed Ca–Na–HCO₃ type (28 %) facies predominated groundwater outside/periphery of town. Reductions in E. coli and nitrate concentrations with vadose zone thickness indicated its participation in contaminant removal. A 4-m thickness of unsaturated sand + soft, disintegrated weathered rock deposit facilitates the removal of 1 log of E. coli pathogen. The anoxic conditions prevailing in the deeper layers of the vadose zone (>19 m thickness) favor denitrification resulting in lower nitrate concentrations (28–96 mg/L) in deeper water tables (located at depths of ?29 to ?39 m).     

Characterization of the shallow groundwater system in an alpine watershed: Handcart Gulch,Colorado, USA

Water-table elevation measurements and aquifer parameter estimates are rare in alpine settings because few wells exist in these environments. Alpine groundwater systems may be a primary source of recharge to regional groundwater flow systems. Handcart Gulch is an alpine watershed in Colorado, USA comprised of highly fractured Proterozoic metamorphic and igneous rocks with wells completed to various depths. Primary study objectives include determining hydrologic properties of shallow bedrock and surficial materials, developing a watershed water budget, and testing the consistency of measured hydrologic properties and water budget by constructing a simple model incorporating groundwater and surface water for water year 2005. Water enters the study area as precipitation and exits as discharge in the trunk stream or potential recharge for the deeper aquifer. Surficial infiltration rates ranged from 0.1–6.2×10^?5 m/s. Discharge was estimated at 1.28×10^?3 km³. Numerical modeling analysis of single-well aquifer tests predicted lower specific storage in crystalline bedrock than in ferricrete and colluvial material (6.7×10^?5–2.0×10^?3 l/m). Hydraulic conductivity in crystalline bedrock was significantly lower than in colluvial and alluvial material (4.3×10^?9–2.0×10^?4 m/s). Water budget results suggest that during normal precipitation and temperatures water is available to recharge the deeper groundwater flow system.     

Environmental isotopic and hydrochemical study of water in the karst aquifer and submarine springs of the Syrian coast

The groundwater of major karst systems and submarine springs in the coastal limestone aquifer of Syria has been investigated using chemical and isotopic techniques. The δ¹⁸O values of groundwater range from ?6.8 to ?5.05‰, while those for submarine springs vary from ?6.34 to +1.08‰ (eastern Mediterranean seawater samples have a mean of +1.7‰). Groundwater originates from the direct infiltration of atmospheric water. Stable isotopes show that the elevation of the recharge zones feeding the Banyas area (400–600 m a.s.l.) is higher than that feeding the Amrit area (100–300 m a.s.l.). The ¹⁸O_extracted (¹⁸O content of the seawater contribution) for the major submarine springs suggests a mean recharge area elevation of 600–700 m a.s.l., and lower than 400 m a.s.l. for the spring close to Amrit. Based on the measured velocity and the percentage of fresh water at the submarine springs outlet, the estimated discharge rate is 350 million m³/year. The tritium concentrations in groundwater (1.6–5.9 TU) are low and very close to the current rainfall values (2.9–5.6 TU). Adopting a model with exponential time distribution, the mean turnover time of groundwater in the Al-sen spring was evaluated to be 60 years. A value of about 3.7 billion m³ was obtained for the maximum groundwater reservoir size.     

The origin of thermal waters from the eastern flank of the Dead Sea Rift Valley (western Jordan)

Thermal waters emerging along the eastern flank of the northernmost part of the Dead Sea Rift Valley close to the Yarmuk river are dilute, Ca–SO₄–(HCO₃) and Na–Cl water types with measured temperatures of 35–60 °C and estimated teperatures, according to silica solubility, of 60–110 °C. They are fed only by present‐day recharged meteoric waters (Wadi Hasa, Al Himma and North Shuna thermal baths) and by meteoric waters contaminated with saline waters (El Ma'in thermal Bath). Although they have been known for a long time, there is still dispute about their origins and the source of heat. On the basis of new chemical and isotopic analyses, the saline waters could represent residual pockets of groundwater in equilibrium with those filling the Dead Sea depression before the last retreat of Lake Lisan at 17–15 kyr bp or with the ancient seawaters of the Sedom Lagoon in the early Pleistocene, in both cases unaffected by significant evaporation processes but chemically and isotopically modified by water/rock interaction.     

