Geochemical indicators of interbasin groundwater flow within the southern Rio Grande Valley, southwestern USA

Increased groundwater withdrawals for the growing population in the Rio Grande Valley and likely alteration of recharge to local aquifers with climate change necessitates an understanding of the groundwater connection between the Jornada del Muerto Basin and the adjoining and more heavily used aquifer in the Mesilla Basin. Separating the Jornada and Mesilla aquifers is a buried bedrock high from Tertiary intrusions. This bedrock high or divide restricts and/or retards interbasin flow from the Jornada aquifer into the Mesilla aquifer. The potentiometric surface of the southern Jornada aquifer near part of the bedrock high indicates a flow direction away from the divide because of a previously identified damming effect, but a groundwater outlet from the southern Jornada aquifer is necessary to balance inputs from the overall Jornada aquifer. Differences in geochemical constituents (major ions, δD, δ¹⁸O, δ³⁴S, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) indicate a deeper connection between the two aquifers through the Tertiary intrusions where Jornada water is geochemically altered because of a geothermal influence. Jornada groundwater likely is migrating through the bedrock high in deeper pathways formed by faults of the Jornada Fault Zone, in addition to Jornada water that overtops the bedrock high as previously identified as the only connection between the two aquifers. Increased groundwater withdrawals and lowering of the potentiometric surface of the Jornada aquifer may alter this contribution ratio with less overtopping of the bedrock high and a continued deeper flowpath contribution that could potentially increase salinity values in the Mesilla Basin near the divide.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidences of the groundwater regime in Datong Basin, Northern China

Datong Basin is one of the Cenozoic faulted basins in Northern China’s Shanxi province, where groundwater is the major source of water supply. The results of hydrochemical investigation show that along the groundwater flow path, from the margins to the lower-lying central parts of the basin, groundwater generally shows increases in concentrations of TDS, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, Cl^?, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ (except for Ca²⁺ content). Along the basin margin, groundwater is dominantly of Ca–HCO₃ type; however, in the central parts of the basin it becomes more saline with Na–HCO₃-dominant or mixed-ion type. The medium-deep groundwater has chemical compositions similar to those of shallow groundwater, except for the local area affected by human activity. From the mountain front to the basin area, shallow groundwater concentrations of major ions increase and are commonly higher than those in medium-deep aquifers, due to intense evapotranspiration and anthropogenic contamination. Hydrolysis of aluminosilicate and silicate minerals, cation exchange and evaporation are prevailing geochemical processes occurring in the aquifers at Datong Basin. The isotopic compositions indicate that meteoric water is the main source of groundwater recharge. Evaporation is the major way of discharge of shallow groundwater. The groundwater in medium-deep aquifers may be related to regional recharges of rainwater by infiltrating along the mountain front faults, and of groundwater permeating laterally from bedrocks of the mountain range. However, in areas of groundwater depression cones, groundwater in the deep confined aquifers may be recharged by groundwater from the upper unconfined aquifer through aquitards.     

Constraining flow paths of saline groundwater at basin margins using hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes: Lake Cooper,Murray Basin,Australia

Solutes in saline groundwater (total dissolved solids up to 37 000 mg/L) in the Lake Cooper region in the southern margin of the Riverine Province of the Murray Basin are derived by evapotranspiration of rainfall with minor silicate, carbonate and halite dissolution. The distribution of hydraulic heads, salinity, percentage modern carbon (pmc) contents, and Cl/Br ratios imply that the groundwater system is complex with vertical flow superimposed on lateral flow away from the basin margins. Similarities in major ion composition, stable (O, H, and C) isotope, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios between groundwater from the shallower Shepparton Formation and the deeper Calivil – Renmark aquifer also imply that these aquifers are hydraulically interconnected. Groundwater in the deeper Calivil – Renmark aquifer in the Lake Cooper region has residence times of up to 25 000 years, implying that pre-land-clearing recharge rates were <1 mm/y. As in other regions of the Murray Basin, the low recharge rates account for the occurrence of high-salinity groundwater. Shallow (<20 m) groundwater yields exclusively modern ¹⁴C ages and shows a greater influence of evaporation over transpiration. Both these observations reflect the rise of the regional water-table following land clearing over the last 200 years and a subsequent increase in recharge to 10 – 20 mm/y. The rise of the regional water-table also has increased vertical and horizontal hydraulic gradients that may ultimately lead to the export of salt from the Lake Cooper embayment into the adjacent fresher groundwater resources.     

