Structural and sedimentologic relations between the High and the Middle Atlas of Morocco during the Jurassic time

The cartographic, sedimentologic and stratigraphic studies carried out on the Mesozoic deposits in the border zone between the Middle and the High Moroccan Atlas (regions of Naour and Aghbala) led us to specify the lithology of formations, the significant differences of thickness and the angular unconformities as well as stratigraphic hiatuses. All of this indicates a tectonic regime of transcurrent faults from the Bajocian–Bathonian period along the major fault zone “Aghbala–Afourer” in a N70° direction. A sinistral strike-slip movement along this major fault zone induced the development of folded and fractured zones in a N120° direction, which limited a small trough filled by the red continental formations. The whole system is covered thereafter by lower Cretaceous deposits.     

Magnetostratigraphy of the Ouarzazate Basin: Implications for the timing of deformation and mountain building in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Two magnetostratigraphic profiles (450 samples) have been carried out to constrain the age of synorogenic formations in the southern foreland of the High Atlas of Morocco. The Amekchoud profile covers the Aït Ouglif and Aït Kandoula alluvial formations that form the bulk of the Ouarzazate basin fill, indicating an age between the upper Langhian and the Messinian (Miocene). Data obtained in the previously unexplored Hadida formation profile covers the oldest terms of the foreland basin succession, but the low quality of the magnetic record only allows proposing a tentative age between the middle Lutetian and an undetermined middle to late Eocene. The correlation of the Amekchoud profile is based on the recognition of the long C5n chron (Tortonian) in the middle part of the section studied and a new vertebrate locality of upper Tortonian age found in the upper part. These results indicate a discontinuous record of foreland basin development in the southern Atlas domain from mid Eocene to late Miocene times, punctuated by an intermediate large hiatus of 20-25 ma (late Eocene to mid Miocene). Thrusting in the Sub-Atlas frontal thrust belt began before the Aït Ouglif and Kandoula formations, probably during the Oligocene, and extends up to recent times. The alternation of periods of deposition with others of no sedimentary record, which does not coincide with specific tectonic events, results probably from the interference of orogenic deformation and the mantle-related thermal uplift events that have been described for the Moroccan Atlas.     

Management of karst aquifers in Serbia for water supply

Karst aquifers represent one of the main sources of water supply in Serbia. Wide distributions of karstic areas, abundant reserves, and excellent quality of karst groundwater have been the reasons for its extensive use in water supply systems throughout the country. In Serbia, 70 karstic sources have been tapped for centralized water supply, with the assessed minimal capacity exceeding 4.5 m³/s. Most of the large cities of Eastern and Western Serbia currently use karst groundwater for water supply; however, due to unstable flow regime when only natural springflow is tapped, numerous problems arise during the recession period (summer–autumn). During the last two decades, after favorable conditions had been confirmed through hydrogeological survey and feasibility studies, several newly constructed systems for artificial control of karst aquifers (mostly in Eastern Serbia) resulted in significantly improved water supply.     

Metals in sediments of springs and cave streams as environmental indicators in karst areas

The content of heavy metals and arsenic in sediments of karst streams in southern Missouri was investigated for its potential use as an indicator of pollution. A three-step sequential extraction procedure was utilized for this purpose. The amount of trace elements bound to each extraction phase gives insight of its availability and geochemical dependence. These results were complemented with analyses of correlation and spatial variability. Although sediments collected in this study remained below EPAs critical value guidelines, concentration in the mobile phases and higher normalized Mn values successfully identified sites with concentrations higher than background levels. Correlation among elements was poor in most cases; among the trace metals only Cu and Zn correlated while Pb correlated with Ca, Al, Mn and Fe. Spatial variability analysis confirmed that natural variation among adjacent sediment samples is a common occurrence. The urban spring Ward Branch showed the highest levels of Cr, Zn, Pb and As.     

