Mixing processes in hydrothermal spring systems and implications for interpreting geochemical data: a case study in the Cappadocia region of Turkey

Mixing is a dominant hydrogeological process in the hydrothermal spring system in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. All springs emerge along faults, which have the potential to transmit waters rapidly from great depths. However, mixing with shallow meteoric waters within the flow system results in uncertainty in the interpretation of geochemical results. The chemical compositions of cold and warm springs and geothermal waters are varied, but overall there is a trend from Ca–HCO₃ dominated to Na–Cl dominated. There is little difference in the seasonal ionic compositions of the hot springs, suggesting the waters are sourced from a well-mixed reservoir. Based on δ¹⁸O and δ²H concentrations, all waters are of meteoric origin with evidence of temperature equilibration with carbonate rocks and evaporation. Seasonal isotopic variability indicates that only a small proportion of late spring and summer precipitation forms recharge and that fresh meteoric waters move rapidly into the flow system and mix with thermal waters at depth. ³H and percent modern carbon (pmC) values reflect progressively longer groundwater pathways from cold to geothermal waters; however, mixing processes and the very high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) of the water samples preclude the use of either isotope to gain any insight on actual groundwater ages.     

Characterising groundwater and surface-water interconnections using hydrogeology,hydrochemistry and stable isotopes in the Ouémé Delta,southern Benin

The Mio-Pliocene aquifer of the coastal sedimentary basin of Benin is the most exploited aquifer for water supply to the urbanised region in the southern part of the country. The population explosion is putting increasing pressure on quantitative and qualitative aspects of the groundwater resources. Preventing groundwater contamination caused by surface waters requires a thorough understanding of surface-water/groundwater interactions, especially the interactions between the Mio-Pliocene aquifer and surface waters. This study aimed to investigate the interactions between groundwater and surface waters along the major rivers (Sô River and Ouémé Stream) and brooks in the Ouémé Delta. Field campaigns identified 75 springs located in the valleys which feed the rivers, and thus maintain their base flow. The piezometric results indicated, through flow direction assessment, that the Mio-Pliocene aquifer feeds Ouémé Stream and Sô River. Chemical analyses of groundwater and surface waters show similar chemical facies, and changes in the chemical composition in groundwater are also observed in the surface waters. Moreover, the isotopic signatures of surface waters are similar to those of the groundwater and springs, which led to the identification of potential groundwater discharge areas. As a result of groundwater discharge into surface waters, the fraction of groundwater in the surface water is more than 66% in the brooks, regardless of the season. In the Ouémé Stream and Sô River, the fraction of groundwater is 0–21% between June and September, while from October to March it is 47–100%.

     

Hydrology and hydrogeology of Sakaryabaşı Karstic springs, Çifteler, Turkey

The Sakarya River is one of the largest rivers in Turkey and is fed mainly from Sakaryabaşı springs. The Sakaryabaşı springs are located in the Central Anatolia and issue from confined/semi-confined karst having a thermal component and therefore, having quite different hydrogeological characteristics as compared to the Taurus Karst region, a typical example of the Mediterranean type of karst. The karstic carbonate rocks that form the groundwater reservoir are overlain by a thick semi-pervious overburden of mainly clastics of Neogene age. Tectonics is the major factor controlling the occurrence of the karst springs in the area where topography is rather flat. This study aimed at explaining the occurrence and movement of the karst groundwater within the system by use of hydrogeological, chemical, and isotopic tools. Isotopic composition of the waters revealed that all waters in the region are of meteoric origin and the thermal component is due to deep circulation. The catchment area of the hydrogeological system extends to the south and groundwater movement is towards the outlets, which are in a depression along a major fault. The movement of the groundwater, based on analysis of remotely sensed images, is controlled mainly by structural elements.     

Investigating water quality and arsenic contamination in drinking water resources in the Tavşanlı District (Kütahya,Western Turkey)

Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust, and it is transported into surface water and groundwater through the dissolution of rocks, minerals and ores. In addition, arsenic leaching processes contaminate water sources and this geogenic arsenic contamination causes significant water quality problems in many parts of the world. In this study, water quality, arsenic contamination and human health risks of drinking water resources in the Tav?anl? District were determined and the origins were discussed. For this purpose, geological and hydrogeological properties were investigated. In situ measurements and chemical analyses were carried out on water samples taken from drinking water sources such as wells, springs and surface waters for hydrogeochemical studies. According to the obtained results, water resources are Ca–Mg–HCO₃, Mg–HCO₃ and Na–HCO₃ type. Total As (As_T) concentration of the water samples sometimes exceeds the permissible limit given by the TSI-266 (Standards for drinking waters, Turkish Standards Institution, Ankara, 2005) and WHO (Guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2008) for drinking water. H₃AsO ₃ ⁰ and HAsO₄ ^2? are dominant arsenic species in groundwater and surface water, respectively. Typically high total arsenic concentrations can be found in regions characterized by magmatic rocks. In addition, As concentrations in surface waters were found to be higher than in groundwater in the region, due to the anthropogenic influence of mining activities in the region.     