Regional hydrostratigraphy and groundwater flow modeling in the arsenic-affected areas of the western Bengal basin, West Bengal, India

The first documented interpretation of the regional-scale hydrostratigraphy and groundwater flow is presented for a ～21,000-km² area of the arsenic-affected districts of West Bengal [Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas (including Calcutta)], India. A hydrostratigraphic model demonstrates the presence of a continuous, semi-confined sand aquifer underlain by a thick clay aquitard. The aquifer thickens toward the east and south. In the south, discontinuous clay layers locally divide the near-surface aquifer into several deeper, laterally connected, confined aquifers. Eight 22-layer model scenarios of regional groundwater flow were developed based on the observed topography, seasonal conditions, and inferred hydrostratigraphy. The models suggest the existence of seasonally variable, regional, north–south flow across the basin prior to the onset of extensive pumping in the 1970s. Pumping has severely distorted the flow pattern, inducing high vertical hydraulic gradients across wide cones of depression. Pumping has also increased total recharge (including irrigational return flow), inflow from rivers, and sea water intrusion. Consequently, downward flow of arsenic contaminated shallow groundwater appears to have resulted in contamination of previously safe aquifers by a combination of mechanical mixing and changes in chemical equilibrium.     

Evaluation of the importance of clay confining units on groundwater flow in alluvial basins using solute and isotope tracers: the case of Middle San Pedro Basin in southeastern Arizona (USA)

As groundwater becomes an increasingly important water resource worldwide, it is essential to understand how local geology affects groundwater quality, flowpaths and residence times. This study utilized multiple tracers to improve conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow in the Middle San Pedro Basin in southeastern Arizona (USA) by determining recharge areas, compartmentalization of water sources, flowpaths and residence times. Ninety-five groundwater and surface-water samples were analyzed for major ion chemistry (water type and Ca/Sr ratios) and stable (¹⁸O, ²H, ¹³C) and radiogenic (³H, ¹⁴C) isotopes, and resulting data were used in conjunction with hydrogeologic information (e.g. hydraulic head and hydrostratigraphy). Results show that recent recharge (<60 years) has occurred within mountain systems along the basin margins and in shallow floodplain aquifers adjacent to the San Pedro River. Groundwater in the lower basin fill aquifer (semi confined) was recharged at high elevation in the fractured bedrock and has been extensively modified by water-rock reactions (increasing F and Sr, decreasing ¹⁴C) over long timescales (up to 35,000 years BP). Distinct solute and isotope geochemistries between the lower and upper basin fill aquifers show the importance of a clay confining unit on groundwater flow in the basin, which minimizes vertical groundwater movement.     

Identifying groundwater recharge connections in the Moscow (USA) sub-basin using isotopic tracers and a soil moisture routing model

Globally, aquifers are suffering from large abstractions resulting in groundwater level declines. These declines can be caused by excessive abstraction for drinking water, irrigation purposes or industrial use. Basaltic aquifers also face these conflicts. A large flood basalt area (1.1?×?10⁵ km²) can be found in the Northwest of the USA. This Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) consists of a thick series of basalt flows of Miocene age. The two major hydrogeological units (Wanapum and Grand Ronde formations) are widely used for water abstraction. The mean decline over recent decades has been 0.6 m year^?1. At present day, abstraction wells are drying up, and base flow of rivers is reduced. At the eastern part of CRBG, the Moscow sub-basin on the Idaho/Washington State border can be found. Although a thick poorly permeable clay layer exists on top of the basalt aquifer, groundwater level dynamics suggest that groundwater recharge occurs at certain locations. A set of wells and springs has been monitored bi-weekly for 9 months for δ¹⁸O and δ²H. Large isotopic fluctuations and d-excess values close to the meteoric water line in some wells are indicating that recharge occurs at the granite/basalt interface through lateral flow paths in and below the clay. A soil moisture routing (SMR) model showed that most recharge occurs on the granitic mountains. The basaltic aquifer receives recharge from these sedimentary zones around the granite/basalt interface. The identification of these types of areas is of major importance for future managed-aquifer recharge solutions to solve problems of groundwater depletion.     