Impact of karst water on coal mining in North China

Coalfields in North China encompass more than ten Provinces. They contain six to seven coal seams in the Permo-Carboniferous strata. The lower three seams account for 37% of the total reserves and are threatened with intrusion of karst water from the underlying Ordovician limestone. Hundreds of water inrush incidences have occurred, in which a large amount of water suddenly flows into tunnels or working faces under high potentiometric pressure. Over 50 mines have been flooded over the last 30 years. Large-scale dewatering or depressurizing of the karst aquifer was considered essential to avoid water inrushes and keep the mines safely operational. This practice, however, has caused sinkholes, dry springs, water supply shortage, and groundwater contamination in the surrounding areas. One alternative water control measure is to make full use of the rock layer between the coal seam and the karst aquifer as a protective barrier to prevent or constrain water flow from the underlying aquifer into the mines. Grouting is effective when the hydrogeological conditions are favorable to this technique. Proper design of the grouting program and experience of the contractor are also important for a successful application.     

The importance of protection and management of Karst water as drinking water resources in Iran

Karst water is one of important potable water especially in arid and semiarid zones. Due to its vulnerability and high sensitivity to pollution, water resources protection is one of important measures to be observed in karst resources management. One case study in the The Maharlu Basin, Iran is discussed. Findings are used to postulate regional guidelines for establishing protection and management measures in important karst pumping fields. Suggested locations for new wells in valleys or depressions should be selected on the basis of specialized hydrogeological investigation. Recommendations for first, second and third degree levels of protection based on European standards are suggested and then defined by model. The first degree protection zone around the pumping field is recommended to be 10 × 10 m². The second degree protection zone should be established to protect primarily from biological pollution. The third degree zone is defined to protect from chemical parameters.     

不同时间序列模型在岩溶山区矿井涌水量预测中的应用

矿井涌水量预测的精度对于煤矿开采安全有着至关重要的作用。文章以老鹰山煤矿为例,分析降雨与矿井涌水量的相关关系,结果表明：同期月及前第1个月降雨量与涌水量相关性具有逐渐减弱的趋势,而与前第2个月至第5个月的相关性有逐渐升高的趋势;基于矿井涌水量及降雨量,建立了单因素季节性时间序列SARIMA模型及多元季节性时间序列SARIMAX模型对矿井涌水量进行预测,预测结果表明：两种模型91.7%的预测值达到B级探明的矿井涌水量,预测精度均较高,SARIMAX模型预测结果的MAPE为18.57%,小于SARIMA模型的25.27%,预测精度更优。     

Hydrogeology of karst aquifer systems in SW Turkey and an assessment of water quality and contamination problems

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between groundwater flow and water quality of different ground and surface water basins in the southwest Turkey. In addition, groundwater vulnerability is assessed taking into consideration groundwater flow and quality. The autochthonous Beydaglari limestone is the major karstic aquifer in the region. According to the groundwater level map of alluvium aquifers in the basins, groundwater discharge toward the carbonate aquifer is direct and indirect. The hydrogeological connection between ground and surface water basins occurs via the karstic aquifer located at the bottom of the alluvium bottom. In Egirdir lake, water also discharges in the karstic aquifer via karstic sinkholes at the western border of the lake. In the research area, general groundwater discharge is toward the Mediterranean Sea by means of autochthonous carbonate system, according to hydrogeological investigations, research of lineament and hydraulic conductivities. This result is supported by the locations of lineaments and shore springs discharging from the limestone. In addition, spreading of contaminants via karstic aquifer to great distance has been clearly identified.     

Management of karst water resources in mining area: dewatering in mines and demand for water supply in the Dongshan Mine of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, North China

Coalfields in North China contain six to seven coal seams in the Permo-Carboniferous strata. The coal seams are underlain by the Ordovician limestone. Large-scale dewatering or depressurizing of the karst aquifer was considered essential to avoid water inrushes and keep the mines safely operational. This practice, however, has caused water supply shortage in the mining areas. The most effective solution to this conflict is to use the uncontaminated karst water from the mines for water supply. This paper explores a management model to maximize the utilization of the karst water while maintaining the safe operation of the mines. The model can provide essential information on water resource distribution for decision makers. The model was applied to the Dongshan Coal Mine in Taiyuan City, China.     