A hydrochemical study of the Hammam Righa geothermal waters in north-central Algeria

This study focuses on the hydrochemical characteristics of 47 water samples collected from thermal and cold springs that emerge from the Hammam Righa geothermal field, located in north-central Algeria. The aquifer that feeds these springs is mainly situated in the deeply fractured Jurassic limestone and dolomite of the Zaccar Mount. Measured discharge temperatures of the cold waters range from 16.0 to 26.5 °C and the hot waters from 32.1 to 68.2 °C. All waters exhibited a near-neutral pH of 6.0–7.6. The thermal waters had a high total dissolved solids (TDS) content of up to 2527 mg/l, while the TDS for cold waters was 659.0–852.0 mg/l. Chemical analyses suggest that two main types of water exist: hot waters in the upflow area of the Ca–Na–SO₄ type (Hammam Righa) and cold waters in the recharge zone of the Ca–Na–HCO₃ type (Zaccar Mount). Reservoir temperatures were estimated using silica geothermometers and fluid/mineral equilibria at 78, 92, and 95 °C for HR4, HR2, and HR1, respectively. Stable isotopic analyses of the δ¹⁸O and δD composition of the waters suggest that the thermal waters of Hammam Righa are of meteoric origin. We conclude that meteoric recharge infiltrates through the fractured dolomitic limestones of the Zaccar Mount and is conductively heated at a depth of 2.1–2.2 km. The hot waters then interact at depth with Triassic evaporites located in the hydrothermal conduit (fault), giving rise to the Ca–Na–SO₄ water type. As they ascend to the surface, the thermal waters mix with shallower Mg-rich groundwater, resulting in waters that plot in the immature water field in the Na–K–Mg diagram. The mixing trend between cold groundwaters from the recharge zone area (Zaccar Mount) and hot waters in the upflow area (Hammam Righa) is apparent via a chloride-enthalpy diagram that shows a mixing ratio of 22.6 < R < 29.2 %. We summarize these results with a geothermal conceptual model of the Hammam Righa geothermal field.     

Assessment of hydrogeochemistry and contamination of Varamin deep aquifer,Tehran Province,Iran

The present study investigates the hydrogeochemistry and contamination of Varamin deep aquifer located in the southeast of Tehran province, Iran. The study also evaluates groundwater suitability for irrigation uses. The hydrogeochemical study was conducted by collecting and analyzing 154 groundwater samples seasonally during 2014. Based on evolutionary sequence of Chebotarev, the aquifer is in the stage of SO₄ + HCO₃ in the north half of the plain and it has evolved into SO₄ + Cl in the south half. The unusual increase in TDS and Cl^? toward the western boundaries of the aquifer indicates some anomalies. These anomalies have originated from discharge of untreated wastewater of Tehran city in these areas. The studied aquifer contains four dominant groundwater types including Na–Ca–SO₄ (55%), Na–Ca–HCO₃ (22%), Na–Cl (13%) and Ca–Cl (10%). The spatial distributions of Na–Cl and Ca–Cl water types coincide with observed anomalies. Ionic relationships of SO₄ ^2? versus Cl^? and Na⁺ versus Cl^? confirm that water–rock interaction and anthropogenic contribution are main sources of these ions in the groundwater. The main processes governing the chemistry of the groundwater are the dissolution of calcite, dolomite and gypsum along the flow path, and direct ion exchange. Reverse ion exchange controls the groundwater chemistry in the areas contaminated with untreated wastewater. Based on Na% and SAR, 10.3 and 27% of water samples are unsuitable for irrigation purposes, respectively. Regarding residual sodium carbonate, there is no treat for crop yields. Only 6% of water samples represent magnesium adsorption ratios more than 50% which are harmful and unsuitable for irrigation.     

Characterization of groundwater chemistry under the influence of lithologic and anthropogenic factors along a climatic gradient in Upper Cauvery basin, South India