87Sr/86Sr ratio: a natural tracer to monitor groundwater flow paths during artificial recharge in the Bangkok area, Thailand

The aquifer system in the Thon Buri sedimentary basin below the deltaic flood plain of the Chao Phraya River, central Thailand, has been exploited for public water supply for the capital Bangkok since the early 1920s. Groundwater withdrawal, currently 1.4 million m³/d, has resulted in a maximum decline in hydraulic head of up to 40 m. This has induced land subsidence of as much as 1.7 m (1940–1992) in the eastern suburbs of the metropolis. Artificial injection of purified water within an area-wide network of recharge wells could constitute a remedy to slow the water level depression within the sedimentary basin, and thus the subsidence. This requires a prior shutdown of water withdrawal. The flow paths of the injected water can be traced by changes in the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of the groundwater and injected water mixture within the three main aquifers in the basin that are used for public supply. The ratios, monitored at five monitoring stations within the cone of depression, have been constant over 3 years. Injection of the calculated cone volume of 5.2?×?10⁹ m³ would take at least 10 years, depending on the injection pressure and the number and position of wells.     

Hydrogeology of the Kabul Basin (Afghanistan), part I: aquifers and hydrology

Shallow groundwater represents the main source for water supply in Kabul, Afghanistan. Detailed information on the hydrogeology of the Kabul Basin is therefore needed to improve the current supply situation and to develop a sustainable framework for future groundwater use. The basin is situated at the intersection of three major fault systems of partially translational and extensional character. It comprises three interconnected aquifers, 20–70 m thick, consisting of coarse sandy to gravely detritus originating from the surrounding mountains. The aquifers were deposited by three rivers flowing through the basin. The coarse aquifer material implies a high permeability. Deeper parts are affected by cementation of pore spaces, resulting in formation of semi-diagenetic conglomerates, causing decreased well yields. Usually the aquifers are covered by low-permeability loess which acts as an important protection layer. The main groundwater recharge occurs after the snowmelt from direct infiltration from the rivers. The steadily rising population is estimated to consume 30–40 million m³ groundwater per year which is contrasted by an estimated recharge of 20–45 million m³/a in wet years. The 2000–2005 drought has prevented significant recharge resulting in intense overexploitation indicated by falling groundwater levels.     

Groundwater balance in the Khor Arbaat basin, Red Sea State, eastern Sudan

The Khor Arbaat basin is the main source of potable water supply for the more than 750,000 inhabitants of Port Sudan, eastern Sudan. The variation in hydraulic conductivity and storage capacity is due to the heterogeneity of the sediments, which range from clay and silt to gravely sand and boulders. The water table rises during the summer and winter rainy seasons; it reaches its lowest level in the dry season. The storage capacity of the Khor Arbaat aquifer is estimated to be 21.75?×?10⁶ m³. The annual recharge through the infiltration of flood water is about 1.93?×?10⁶ m³. The groundwater recharge, calculated as underground inflow at the ‘upper gate’, is 1.33?×?10⁵ m³/year. The total annual groundwater recharge is 2.06?×?10⁶ m³. The annual discharge through underground outflow at the ‘lower gate’ (through which groundwater flows onto the coastal plain) is 3.29?×?10⁵ m³/year. Groundwater discharge due to pumping from Khor Arbaat basin is 4.38?×?10⁶ m³/year on average. The total annual groundwater discharge is about 4.7?×?10⁶ m³. A deficit of 2.6?×?10⁶ m³/year is calculated. Although the total annual discharge is twice the estimated annual recharge, additional groundwater flow from the fractured basement probably balances the annual groundwater budget since no decline is observed in the piezometric levels.     