重庆典型岩溶区地下河水体有机氯农药污染初步研究

利用GC-ECD对重庆典型岩溶区地下河水体中有机氯农药(OCPs)进行检测,结果表明,地下河水中OCPs浓度为3.41～51.34ng/L,均值为13.23ng/L;滴滴涕(DDTs)浓度为0.07～2.37ng/L,均值为0.72ng/L;六六六(HCHs)浓度为1.16～39.82ng/L,均值为7.89ng/L。南川湾滩地下河水体有机氯农药污染最为严重,其上游纸厂排放废水是影响该地下河有机氯农药污染的主要原因。与国内外其它河流相比较,研究区地下河水体有机氯农药含量处于中低水平。由于岩溶区特殊的二元结构,地表水体一旦受到污染,将直接影响到地下水体。因此,对岩溶地下河进行有机污染物的调查研究具有重要的现实意义      

Influence of droughts on remote villages in the karst region of Guizhou Province,China: Causes and control

Even though the precipitation is abundant in the Karst region of Guizhou Province, remote villages in this area frequently suffer severe droughts. This paper studied the causes of droughts in this region through field investigation and references collection. Based on the cause analysis, some suggestions were provided for hazard prevention and control from an engineering perspective. Besides occasional extreme weathers, the drought in this area is primarily caused by its unique geological structures of Karst plateau and underdeveloped agricultural techniques. Meanwhile, the vicious cycle between drought and poverty, which causes the deficiency of water conservancy facilities and hazard prevention awareness, is an important reason for the frequent occurrence of agricultural and socioeconomic drought. Considering the social and economic conditions of remote villages, the long-term control of drought can only be realized if current measures are capable of bring immediate effects and benefits. Therefore, the construction of well-planned and designed water conservancy system based on each village’s natural and social conditions are the priority for current hazard prevention. Generally, the exploitation of subterranean river should be considered as the first choice to stabilize the water supply for remote villages. Meanwhile, the construction and improvement of micro water conservancy facilities, such as small water tank, small pond and so on, can effectively support the water providence during droughts as well.     

Hydrogeologic effects on the quality of water in the Oued Issen watershed, western Upper Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The study of spatial and temporal variations of some hydrochemical properties in the Oued Issen watershed, Morocco, has revealed their close relation to the area's lithologic and geologic characteristics and to variations in hydroclimatological cycles. High concentrations of sodium chloride are measured during flood periods, when the outcrops of the basin are leached by streams draining the rather dense hydrographic network. These variations depend also on the relative abundance of tributaries on both sides of the Oued, their respective contributions being hydrochemically very different: (1) northern-side tributaries, which mainly leach evaporitic terranes dating from the Late Triassic and Late Liassic periods and which are rich in gypsum and halite, increase the mineralization of the Oued Issen waters flowing toward the Abdelmoumen Dam; (2) the low salinity of water observed in the upstream portion of the watershed is due to dilution by waters from the southern-side tributaries, which are derived from snowmelt and the leaching of the high Paleozoic massif; (3) in the middle part of the basin, the increase in mineralization of the Oued Issen becomes substantial between the Abdelmoumen Dam and the Dkhila Dam, the next dam downstream, due to the absence of dilution by waters from the southern-side tributaries, which are sparse in this part of the basin. In addition, during flood periods, the outflow from the first dam is stopped. Thus, the main contribution of NaCl to the Oued is from the very salty Tirkou spring, which is situated downstream from the first dam. The geological characteristics of the basin have induced the development of high-salinity zones, which are particularly evident in the southwestern part of the basin in the vicinity of the confluence of the Oued Boulebaz with the Oued Issen. The discharge of very salty springs is controlled by faults that offset the formations that underlie the hydrographic network and degrade the quality of the Oued Issen. This water later recharges the unconfined aquifer along the Oued where it flows on the Oued Souss Plain. Received, July 1998/Revised, July 1999, September 1999/Accepted, November 1999     

