The interaction between surface water and groundwater and its effect on water quality in the Second Songhua River basin,northeast China

The relationship between surface water and groundwater not only influences the water quantity, but also affects the water quality. The stable isotopes (δD, δ ¹⁸O) and hydrochemical compositions in water samples were analysed in the Second Songhua River basin. The deep groundwater is mainly recharged from shallow groundwater in the middle and upper reaches. The shallow groundwater is discharged to rivers in the downstream. The runoff from upper reaches mainly contributed the river flow in the downstream. The CCME WQI indicated that the quality of surface water and groundwater was ‘Fair’. The mixing process between surface water and groundwater was simulated by the PHREEQC code with the results from the stable isotopes. The interaction between surface water and groundwater influences the composition of ions in the mixing water, and further affects the water quality with other factors.     

Hydrodynamic study of karstic and intergranular aquifers using isotope geochemistry in Basara basin, Sulaimani, North-Eastern Iraq

The study area is located in the border of the high and low folded zone having a semi-arid climate area. This study initiated in 2009–2010, deals essentially with the investigation of the stable isotope (¹⁸O and deuterium ²H) as well as radioactive isotope represented by tritium ³H in rain, carbonate springs, intergranular aquifer, and surface water in order to investigate the source and relative ages of the groundwater and to show the influence of the altitude variations of the isotope composition. In this study and for the first time in the area, a local meteoric water line have been drawn with an empirical formula δ ²H?=?7.7δ ¹⁸O?+?14.4. The δ ¹⁸O–altitude effect was determined using isotopic data for several samples taken from groundwater and surface water; it was approximated at ?0.79?‰/100 m for the entire area of the study. The output of the tritium concentrations in the springs and water well samples revealed to the conclusion that the values closely resembles to the present time tritium concentration in precipitation.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidence of groundwater evolution and recharge in aquifers in Beijing Plain, China

An investigation was conducted in Beijing to identify the groundwater evolution and recharge in the quaternary aquifers. Water samples were collected from precipitation, rivers, wells, and springs for hydrochemical and isotopic measurements. The recharge and the origin of groundwater and its residence time were further studied. The groundwater in the upper aquifer is characterized by Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the upstream area and Na-HCO₃ type in the downstream area of the groundwater flow field. The groundwater in the lower aquifer is mainly characterized by Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the upstream area and Ca-Na-Mg-HCO₃ and Na-Ca-Mg-HCO₃ type in the downstream area. The δD and δ¹⁸O in precipitation are linearly correlated, which is similar to WMWL. The δD and δ¹⁸O values of river, well and spring water are within the same ranges as those found in the alluvial fan zone, and lay slightly above or below LMWL. The δD and δ¹⁸O values have a decreasing trend generally following the precipitation → surface water → shallow groundwater → spring water → deep groundwater direction. There is evidence of enrichment of heavy isotopes in groundwater due to evaporation. Tritium values of unconfined groundwater give evidence for ongoing recharge in modern times with mean residence times <50 a. It shows a clear renewal evolution along the groundwater flow paths and represents modern recharge locally from precipitation and surface water to the shallow aquifers (<150 m). In contrast, according to ¹⁴C ages in the confined aquifers and residence time of groundwater flow lines, the deep groundwater is approximately or older than 10 ka, and was recharged during a period when the climate was wetter and colder mainly from the piedmont surrounding the plain. The groundwater exploitation is considered to be “mined unsustainably” because more water is withdrawn than it is replenished.     