Hydrogeological and climatic effect on chemical behavior of groundwater along a climatic gradient is studied along a river basin. ‘Semi-arid’ (500–800 mm of mean annual rainfall), ‘sub-humid’ (800–1,200 mm/year) and ‘humid’ (1,200–1,500 mm/year) are the climatic zones chosen along the granito-gneissic plains of Kabini basin in South India for the present analysis. Data on groundwater chemistry is initially checked for its quality using NICB ratio (<±5 %), EC versus TZ+ (~0.85 correlation), EC versus TDS and EC versus TH analysis. Groundwater in the three climatic zones is ‘hard’ to ‘very hard’ in terms of Ca–Mg hardness. Polluted wells are identified (>40 % of pollution) and eliminated for the characterization. Piper’s diagram with mean concentrations indicates the evolution of CaNaHCO₃ (semi-arid) from CaHCO₃ (humid zone) along the climatic gradient. Carbonates dominate other anions and strong acids exceeded weak acids in the region. Mule Hole SEW, an experimental watershed in sub-humid zone, is characterized initially using hydrogeochemistry and is observed to be a replica of entire sub-humid zone (with 25 wells). Extension of the studies for the entire basin (120 wells) showed a chemical gradient along the climatic gradient with sub-humid zone bridging semi-arid and humid zones. Ca/Na molar ratio varies by more than 100 times from semi-arid to humid zones. Semi-arid zone is more silicaceous than sub-humid while humid zone is more carbonaceous (Ca/Cl ~14). Along the climatic gradient, groundwater is undersaturated (humid), saturated (sub-humid) and slightly supersaturated (semi-arid) with calcite and dolomite. Concentration–depth profiles are in support of the geological stratification i.e., ~18 m of saprolite and ~25 m of fracture rock with parent gneiss beneath. All the wells are classified into four groups based on groundwater fluctuations and further into ‘deep’ and ‘shallow’ based on the depth to groundwater. Higher the fluctuations, larger is its impact on groundwater chemistry. Actual seasonal patterns are identified using ‘recharge–discharge’ concept based on rainfall intensity instead of traditional monsoon–non-monsoon concept. Non-pumped wells have low Na/Cl and Ca/Cl ratios in recharge period than in discharge period (Dilution). Few other wells, which are subjected to pumping, still exhibit dilution chemistry though water level fluctuations are high due to annual recharge. Other wells which do not receive sufficient rainfall and are constantly pumped showed high concentrations in recharge period rather than in discharge period (Anti-dilution). In summary, recharge–discharge concept demarcates the pumped wells from natural deep wells thus, characterizing the basin.     

Controls on chemistry during fracture-hosted flow of cold CO2-bearing mineral waters,Daylesford, Victoria,Australia: Implications for resource protection

Mineral springs from Daylesford, Australia discharge at ambient temperatures, have high CO₂ contents, and effervesce naturally. Mineral waters have high HCO₃ and Na concentrations (up to 4110 and 750 mg/L, respectively) and CO₂ concentrations of 620–2520 mg/L. Calcium and Mg concentrations are 61–250 and 44–215 mg/L, respectively, and Si, Sr, Ba, and Li are the most abundant minor and trace elements. The high P_CO2 of these waters promotes mineral dissolution, while maintaining low pH values, and geochemical modelling indicates that the CO₂-rich mineral water must have interacted with both sediments and basalts. Amorphous silica concentrations and silica geothermometry indicate that these waters are unlikely to have been heated above ambient temperatures and therefore reflect shallow circulation on the order of several hundreds of metres. Variations in minor and trace element composition from closely adjacent spring discharges indicate that groundwater flows within relatively isolated fracture networks. The chemical consistency of individual spring discharges over at least 20 a indicates that flow within these fracture networks has remained isolated over long periods. The mineral water resource is at risk from mixing with potentially contaminated surface water and shallow groundwater in the discharge areas. Increased δ²H values and Cl concentrations, and lower Na concentrations indicate those springs that are most at risk from surface contamination and overpumping. Elevated NO₃ concentrations in a few springs indicate that these springs have already been contaminated during discharge.     

Quantification of groundwater–seawater interaction in a coastal sandy aquifer system: a study from Panama,Sri Lanka