Global analysis of land-use changes in karst areas and the implications for water resources

Karst areas contain valuable groundwater resources and high biodiversity, but are particularly vulnerable to climate change and human impacts. Land-use change is the cause and consequence of global environmental change. The releases of the Climate Change Initiative-Land Cover (CCI-LC) and World Karst Aquifer Map (WOKAM) datasets have made it possible to explore global land-use changes in karst areas. This paper firstly analyses the global karst land-use distribution in 2020, as well as the land-use transition characteristics between 1992 and 2020. Then, two indicators, proportion of land-use change and dominant type of land-use change, are proposed to identify the spatial characteristics of land-use change in global karst areas. Finally, three examples of land-use change in karst areas are analyzed in detail. Land-use types and proportions of the global karst areas from large to small are as follows: forest (31.78%), bare area (27.58%), cropland (19.02%), grassland (10.87%), shrubland (7.21%), wetland (1.67%), ice and snow (1.16%) and urban (0.71%). The total area of global karst land-use change is 1.30 million km², about 4.85% of global karst surface. The land-use change trend of global karst is dominated by afforestation, supplemented by scattered urbanization and agricultural reclamation. The tropical climate has a higher intensity of land-use change. Regions of agricultural reclamation are highly consistent with the population density. These results reflect the impact of human activities and climate change on land-use changes in global karst areas, and serve as a basis for further research and planning of land resource management.

     

The use of environmental isotopic and hydrochemical tracers to characterize the functioning of karst systems in the Tlemcen Mountains,northwest Algeria

The functioning of karst systems in the Tlemcen Mountains, Algeria, was studied using environmental isotopic and chemical parameters. The weakly enriched values of ¹⁸O suggest a fast infiltration of water through the karst systems. The deuterium (²H) excess in groundwater and tritium (³H) in precipitation show that the region is subjected to Mediterranean and Atlantic influences with a predominance of the former. The isotopic gradient, in combination with topographic and geologic criteria, allows the recharge areas of the main karst systems to be estimated. The results of ¹³C, ¹⁴C and ³H analysis show that the majority of present waters come from perched systems and mixture waters influenced by three clusters (“ante-thermonuclear” waters, “thermonuclear” waters, and present waters) that generally emerge from semi-confined systems. The oldest waters are relatively rare and are stored in deeply confined systems. These results are consistent with the hydrochemical and the hydrogeological findings. The results have important implications in groundwater protection.     

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.     

Processes of water–rock interaction in the Turonian aquifer of Oum Er-Rabia Basin, Morocco

Possible water–rock interaction processes, in the Moroccan basin of Oum Er-Rabia, were discussed by a geochemical study of groundwater from the Turonian limestone aquifer, the most important water resource in the region. Different types of water according to the classification of Piper were defined. Waters have shown an evolution from dominant CHO₃–Ca–Mg type through mixed to SO₄–Cl–Ca–Mg type. The use of geochemical diagrams and chemical speciation modeling method has shown that water–rock interaction is mainly controlled by carbonate and anhydrite dissolution, ion exchange and reverse ion exchange processes. Water–rock equilibrium conditions are favorable for the precipitation of calcite, dolomite, kaolinite and magnesian smectite.     