Isotope evidence for quantifying river evaporation and recharge processes in the lower reaches of the Yellow River

Evaporation and recharge are important hydrological processes in the water cycle. However, accurately quantifying these two processes of river remains to be difficult due to their spatial heterogeneity and the limitations of traditional methods. In this study, a more reliable method of stable isotopes of δ ¹⁸O and δ ²H based on the Rayleigh distillation equation and mass conservation was used to estimate the evaporation and recharge of the rivers in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, North China Plain. Comprehensive sampling campaigns including 30 surface water samples from 10 rivers, 33 groundwater samples from domestic and observation wells, and two Yellow River water samples were conducted. The results showed that the evaporation proportion of the rivers based on δ ¹⁸O and δ ²H both averaged 14.4%. The evaporation proportions in each river did not completely follow a linear increasing trend along the flow path. This phenomenon could be mainly explained by the different proportions of recharge from groundwater and Yellow River water. With closer to the Yellow river, evaporation of the rivers decreased while the recharge by the Yellow River increased. Regression equations based on δ ¹⁸O, δ ²H, and their average revealed that the evaporation proportion respectively increased by 1.02, 0.79, and 0.90% with the increase in the distance to the Yellow River per 10 km. On the contrary, the recharge proportion decreased by 7.68, 5.51, and 6.59%, respectively. In addition, using δ ¹⁸O rather than δ ²H was more reliable in studying the spatial influence of the Yellow River on evaporation and recharge. Sensitivity analysis showed that the evaporation model was most sensitive to isotopic composition, rather than to air temperature or relative humidity. The results of this study provide insights into the determination of river hydrological processes and the management of water resources.     

The origin of groundwater in Zhangye Basin,northwestern China,using isotopic signature

Zhangye Basin, in arid northwestern China, has recently been repeatedly flooded by rising groundwater. Isotope signatures of sampled waters gained insight into the recharge source of the groundwater. The summer Heihe River water and most of the spring water in Zhangye and Yongchang basins plotted above the global meteoric water line (GMWL) on the δ¹⁸O-δD plot. The spring water had R/Ra ratio >1, low TDS and high tritium, which indicates origin from Qilian Mountain glacier meltwater. The groundwater of Qilian Mountains was transported to the Hexi Corridor (in which Zhangye Basin is located) through underground fault zones. Additionally, some of the groundwater in the alluvial plain, and all spring water surrounding Zhangye Basin, plotted below the GMWL on the δ¹⁸O-δD plot along an evaporation line, and had R/Ra ratio?<?1 and high TDS. It is proposed that the Tibetan rivers or lakes source the Hexi Corridor groundwater through either the NE-trending or NW-trending buried fault zones. The isotopic signatures presented as part of this study rule out the conventional viewpoint that groundwater of the Zhangye Basin was recharged by local precipitation and infiltration of Heihe River water on the alluvial plain.     

Environmental isotopic study on the recharge and residence time of groundwater in the Heihe River Basin, northwestern China

The recharge and origin of groundwater and its residence time were studied using environmental isotopic measurements in samples from the Heihe River Basin, China. δ¹⁸O and δD values of both river water and groundwater were within the same ranges as those found in the alluvial fan zone, and lay slightly above the local meteoric water line (δD=6.87δ¹⁸O+3.54). This finding indicated that mountain rivers substantially and rapidly contribute to the water resources in the southern and northern sub-basins. δ¹⁸O and δD values of groundwater in the unconfined aquifers of these sub-basins were close to each other. There was evidence of enrichment of heavy isotopes in groundwater due to evaporation. The most pronounced increase in the δ¹⁸O value occurred in agricultural areas, reflecting the admixture of irrigation return flow. Tritium results in groundwater samples from the unconfined aquifers gave evidence for ongoing recharge, with mean residence times of: less than 36 years in the alluvial fan zone; about 12–16 years in agricultural areas; and about 26 years in the Ejina oasis. In contrast, groundwater in the confined aquifers had ¹⁴C ages between 0 and 10 ka BP.     