A conceptual framework of groundwater flow in some crystalline aquifers in Southeastern Ghana

A conceptual groundwater flow model was developed for the crystalline aquifers in southeastern part of the Eastern region, Ghana. The objective was to determine approximate levels of groundwater recharge, estimate aquifer hydraulic parameters, and then test various scenarios of groundwater extraction under the current conditions of recharge. A steady state groundwater flow model has been calibrated against measured water levels of 19 wells in the area. The resulting recharge is estimated to range from 8.97 × 10^?5 m/d to 7.14 × 10^?4 m/d resulting in a basin wide average recharge of about 9.6% of total annual precipitation, which results in a basin wide quantitative recharge of about 2.4 million m³/d in the area. This compares to recharge estimated from the chloride mass balance of 7.6% of precipitation determined in this study. The general groundwater flow in the area has also been determined to conform to the general northeast–southwest structural grain of the country. The implication is that the general hydrogeology is controlled by post genetic structural entities imposed on the rocks to create ingresses for sufficient groundwater storage and transport. Calibrated aquifer hydraulic conductivities range between 0.99 m/d and over 19.4 m/d. There is a significant contribution of groundwater discharge to stream flow in the study area. Increasing groundwater extraction will have an effect on stream flow. This study finds that the current groundwater extraction levels represent only 0.17% of the annual recharge from precipitation, and that groundwater can sustain future increased groundwater demands from population growth and industrialization.     

Groundwater recharge and evolution in the Dunhuang Basin,northwestern China

Groundwater recharge and evolution in the Quaternary aquifer beneath the Dunhuang Basin was investigated using chemical indicators, stable isotopes, and radiocarbon data to provide guidance for regional water management. The quality of groundwater and surface water is generally good with low salinity and it is unpolluted. The dissolution of halite and sylvite from fine-grained sediments controls concentrations of Na⁺ and K⁺ in the groundwater, but Na⁺/Cl⁻ molar ratios >1 in all samples are also indicative of weathering of feldspar contributing to excess Na⁺. The dissolution of carbonate minerals yields Ca²⁺ to the groundwater, thereby exerting a strong influence on groundwater salinity. The δ¹⁸O and δ²H values in unconfined groundwater are enriched along the groundwater flow path from SW to NE. In contrast, confined groundwater was depleted in heavy isotopes, with mean values of −10.4‰ δ¹⁸O and −74.4‰ δ²H. Compared with the precipitation values, all of the groundwater samples were strongly depleted in heavy isotopes, indicating that modern direct recharge to the groundwater aquifers in the plains area is quite limited. The unconfined water is generally young with radiocarbon values of 64.9–79.6 pmc. In the northern basin, radiocarbon content in the confined groundwater is less than 15 pmc and an uncorrected age of ∼15 ka, indicates that this groundwater was recharged during a humid climatic phases of the late Pleistocence or early Holocene. The results have important implications for inter-basin water allocation programmes and groundwater management in the Dunhuang Basin.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic study of groundwater in Wadi El Hechim–Garaa Hamra basin, Central Tunisia

Hydrochemical and isotopic study of Miocene and Mio-Plio-Quaternary (M-P-Q) aquifers in Wadi El Hechim?CGaraa Hamra basin, Central Tunisia was undertaken in order to investigate recharge mode and processes leading to mineralization of groundwater as well as interaction between both systems. The results revealed striking differences between the two aquifer systems. While the Miocene aquifer contains recently recharged waters with generally low mineralization (around 0.5?g?L^?1), stemming mainly from dissolution of carbonate minerals, the M-P-Q aquifer reveals TDS values reaching 3?g?L^?1, controlled mainly by dissolution of evaporitic minerals. Isotopic data indicate that the Miocene aquifer contains water recharged in past several decades (bomb tritium and bomb radiocarbon detected). The M-P-Q system appears to be much slower, with time scales of groundwater flow possibly reaching some thousands of years. Sharp discontinuity of hydrochemical and isotope characteristic of groundwater observed across the major tectonic fault separating the Miocene and M-P-Q aquifers supports the idea of very limited (if any) hydraulic interconnection between both studied systems. This in turn calls for revision of existing conceptual models of groundwater flow in the region postulating significant groundwater fluxes crossing the fault in the direction of M-P-Q aquifer and adjacent aquifers in the Wadi al Fakka plain.     