The Panama coastal aquifer system is an important water resource in the southeast coast of Sri Lanka that provides adequate supplies of water for agriculture and domestic uses. One of the biggest threats to these fragile aquifers is the sea water intrusion. In this study, recharging mechanism and geochemical evaluation of groundwater in the coastal sandy aquifer of Panama were evaluated using chemical and stable isotope techniques. Thirty groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for their major ion concentrations and stable isotope ratios of oxygen (¹⁸O/¹⁶O) and hydrogen (D/H). All studied samples showed a ranking of major anions in the order Cl^? > HCO ₃ ^?  > SO ₄ ^2?  > N-NO₃ ^? while cations showed a decreasing order of abundance with Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺. Dominant groundwater hydrogeochemical types were Na–Cl and mixed Ca–Mg–Cl. Results of saturation index calculations indicate that the investigated groundwater body was mostly saturated with respect to calcite, dolomite and gypsum. In addition, stable isotope and geochemical data suggest that fresh groundwater in the aquifer is recharged mainly by local precipitation with slight modification from evaporation and saline water intrusions. Isotope data suggest that mixing of salt water with freshwater occurs in aquifers which are located towards the lagoon. Since the communities in the study area depend entirely on groundwater, an understanding of the hydrogeochemical characteristics of the aquifer system is extremely important for the better water resource management in the region.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic study of groundwater in the Yinchuan plain, China

The Yinchuan plain is located in the arid climate zone of NW China. The western margin of the plain is the Helan mountain connecting a series of normal slip faults. The eastern margin of the plain connects with the Yellow River and adjacents with the Ordos platform. The south of the plain is bordered by the EN fault of the Niushou mountain. The bottom of the plain is the Carboniferous, Permian, or Ordovician rocks. Based on the analysis of groundwater hydrochemical and isotopic indicators, this study aims to identify the groundwater recharge and discharge in the Yinchuan plain, China. The hydrochemical types of the groundwater are HCO₃–SO₄ in the west, HCO₃–Cl in the middle, and Cl–SO₄ in the east. The hydrochemical types are HCO₃–SO₄ in the south, HCO₃–Cl and SO₄–HCO₃ in the middle. The hydrochemical types are complex in the north, mainly SO₄–HCO₃ and Cl–SO₄. Deuterium, ¹⁸O, and tritium values of groundwater indicate that groundwater recharge sources include precipitation, bedrock fissure water, and irrigation return water. Groundwater discharges include evaporation, abstraction, and discharge to surface water. According to the EW isotopic profile, the groundwater flow system (GFS) in the Yinchuan plain can be divided into local flow systems (LFS) and regional flow systems (RFS). Groundwater has lower TDS and higher tritium in the southern Yellow River alluvial plain and groundwater age ranges from 6 to 25 years. The range of groundwater renewal rates is from 11 to 15 % a^?1. The depth of the water cycle is small, and groundwater circulates fast and has high renewal rates. Groundwater has higher TDS and lower tritium in the northern Yellow River alluvial plain. The range of groundwater age is from 45 to 57 years, and renewal rate is from 6 to 0.1 % a^?1. The depth of the water cycle is larger. Groundwater circulates slowly and has low renewal rates.     

Groundwater flow dynamics in the complex aquifer system of Gidabo River Basin (Ethiopian Rift): a multi-proxy approach

Hydrochemical and isotope data in conjunction with hydraulic head and spring discharge observations were used to characterize the regional groundwater flow dynamics and the role of the tectonic setting in the Gidabo River Basin, Ethiopian Rift. Both groundwater levels and hydrochemical and isotopic data indicate groundwater flow from the major recharge area in the highland and escarpment into deep rift floor aquifers, suggesting a deep regional flow system can be distinguished from the shallow local aquifers. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H values of deep thermal (≥30 °C) groundwater are depleted relative to the shallow (<60 m below ground level) groundwater in the rift floor. Based on the δ¹⁸O values, the thermal groundwater is found to be recharged in the highland around 2,600 m a.s.l. and on average mixed with a proportion of 30 % shallow groundwater. While most groundwater samples display diluted solutions, δ¹³C data of dissolved inorganic carbon reveal that locally the thermal groundwater near fault zones is loaded with mantle CO₂, which enhances silicate weathering and leads to anomalously high total dissolved solids (2,000–2,320 mg/l) and fluoride concentrations (6–15 mg/l) exceeding the recommended guideline value. The faults are generally found to act as complex conduit leaky barrier systems favoring vertical mixing processes. Normal faults dipping to the west appear to facilitate movement of groundwater into deeper aquifers and towards the rift floor, whereas those dipping to the east tend to act as leaky barriers perpendicular to the fault but enable preferential flow parallel to the fault plane.     