A new approach for the development and management of brackish karst springs

A new approach to the method of artificial upraising of the water outlet point, for management and development of brackish karst springs, uses the MODKARST model. Brackish karst springs simulation can be used to estimate the necessary upraising of the spring elevation, so that sea-water intrusion is blocked. The consequent freshwater loss to the sea, due to this upraising, can also be estimated. The method has been applied to the periodically brackish karst Almiros spring at Heraklion of Crete, Greece. The spring simulation showed that the sea-water intrusion could be prevented through an artificial upraising of the water-outlet point, realized by the construction of a dam. The exact upraising has been estimated. Freshwater loss to the sea because of this upraising has also been estimated. The model could also be used as a tool for the management of the spring. For example, it was used to assess management options for the spring during the depletion period of the year 1994. The best scenario for the development of the spring during this period has been estimated.     

Present recharge of an aquifer in a semi-arid region: an example from the Turonian limestones of the Errachidia basin, Morocco

 The Errachidia basin is composed of three superposed aquifers (Senonian, Turonian limestones and Infracenomanian). The Liassic limestone of the upper Atlas borders the northern part of the basin. The piezometric map of the Turonian aquifer displays a north-south flow, with an inflow area from the Atlas. This recharge hypothesis is demontrated by a discriminant analysis performed on chemical data: the majority of the spots are of sodium choride and hydrogenocarbonate types, while several boreholes are assigned to a calcium hydrogenocarbonate type Jurassic component. ¹⁸O measurements, using the Atlasic gradient δ¹⁸O=–4.18–0.0027 x elevation to estimate the recharge areas, confirm that the recharge area is the basin itself (<1100 m) on the Turonian outcrops, while in the confined part, the Turonian is recharged higher than 1400 m (corresponding to the Atlas). This contribution ranges from 56 to 85%, according to the situation versus the piezometric inflow area. The remainder represents infiltration and vertical leakage from the Senonian layers.     

Karst flash flooding in a Mediterranean karst, the example of Fontaine de Nîmes

Karst flash flooding, identified as one of the hazards in karst terrains, is directly linked to the structure and hydraulic properties of karst aquifers. Due to the characteristics of flow within karst aquifers, characterized by a dual flow – diffuse flow within fissured limestone and conduit flow within karst conduits networks – flash flooding may be important in volume and dynamics. Such phenomenon may cause serious damages including loss of lives, as it occurred on 3rd October 1988 in Nîmes (Gard, South France). Flash floods there have been considered to be the result of very intensive rainfall events conjugated to runoff due to the geomorphologic context of the city located down hill. However, preliminary results of recent studies of the hydrologic behaviour of groundwater and surface water for a specific event (September 2005) show that the karst plays an important role in the flood genesis. The main characteristics of the Nîmes karst system leading to karst flash flooding are presented in this paper. A methodology comprising modelling of the karst system allowed proposing simple warning thresholds for various part of the karst (water level threshold for the karst conduits and cumulative rainfall threshold for the overflowing fissured karst). These thresholds can be included in the flash flood warning system of the Nîmes city.     

浅析铜陵地区地质构造对岩溶发育的影响

铜陵地区岩溶塌陷十分发育,先后有31处被列为岩溶塌陷地质灾害点,区内地质构造发育,对岩溶塌陷控制作用明显。文章在研究区域地质构造的基础上,对岩溶塌陷在地质构造上的分布形态及发育规律进行研究,重点探讨区内地质构造对岩溶发育的影响,研究可知:铜陵地区地质构造发育,主要为断裂和褶皱构造,其中北东、北北东向S型褶皱群对岩溶塌陷有明显控制作用。背(向)褶皱轴部由于拉张裂隙和张性断裂影响,岩体破碎,有利于地下水的溶蚀,岩溶作用较两翼更强烈,另一方面区内地貌格局背斜成山,向斜成谷,向斜地势较背斜低洼且开阔,地下水活动强烈,其塌陷分布较背斜密集;而断裂对塌陷的影响主要体现在对岩溶各种形态和发展的控制,尤其以北西、北东向张性或张扭性断裂带两侧岩溶塌陷最为发育。研究结果对城市规划、地质灾害防治具有重要意义。