Groundwater flow modelling of the regional aquifer of the Pampa del Tamarugal,northern Chile

The Pampa del Tamarugal Aquifer (PTA) is an important source of groundwater in northern Chile. In this study, a groundwater flow model of this aquifer is developed and calibrated for the period 1983–2004. The model reproduces the observed flow-field and the water balance components reasonably well. Five scenarios are defined to evaluate the response to different pumping situations. These scenarios show that groundwater heads will continue to decrease with the present pumping discharge rates. To account for variations in the model results due to uncertainties in average recharge rates, randomly generated recharge realizations with different levels of uncertainty are simulated. Evaporation flow rates and groundwater flowing out of the modelled area seem unaffected by the recharge uncertainty, whereas the storage terms can vary considerably. For the most intensive pumping scenario under the generated random recharge rates, it is unlikely that the cumulative discharged volume from the aquifer, at the end of the simulation period, will be larger than 12% of the estimated groundwater reserve. Fluctuations in simulated groundwater heads due to uncertainties in the average recharge values are more noticeable in certain areas. These fluctuations could explain unusual behaviour in the observed groundwater heads in these areas.

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Resumen El Acuífero de la Pampa del Tamarugal (PTA) es una fuente importante de agua subterránea en el norte de Chile. En este estudio se desarrolla y calibra un modelo de flujo de agua subterránea para el periodo 1983–2004. El modelo reproduce razonablemente bien el campo de flujo observado y los componentes del balance hídrico. Se definen cinco escenarios para evaluar la respuesta a diferentes situaciones de bombeo. Estos escenarios muestran que con las tasas de descarga de bombeo actuales las presiones de agua subterránea continuarán en descenso. Para explicar las variaciones en los resultados del modelo debidas a incertidumbres en tasas de recarga promedio se han simulado realizaciones de recarga generadas aleatoriamente con diferentes niveles de incertidumbre. Las tasa de flujo por evaporación y el agua subterránea que fluye fuera del área modelizada parecen no haber sido afectadas por la incertidumbre en recarga mientras que los términos de almacenamiento pueden variar considerablemente. Para el escenario de bombeo más intenso, bajo las tasas de recarga generadas aleatoriamente, no es probable que el volumen descargado acumulado del acuífero al final del periodo de simulación sea mayor del 12% de la reserva de agua subterránea estimada. Las fluctuaciones en las presiones simuladas de agua subterránea debido a las incertidumbres en los valores de recarga promedio son más notorios en ciertas áreas. Las fluctuaciones podrían explicar el comportamiento inusual en las presiones de agua subterránea observadas en estas áreas.

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Résumé L’aquifère de la Pampa del Tamarugal (PTA) représente une importante source d’eau souterraine dans le Nord du Chili. Dans cette étude, un modèle d’écoulement souterrain de cet aquifère est réalisé et calibré pour la période 1983–2004. Celui-ci reproduit le champs d’écoulement observé et les composantes du bilan d’eau raisonnablement bien. Cinq scénarios sont définis pour évaluer la réponse du système à des conditions de pompage différentes. D’après ces scénarios, les niveaux piézomètriques vont continuer à baisser sous l’effet des taux de pompage actuels. Pour tenir compte de la variabilité des résultats du modèle due aux incertitudes sur les taux de recharge moyens, des épisodes de recharge, générés aléatoirement et présentant différents niveaux d’incertitude sont simulés. Les taux d’évaporation et l’eau souterraine s’écoulant hors de la zone modélisée semblent non affectés par l’incertitude sur la recharge, les termes d’emmagasinement en revanche peuvent varier considérablement. Dans le cas du scénario avec le pompage le plus important et des taux de recharge aléatoires, il est peu probable que le volume cumulé pompé hors de l’aquifère à la fin de la simulation atteigne une valeur supérieure à 12% de la réserve d’eau souterraine estimée. Les fluctuations des niveaux piézomètriques simulés liées aux incertitudes sur les recharges moyennes sont plus perceptibles dans certaines zones. Ces fluctuations pourraient expliquer un comportement inhabituel des niveaux piézomètriques observés dans ces zones.

     

Determination of water balance equation components in irrigated agricultural watersheds using SWAT and MODFLOW models : A case study of Samalqan plain in Iran