Hydrogeochemical investigations of thermal waters in the northeastern part of Morocco

Northeastern Morocco is characterised by a large number of surface geothermal manifestations. Thermal waters are hosted within sedimentary rocks, and in particular the Liassic dolomitic limestones act as a reservoir. The presence of geothermal waters is closely related to important fault systems. Meteoric water infiltrates along those fractures and faults, gets heated, and then returns to the surface through hydrothermal conduits. Most of the thermal waters are of Na–Cl and Ca–Mg–HCO₃ types. In this paper different geochemical approaches were applied to infer the reservoir temperature. Na–K–Mg^1/2 ternary diagram points to temperatures ranging from 100 to 180 °C. Cation geothermometers suggest an average reservoir temperature of about 100 °C. Mineral solution equilibria analysis yields temperatures ranging from 50 to 185 °C. The silica enthalpy mixture model gives an average value (about 110 °C) higher than that inferred from cation geothermometers.     

Hydrochemistry and gas geochemistry of the northeastern Algerian geothermal waters

This study focuses on the water and gas chemistry of the northeastern Algerian thermal waters. The helium gas was used to detect the origin of the geothermal fluid. In the Guelma Basin, the heat flow map shows an anomaly of 120 ± 20 mW/m² linked to the highly conductive Triassic extrusion. The chemical database reveals the existence of three water types, Ca-SO₄/Na-Cl, which are related to evaporites and rich in halite and gypsum minerals. The third type is Ca (Na)-HCO₃, which mostly characterizes the carbonated Tellian sector. The origin of thermal waters using a gas-mixing model indicates a meteoric origin, except for the El Biban hot spring (W10), which shows a He/Ar ratio of 0.213, thus suggesting the presence of batholith. The helium distribution map indicates a lower ³He/⁴He ratio between 0 Ra and 0.04 Ra in the W10 and W15 samples, which is compatible with the crustal ratio. Reservoir temperatures estimated by silica geothermometers give temperatures less than 133 °C. The geothermal conceptual model suggests that a geothermal system was developed by the deep penetration of infiltrated cold waters to a depth of 2.5 km and then heated by a conductive heat source (batholith for El Biban case). The thermal waters rise up to the surface through the deep-seated fractures. During their ascension, they are mixed with shallow cold groundwater, which increase the Mg content and cause the immature classification of the water samples.     

Groundwater hydrochemistry and origin in the south-eastern part of Wadi El Natrun,Egypt

The demand for water is rapidly increasing in Egypt, because of high population and agriculture production growth rate, which makes research of water resources necessary. The regional multi-aquifer system of the Miocene–Pleistocene age is discharged in Wadi El Natrun area. Intensive aquifer overexploitation and agricultural development in the area are related to groundwater quality deterioration. Hydrochemical and hydrogeological data was evaluated to determine the groundwater origin and quality in the south-eastern part of wadi, which appears to be more significant for water supply owing to lower groundwater salinity. The dominance of the high mineralised Cl groundwater type was found; however, also less mineralised SO₄ and HCO₃ types were identified there. Based on the ion relations, halite and gypsum dissolution and ion exchange are the most important hydrochemical processes forming the groundwater chemical composition. The Cl dominated groundwater matches the discharge part of the regional hydrogeological system. Contrary, the presence of HCO₃ and SO₄ hydrochemical types corresponds to the infiltration and transferring parts of the hydrogeological system indicating the presence of zones conducting low mineralised groundwater. The discharge area of the over-pumped aquifer in Wadi El-Natrun lies 23 m beneath the sea level with the shoreline being at the distance of 100 km, thus there is a real risk of seawater intrusion. Using the hydrochemical facies evolution diagram, four samples in the centre of the discharge area indicate advanced seawater intrusion. The zones of the highest demand for groundwater quality protection were indicated based on a spatial pattern of hydrogeochemical composition.     

Characteristics of the geothermal water in Changbai Mountain volcanic region,northeast of China

Geothermal water is plentiful in Changbai Mountain region, northeastern China, due to the volcanic activities and widespread faults. For the exploration of geothermal resources, this study uses quartz and cation geothermometer to estimate the temperatures of the geothermal reservoir and uses the tubular models to evaluate the thermal gradient. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the geothermal resources were also evaluated by hydrogeochemical analysis. The results showed that the geothermal reservoir temperatures of the four major thermal springs in Changbai Mountain region range from 72 to 169 °C. The average geothermal reservoir temperatures of Jinjiang hot springs, Changbai hot springs I, Xianrenqiao hot springs, and Changbai hot springs II are 129.25, 169, 89, and 73.67 °C, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of the four major thermal springs have different characteristics. The geothermal gradient values of Jinjiang hot springs and Changbai hot springs I are 4.6 and 3.1 °C/100 m, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of Xianrenqiao thermal springs and Changbai thermal springs II are both lower than 1.5 °C/100 m, with the values of 1.1 and 1.4 °C/100 m. And the geothermal gradients are influenced by Changbai Mountain Tianchi volcano. In addition, the water chemical analyses showed that the geothermal water types are HCO₃-Na with higher concentrations of Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, TDS, and HCO₃ ^? than the non-thermal waters, which suggested a deep and long water cycle of the thermal water, and therefore a sufficient water-rock interaction.     