The thermal and mineral springs of Aitoloakarnania Prefecture: function mechanism and origin of groundwater

The study area is located in the northwestern part of Greece, in Aitoloakarnania prefecture. In this region, where no volcanic activity exists, thermal springs such as Kremasta and Kokkino Stefani, well-known for their healing properties occur. The objective of this study was the investigation of these springs, as well as the study of the chemical composition and origin of water. Relationships between these springs were also examined. The geological setting of the area comprises sedimentary rocks of the Pindos, Gavrovo-Tripolis and Ionian geotectonic zones, deformed by orogenic movements followed by Neogene extensional tectonism. The thermal and mineral springs were classified into three main groups. The first group is characterized by Ca-HCO₃ water type and low water temperatures. It corresponds to the springs that are hosted in the Ionian zone and their possible enrichment in SO₄ is mainly attributed to the evaporites. The other two groups consist of alkaline thermal water mainly hosted in the formations of Gavrovo-Tripolis zone. In these two groups, the very strong reducing conditions that prevail are expressed by high amounts of NH₃ and H₂S. Moreover, Na, F, Li, Sr and Ba display elevated concentrations. The second includes mineral waters of (Ca)-Na-HCO₃ type that are depleted in calcium. Their residence time is rather long and they originate from deep water circulation through siliceous rocks. The third group includes thermal waters of Ca-Mg-Na-HCO₃ water type of higher water temperatures that reveal characteristics of deep circulation directly associated with the underlain limestones.     

北京市泉水的水化学、同位素特征及其指示作用

对北京市泉水的水温、溶解氧、电导率、氧化还原电位、pH值、总溶解固体等进行了现场检测,对泉水中的K+、Na+、Ca2+、Mg2+、Cl-、SO42-、HCO32-、NO3-离子,D、18O组成和Sr、87Sr/86Sr比值等进行了实验室检测,对泉水按成因进行了分类,并与30年前的泉水普查资料作了对比。调查表明,曾以泉多著称的北京市,1980s初存在的几乎全部二类泉和60%的一类泉如今已消失,仅存的13眼泉的出水量也明显减小,这与降水量的减少和大规模开采地下水有关。水质分析表明,现在绝大部分泉水水质良好,物理和水化学指标与30年前相比变化甚微,明显没有受人类活动的污染;泉水仅在浅部循环,在地下滞留时间较短,更新能力强;泉水接受大气降水补给,与浅层地下水联系密切,构成了统一的地下水系统;泉水中的Sr为碳酸盐岩风化来源。     

Deep groundwater circulation and associated methane leakage in the northern Canadian Rocky Mountains

Concern over potential impact of shale gas development on shallow groundwater systems requires greater understanding of crustal scale fluid movement. We examined natural deeply circulating groundwater systems in northeastern British Columbia adjacent to a region of shale gas development, in order to elucidate origin of waters, depths of circulation, and controls on fluid flow. These systems are expressed as thermal springs that occur in the deformed sedimentary rocks of the Liard Basin. Stable isotope data from these springs show that they originate as meteoric water. Although there are no thermal anomalies in the region, outlet temperatures range from 30 to 56 °C, reflecting depth of circulation. Based on aqueous geothermometry and geothermal gradients, circulation depths up to 3.8 km are estimated, demonstrating connection of deep groundwater systems to the surface. Springs are also characterised by leakage of thermogenic gas from deep strata that is partly attenuated by methanotrophic microbial communities in the spring waters. Springs are restricted to anomalous structural features, cross cutting faults, and crests of fault-cored anticlines. On a regional scale they are aligned with the major tectonic features of the Liard Line and Larsen Fault. This suggests that while connection of surface to deep reservoirs is possible, it is rare and restricted to highly deformed geologic units that produce permeable pathways from depth through otherwise thick intervening shale units. Results allow a better understanding of potential for communication between deep shale gas units and shallow aquifer systems.     