Increasing water demands,especially in arid and semi-arid regions,continuously exacerbate groundwater as the only reliable water resources in these regions.Samalqan watershed,Iran,is a groundwater-based irrigation watershed,so that increased aquifer extraction,has caused serious groundwater depletion.So that the catchment consists of surface water,the management of these resources is essential in order to increase the groundwater recharge.Due to the existence of rivers,the low thickness of the alluvial sediments,groundwater level fluctuations and high uncertainty in the calculation of hydrodynamic coefficients in the watershed,the SWAT and MODFLOW models were used to assess the impact of irrigation return flow on groundwater recharge and the hydrological components of the basin.For this purpose,the irrigation operation tool in the SWAT model was utilized to determine the fixed amounts and time of irrigation for each HRU(Hydrological Response Unit)on the specified day.Since the study area has pressing challenges related to water deficit and sparsely gauged,therefore,this investigation looks actual for regional scale analysis.Model evaluation criteria,RMSE and NRMSE for the simulated groundwater level were 1.8 m and 1.1%respectively.Also,the simulation of surface water flow at the basin outlet,provided satisfactory prediction(R²=0.92,NSE=0.85).Results showed that,the irrigation has affected the surface and groundwater interactions in the watershed,where agriculture heavily depends on irrigation.Annually 11.64 Mm3 water entered to the aquifer by surface recharge(precipitation,irrigation),transmission loss from river and recharge wells 5.8 Mm3 and ground water boundary flow(annually 20.5 Mm³).Water output in the watershed included ground water extraction and groundwater return flow(annually 46.4 Mm³)and ground water boundary flow(annually 0.68 Mm³).Overally,the groundwater storage has decreased by 9.14 Mm3 annually in Samalqan aquifer.This method can be applied to simulate the effects of surface water fluxes to groundwater recharge and river-aquifer interaction for areas with stressed aquifers where interaction between surface and groundwater cannot be easily assessed.     

Groundwater flow in an ‘underfit’ carbonate aquifer in a semiarid climate: application of environmental tracers to the Salt Basin,New Mexico (USA)

The Salt Basin is a semiarid hydrologically closed drainage basin in southern New Mexico, USA. The aquifers in the basin consist largely of Permian limestone and dolomite. Groundwater flows from the high elevations (～2,500 m) of the Sacramento Mountains south into the Salt Lakes, which are saline playas. The aquifer is ‘underfit’ in the sense that depths to groundwater are great (～300 m), implying that the aquifer could transmit much more water than it does. In this study, it is speculated that this characteristic is a result of a geologically recent reduction in recharge due to warming and drying at the end of the last glacial period. Water use is currently limited, but the basin has been proposed for large-scale groundwater extraction and export projects. Wells in the basin are of limited utility for hydraulic testing; therefore, the study focused on environmental tracers (major-ion geochemistry, stable isotopes of O, H, and C, and ¹⁴C dating) for basin analysis. The groundwater evolves from a Ca–HCO₃ type water into a Ca–Mg (Na) – HCO₃–Mg (Cl) water as it flows toward the center of the basin due to dedolomitization driven by gypsum dissolution. Carbon-14 ages corrected for dedolomitization ranged from less than 1,000 years in the recharge area to 19,000 years near the basin center. Stable isotopes are consistent with the presence of glacial-period recharge that is much less evaporated than modern. This supports the hypothesis that the underfit nature of the aquifer is a result of a geologically recent reduction in recharge.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic behaviour of a Saharan phreatic aquifer suffering severe natural and anthropic constraints (case of Oued-Souf region, Algeria)

An approach combining the use of water dissolved chemical species and isotopic fingerprints has been used to understand the behavior of a phreatic aquifer and to determine the origin of its different water components. This aquifer is located in the large sedimentary basin of the Great Oriental Erg (Algeria) and overlies two deeper aquifers: the Complexe Terminal (CT) and the Continental Intercalaire (CI). Besides the deterioration of its groundwater quality, its water table has risen during the last 20 years. A water budget surplus between 950 and 2500 l s^?1 was estimated. Down-gradient groundwater evolution (south-north) has shown that the mineralisation increases from 1.23 to 5.20 g l^?1 due to evaporite minerals dissolution. Chemical and isotopic data demonstrated that in addition to rainfall there is a contribution from the CT and CI aquifers. The latter are tritium-free and less mineralized than the phreatic aquifer. Their radiocarbon contents are very low (<10 pmC, percent modern Carbon) (Pleistocene recharge) whereas quite the contrary is observed for the superficial aquifer which exhibits fairly high and variable C-14 activities (50–100 pmC), evidence of recent recharge. On the basis of tritium contents, two groundwater groups were identified for the phreatic aquifer.     