A combined geological, hydrochemical, and geophysical approach to understanding a disease contamination hazard in groundwaters at a state fish hatchery

At the Midway, Utah, USA fish hatchery, a groundwater development program was conducted to help transition the facility from surface to groundwater in response to contamination by whirling disease, which is caused by a trout parasite. The unconfined aquifer system that provided the hatchery water became infected through the recharge of infected irrigation water obtained from the Provo River. Whirling disease was first discovered in Utah in 1991 at a private fish farm. Infected fish from the farm quickly infected many of Utah’s waterways and infected the hatchery in 2000. Because the parasite completes its life cycle in multiple organisms and can survive for decades in a variety of harsh environments, a comprehensive study of the hydrostratigraphy and hydrodynamics at the hatchery was critical in order to understand the hazard and avoid further contamination. Drilling revealed the presence of a shallow unconfined (surface to 10 m) and two deeper confined aquifer systems (~20–35 m and >40 m bgs). Confinement is related to tufa layers, detected both by drilling and reflection seismology. The tufa layers are associated with past discharge of the thermal system. Vertical leakage is apparent from upward hydraulic head gradients and incrementally increasing unconfined aquifer discharge into downstream on-site drainage canals. High-resolution seismic profiles reveal small-offset faults that provide pathways for upward flow. Analysis of water quality data demonstrates an inverted geochemical gradient in that apparent ¹⁴C ages, solute concentrations, and temperatures decrease with depth. The origin of the inverted geochemical gradient is related to mixing of upwelling thermal, high-TDS waters with cold, low-TDS systems several kilometers up-gradient from the hatchery. Thermal upwelling appears to be fault controlled. Up-gradient of the hatchery, near-surface groundwater mixes with a larger proportion of thermal groundwater than does deeper groundwater. As these mixed systems flow toward the hatchery, a major locus of groundwater discharge, they are segregated into confined and unconfined compartments. Our study requires integration of hydrological, geochemical, and geophysical strategies in order to understand a complex natural hazard and thus may serve as a model for other similarly complex hydrological environments.     

Hydrogeochemical characterization and evolution of a regional karst aquifer in the Cuatrociénegas area,Mexico

The Cuatrociénegas area is useful for the investigation of the effect of groundwater extraction in the Chihuahuan freshwater xeric ecoregion. It has been investigated at this time using a selection of geochemical indicators (major, minor and trace elements) and δ³⁴S data, to characterize the origin of groundwater, the main geochemical processes and the mineral/groundwater interactions controlling the baseline geochemistry. The area is composed of limestones of Mesozoic age, with a composite thickness of about 500 m, overlaid by basin fill (poorly consolidated young sediments). Substantial water extraction and modification of natural discharges from the area along the last century have produced a detrimental impact on ecosystem structure and function. Water–rock interactions, mixing and evaporative processes dominate the baseline groundwater quality. Natural recharge is HCO₃–Ca type in equilibrium with calcite, low salinity (TDS?<?500 mg/L), Cl^? lower than 11 mg/L and average Li⁺ concentration of 0.005 mg/L. Along the groundwater flow systems, δ³⁴S evidence and mass transfer calculations indicate that Cretaceous gypsum dissolution and dedolomitization reactions adjust water composition to the SO₄–Ca type. The increase of water–rock interaction is reflected by Cl^? values increase (average 68 mg/L), TDS up to about 1500 mg/L and an average Li⁺ concentration of 0.063 mg/L. Calculations with chemical geothermometers indicate that temperature at depth could be at maximum of 15–20 °C higher than field-measured temperature for pozas. After groundwater is discharged to the surface, chemical evolution continues; water evaporation, CO₂ degassing and precipitation of minerals such as gypsum, calcite and kaolinite represent the final processes and reactions controlling water chemical composition.