Karst hydrogeology of the Kaş-Kalkan springs along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

 The present studies were carried out along the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, where most of the karst springs discharge from highly karstified carbonate rocks. The case-study was applied in the Kaş-Kalkan karst region, considered one of the most important touristic Mediterranean provinces in southern Turkey. The purpose of this study is to identify the main water resources of the karst springs in the inland side and the expected groundwater flow paths that may recharge the coastal springs in the study area. A comparison of the physiochemical properties and isotopic contents of the karst springs along the Kaş-Kalkan coastline is also considered an important tool for identifying the hydrogeological characteristics and responses of the different units in the study area. Relevant studies were carried out also considering the morphological and structural characteristics of these karst springs and changes in their discharge amounts during the dry and wet periods. Received: 20 August 1997 · Accepted: 2 December 1997     

Mixing of hydrothermal water and groundwater near hot springs, Yellowstone National Park (USA): hydrology and geochemistry

Studies of hot springs have focused mainly on the properties of fluids and solids. Fewer studies focus on the relationship between the hot springs and groundwater/surface-water environments. The differences in temperature and dissolved solids between hot-spring water and typical surface water and groundwater allow interactions to be traced. Electromagnetic terrain (EMT) conductivity is a nonintrusive technique capable of mapping mixing zones between distinct subsurface waters. These interactions include zones of groundwater/surface-water exchange and groundwater mixing. Herein, hydrogeological techniques are compared with EMT conductivity to trace hot-spring discharge interactions with shallow groundwater and surface water. Potentiometric-surface and water-quality data determined the hydrogeochemistry of two thermally influenced areas in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (USA). Data from the sites revealed EMT conductivity contrasts that reflected the infiltration of conductive hot-spring discharge to local groundwater systems. The anomalies reflect higher temperatures and conductivity for Na⁺–Cl^?-rich hydrothermal fluids compared to the receiving groundwater. EMT conductivity results suggested hot springs are fed by conduits largely isolated from shallow groundwater; mixing of waters occurs after hot-spring discharge infiltrates groundwater from the surface and, generally, not by leakage in the subsurface. A model was proposed to explain the growth of sinter mounds.     

重庆金佛山泉水地球化学特征及其空间分布意义

2006年7月和9月在重庆金佛山地区选取22个地下水出露的泉点.对泉水的地球化学性质进行详细调查。利用野外和实验室测量手段得到了主要阴离子和阳离子浓度与物理化学参数。分析得知:研究区泉水的水化学类型为Ca-HCO_3和Ca、Mg-HCO_3;结合地质和地貌背景把它们分为6个泉群,分别讨论各泉群的空间分布意义;估算泉水方解石(SI_C)、白云石(SI_D)和石膏(SI_G)的饱和指数,即可反映地层岩性、地形和地下水的运移时间对水质的影响,该区地下水基本上是来自大气降水的下渗.没有深部含水层的上升混合.这些泉水的地球化学特征以及它们的空间分布规律能够很好地反映区内地质状况.该研究可以为金佛山地区地下水资源的调查和环境保护提供基础数据。     

Hepburn Spa: cold carbonated mineral waters of Central Victoria,South Eastern Australia

Hepburn Spring is the major cold carbonated mineral spring of the ‘Spa’ country of Central Victoria, in South Eastern Australia. The spring occurs in a small tributary valley of the Loddon River, 15 km away from the crest of the Great Dividing Range. The waters are effervescent, have an alkalinity of around 1,500 mg/L (as HCO₃ ⁻), are mildly acidic and have high iron concentrations. Hepburn Spring is one of nearly 100 small cold low flow carbonated mineral water springs that occur in the region. Hepburn Spring has been protected since 1865 in one of 34 ‘Special Mineral Spring Reserves’. By world standards the spring is small and not highly developed, but it retains much of its charm due to the bushland, forest setting. The bedrock of the region consists of indurated arkosic sandstones interbedded with carbonaceous shales and slates. The rocks are folded and cut by swarms of strongly developed meridional fissure fault systems. Hepburn Spring is situated on the fault and fold axes associated with the “Cornish line” and Gold mines have dewatered the spring on several occasions. After dewatering events the water level and flow recovered first and then the water composition and effervescence. The origin of the effervescent waters has attracted much attention; hypotheses include both a volcanic and a rock water reaction origin. The second hypothesis involves weathering of the carbonaceous and sometimes pyritic rock mass which contains only a few percent carbonate. This process produces high bicarbonate groundwater throughout Central Victoria. The Hepburn waters are a variant of these waters and it is suggested that controls on the carbonate solubility and redox conditions in the fissures flow systems results in effervescent waters as the waters ascend.     