The evolution of groundwater in the Tyrrell catchment, south-central Murray Basin, Victoria, Australia

The Tyrell catchment lies on the western margin of the Riverine Province in the south-central Murray Basin, one of Australia’s most important groundwater resources. Groundwater from the shallow, unconfined Pliocene Sands aquifer and the underlying Renmark Group aquifer is saline (total dissolved solids up to 150,000 mg/L) and is Na-Cl-Mg type. There is no systematic change in salinity along hydraulic gradients implying that the aquifers are hydraulically connected and mixing during vertical flow is important. Stable isotopes (¹⁸O+²H) and Cl/Br ratios indicate that groundwater is entirely of meteoric origin and salts in this system have largely been derived by evapotranspiration of rainfall with only minor halite dissolution, rock weathering (mainly feldspar dissolution), and ion exchange between Na and Mg on clays. Similarity in chemistry of all groundwater in the catchment implies relative consistency in processes over time, independent of any climatic variation. Groundwater in both the Pliocene Sands and Renmark Group aquifers yield ages of up to 25 ka. The Tyrrell Catchment is arid to semi-arid and has low topography. This has resulted in relatively low recharge rates and hydraulic gradients that have resulted in long groundwater residence times.     

The groundwater age in the Middle-Upper Devonian aquifer system, Lithuania

³H, δ¹³C and hydrochemical data were used to estimate the corrected groundwater age derived from conventional ¹⁴C age of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The Middle-Upper Devonian aquifer system from the Baltic upland recharge area in eastern Lithuania towards the discharge area on the Baltic Sea coast in the west was considered. The concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater changes from 300 to 24,000  mg/L and increases downgradient towards the coast. The other major constituents have the same trend as the TDS. The hydrochemical facies of groundwater vary from an alkali-earth carbonates facies at the eastern upland area to an alkali-earth carbonate-sulfate and chloride facies at transit and discharge areas. Meteoric water percolating through the Quaternary and Devonian aquifers regulate the initial ¹⁴C activities of groundwater involving two main members of DIC: soil CO₂ with modern ¹⁴C activity uptake and dissolution of ¹⁴C-free aquifer carbonates. Other sources of DIC are less common. ¹⁴C activity of DIC in the groundwater ranged from 60 to 108 pMC at the shallow depths. With an increase of the aquifers depth the dolomitization of aqueous solution and leakage of the “old” groundwater from lower aquifers take place, traced by lower activities (7–30 pMC).     

Geochemical and isotopic characterization of groundwater from shallow and deep limestone aquifers system of Aleppo basin (north Syria)

Stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H and ¹³C) and radioactivity (³H, ¹⁴C) have been used in conjunction with chemical data to evaluate the processes generating the chemical composition, reconstruct the origin of the water and groundwater residence time. The Aleppo basin is comprised of two main limestone aquifers: the first one is unconfined of Paleogene age and the second is confined of Upper Cretaceous age. The chemical data indicate that the dissolution of minerals and evaporation are the main processes controlling groundwater mineralization. The groundwater from the two aquifers is characterized by distinctive stable isotope signatures. This difference in water isotopes is interpreted in terms of difference origin and recharge period. Fresh and brackish shallow groundwater were mostly recharged during the Holocene period. The presence of ³H in several groundwater samples of this aquifer gives evidence that groundwater recharge is going on. Brackish water of the deep confined aquifer has depleted stable isotope composition and very low ¹⁴C activity that indicates recharge during the late Pleistocene cold period.     

Mass balance simulation and its application to refining flow field in Binchang area,China

Groundwater flow fields in aquifers are often determined by water level data measured in monitoring wells. The flow field can be further refined by mass balance simulations, especially when groundwater level data is limited. The mass balance simulation is based on the principle of mass conservation and relies on water quality data in the same aquifer. The approach is applied to the Luohe aquifer in the Binchang area, China. The water-rock interactions and the hydrogeochemical evolution were studied along four typical flow paths. The study indicates that groundwater in the Luohe formation flows from the southern border to the interior of the Ordos Basin. The southern border, approximately 1,400 km², is a recharge zone, where the Luohe formation outcrops. The total dissolved solids of the groundwater in the southern boarder are less than 1 g/l, and the hydrochemistry type is HCO₃–Na. This new finding refines the flow field of the water-bearing formation, and an additional 1,400 km² is included in the water resource planning of the area.