Temporal variations of fluoride concentration in Isparta public water system and health impact assessment (SW-Turkey)

Water–rock interaction is one of the prime factors affecting the fluoride contents of surface and groundwater. If fluoride concentration of drinking water has been neglected, excess fluoride can cause serious dental and medical problems on human health, which is well known at Golcuk-Isparta region. In the research area, Egirdir lake, Golcuk lake and surrounding springs have been utilized as drinking water sources. Golcuk lake water and surrounding groundwaters have high fluoride content (1.4–4.6 mg/l), which is above the WHO standards. Fluoride is predominantly supplied by dissolution of fluoride within the fluormicas of volcanics during the circulation of water. Fluoride concentrations of waters have shown variations for dry and rainy seasons depending on the degree of interaction between groundwater and volcanic rocks. It tends to decrease in rainy seasons and increase in dry seasons for all years. In this study, temporal variations and spatial distribution of fluoride concentration in public water system of Isparta were investigated to get benefit using GIS techniques from1990 to 2003 years. Extremely fluoride concentrations were measured in the public water system in 1990 at almost every district of the city. In 2003, fluoride content of the public water system decreased in some district of city due to drinking water has started obtaining from Egirdir lake in 1995. The fluoride contents of Isparta drinking water ought to be modified with suitable mixture of lake waters and groundwater point of view to health impact.     

Geochemical characterization and origins of the thermal springs in southern Gaoligong Mountains,China

Hydrogeochemistry and environmental isotope data were utilized to understand origins and characteristics of the thermal springs in southern Gaoligong Mountains, China. The groundwater at the thermal springs has low values of total dissolved solids, and its main water types are Na-HCO₃. The thermal springs are mainly recharged from meteoric precipitations. The recharge areas are located near the springs at an approximate elevation of 1,800 m. The groundwater of the thermal springs is immature and partially equilibrated with a strong mixture of the shallow cold waters during the flow process. The shallow cold water accounts for more than 90 %. The temperatures of thermal reservoir that feed the springs are between 146 and 260 °C, and the calculated groundwater circulation depths range from 2,000 to 5,700 m below ground surface.     

Karst hydrogeology and origin of thermal waters in the Codru Moma Mountains, Romania

 Two karst areas within Permian and Triassic carbonate rocks of the Codru Moma Mountains in the northwestern part of Romania yield thermal waters. Major karst springs occur where groundwater flow is intercepted by hydraulic barriers, which also results in the movement of water from deeper levels. At Moneasa, thermal groundwater rises along faults and fractures associated with a thrust, and at Vascau Town, water rises along faults marginal to the Beius Basin. Geochemistry suggests that the thermal component of the Moneasa groundwaters is derived from dolomites and that at least a proportion of the Vascau thermal waters originates from deeply buried Permian sandstones. Received, August 1999 / Revised, March 2000 / Accepted, March 2000     

西昌市尔乌泉域泉水水文地球化学特征及成因

泉和泉群是川西南乡村居民首要的生活水源,对本区泉水水文地球化学特征及成因的研究具有重要的科学价值和指导意义。以尔乌泉域泉水和地表水为研究对象,通过分析泉水和地表水常规水化学组分、氢氧同位素和氚同位素,探讨了该泉域泉水水文地球化学特征及成因。结果显示:尔乌泉域泉水为中偏碱性低矿化水,其水化学类型为HCO3—Ca·Mg和HCO3·SO4—Ca·Mg型水。地表水因受泉水补给影响具有与泉水相似的组分特征。氢氧同位素分析显示尔乌泉水和地表水补给来源为大气降水,且未发生氧同位素漂移。氚同位素进一步确定泉水为非现代水,地下水经历较长的径流时间。受断裂带和褶皱构造的影响,入渗补给的大气降水与碎屑岩中碳酸盐岩、石膏等矿物发生水岩相互作用,后与第四系黏土物质发生阳离子交换反应,致使泉水水化学组分以Ca2+、Mg2+、HCO-3和SO2-4为主。此外,居民生活污水的排放和化学肥料的施用也对泉水中Na+和SO2-4组分产生影响。     

Assessment of interconnection between surface water and groundwater in Sawa Lake area,southern Iraq,using stable isotope technique

Interaction between surface water represented by the Euphrates River, natural springs, and Sawa Lake with groundwater (11 wells) in southern Iraq was investigated in this study. Water samples were collected for hydrochemistry and stable isotope (²H and ¹⁸O) analysis. Sampling of water from determined stations (10 stations along the Euphrates, 3 springs, and Sawa Lake) were carried out during two stages; the first was in October 2013(dry season) and the second one was in March 2014 (wet season). The aim of the research is to assess the interaction of groundwater–surface water, which includes Al-Atshan River (branch of the Euphrates River), Sawa Lake, and the groundwater in the study area by using hydrochemistry and stable isotope techniques. The results indicate that surface waters have a different type of water from that of groundwater. In δ ²H and δ ¹⁸O diagrams, all groundwater, springs, and Sawa Lake waters are plotted below the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL) and the local meteoric water line (LMWL) indicating the influence of evaporation processes and seasonal variation. The LMWL deviates by a d-excess about +13.71 toward the East Mediterranean meteoric water line (EMWL) indicating that the origin of the vapor source is the Mediterranean Sea. The river water has different isotopic compositions from that of groundwater, springs, and Sawa Lake. The final conclusion is that there is no clear influence of the groundwater on the river water while there is an intermixing between the groundwater in the different locations in the study area.     

Balneological study based on the hydrogeochemical aspects of the sulfate springs water (Hit–Kubaiysa region), Iraq

This research examined the balneological characteristics of spring waters within the area of Abu-Jir Fault Zone throughout the hydrogeologic aspects explained by the setting of the hydrogeologic units including the water-bearing horizons of Euphrates, Ana, and Baba Formations. The groundwater flow in the hydrogeologic system correlated with the trends of enrichment or depletion case processes of mineralization (spatial distribution maps of TDS and other components) show different phenomena of groundwater source and interconnection, which helps in the classification springs into two potential site. The physicochemical characteristics of the water flow from springs indicate a hydrochemical approach throughout the spatial variation of important parameters (using Rockware software) related to the balneological study. The monitoring network of the spring waters performed by seven field measurements and 33 variables (totaling to 720 detected measurements) in 18 springs approved the after desk study and water point inventory using a GPS apparatus (GARMIN SUMMIT-e TREX). The study examined the integrated hydrogeological aspects and spring water properties for evolutions and the classification of minero-medicinal water. The traditional hydrochemical information of the spring waters and their sediment properties correlated with balneological limits (standards and definitions) are used in the selection of springs characterized by balneotherapeutic applications. A suggested screening and ranking technique has been developed for evaluating preferable springs selected for natural therapy. The application of ranking technique indicates four graded consequent preferable springs for balneotherapeutic investment: first grade spring represented by Kubaiysa spring (S-4); second grade springs represented by Tawila spring (S-12); third grade springs represented by Mamora spring (S-15), Arnab spring (S-10), Zazoe spring (S-5), and Maqtoom spring (S-13); and fourth grade springs represented by Khalidiya spring (S-16) and Layeg spring (S-7).     

陕北能源化工基地烧变岩的分布特征及水文地质意义

在分析陕北能源基地烧变岩岩性特征及形成条件的基础上,归纳叙述了烧变岩的分布规律和烧变岩分布区的水文地质特征、地下水形成条件,并简要论述了烧变岩的富水性及其水文地质意义。烧变岩主要分布在秃尾河、窟野河及其支沟的两侧,呈条带状展布,长度十到几十千米,宽度一般1-2km,分布面积近700km^2。烧变岩裂隙、孔洞发育,十分有利于上部萨拉乌苏组地下水的越流补给,通常以大泉的形式排泄于近沟脑的部位,流量、水质稳定;或于烧变岩底部盆形构造区富集,利用烧变岩地下水可缓解近期能源基地供水紧张的局面。     

西藏搭格架高温热泉中钨的水文地球化学异常

西藏搭格架水热区的热泉含异常高浓度的钨,其钨/钼比也远高于常见天然水.开展了搭格架典型热泉的地球化学研究,发现中性热泉的钨浓度显著高于偏酸性热泉:前者是深部母地热流体经绝热冷却、传导冷却等过程后排出地表而形成,其中的钨主要来自岩浆水的贡献;而后者为中性地热水和蒸汽加热型强酸性水的混合产物,贫钨蒸汽加热型水的稀释使其钨浓度不同程度降低.在地热水中,钨与典型保守组分氯相似,不易自液相沉淀或被热储介质吸附;但地热水含硫化物时,钼则极易以辉钼矿的形式沉淀,导致搭格架热泉的钨/钼比偏高.虽然搭格架地热水中存在硫化物,但钨在水中主要以钨酸盐的形式存在,少量硫代钨酸盐的形成对钨的水文地球化学过程影响不大.