Recharge and sustainability of a coastal aquifer in northern Albania

The River Mati in Albania has formed a coastal plain with Holocene and Pleistocene sediments. The outer portion of the plain is clay, with three underlying aquifers that are connected to an alluvial fan at the entry of the river into the plain. The aquifers supply water for 240,000 people. Close to the sea the aquifers are brackish. The brackish water is often artesian and found to be thousands of years old. Furthermore, the salinity, supported by δ¹⁸O results, does not seem to be due to mixing with old seawater but due to diffusion from intercalated clay layers. Heavy metals from mines in the upstream section of River Mati are not an immediate threat, as the pH buffering of the river water is good. Moreover, the heavy metals are predominantly found in suspended and colloidal phases. Two sulphur isotope signatures, one mirroring seawater sulphate in the brackish groundwater (δ³⁴S >21 ‰) and one showing the influence of sulphide in the river and the fresh groundwater (δ³⁴S <10 ‰), indicate that the groundwater in the largest well field is recharged from the river. The most serious threat is gravel extraction in the alluvial fan, decreasing the hydraulic head necessary for recharge and causing clogging of sediments.     

Spatial characteristics of water quality,stable isotopes and tritium associated with groundwater flow in the Hutuo River alluvial fan plain of the North China Plain

The groundwater flow system and the flow velocity in the alluvial fan plain of the Hutuo River, China, have been studied, with an emphasis on relating geochemical characteristics and isotopes factors. Seven stretches of one river, six springs and 31 wells, with depths ranging from 0 m (river waters) to 150 m, were surveyed. The groundwater has a vertical two-layer structure with a boundary at about 80–100 m depth, yielding an upper and a lower groundwater layer. The δ¹⁸O and δD values range from ?10.56 to ?7.05‰ and ?81.83 to ?59‰, respectively. The groundwater has been recharged by precipitation, and has not been subjected to significant evaporation during infiltration into the aquifer in the upper layer. Using a tritium model, the groundwater flow in the alluvial fan plain showed horizontal flow velocity to be greater than vertical velocity. Groundwater in the upper layer is characterized by Ca–HCO₃ type. From the spatial distribution characteristics of the stable isotope and chemical composition of the groundwater, agricultural irrigation was considered to have an influence on the aquifer by causing excessive groundwater abstraction and irrigation return.     

塔里木盆地区域地下水环境同位素特征及其意义

以大量水环境同位素样品测试结果为依据,对塔里木盆地的区域水环境同位素特征进行了分析,得出了一些有意义的认识:(1)塔里木盆地不同14C年龄的地下水的δD、δ18O值差异不明显,反映了水资源形成区在最后冰期和冰后期气温相差不大,推测是由于新构造运动使山体隆升,同一位置因高程变化产生的气温变化弥合了气候的变化,这一特征使我们难以运用δD-δ18O关系区别古水(冰期)与现代水(冰后期)。(2)在δD-δ18O关系图上,沿大气降水线可把盆地内主要河流及其补给形成的地下水大致圈定在3个域内,这3个域的区别不是大气环流作用的结果,而是河流源区山脉高程效应的反映。(3)与西北内陆盆地其他大型河流比较,阿克苏河流域下游承压自流水的14C年龄小得多,这是由阿克苏河径流量大、下游为河槽洼地、不完全具备山前倾斜平原水文地质特征等决定的。阿克苏河下游承压水水循环交替迅速,开发潜力较大,在西北内流盆地中是一个特例。(4)塔克拉玛干沙漠第四系松散层地下水主要是从盆地南缘侧向补给的,在沙漠腹地由深部向浅部顶托排泄。盆地内深层油田水处于高度封闭的滞留状态,与上部松散沉积层地下水之间基本没有联系。     

第二松花江流域地表水与地下水相互关系

通过野外采样和室内分析,采用稳定氢氧同位素和水化学相结合的方法,研究了第二松花江地表水和地下水的相互关系。地表水和地下水中稳定氢氧同位素（δD,δ18O）空间差异明显,上游水体中同位素最贫化,下游最富集。水化学类型从长白山源区的Na-HCO₃型,演化成Ca-Mg-HCO₃型;而在人类活动的影响下,向Ca（Mg）-Cl（SO₄）演化。运用端元法定量计算了地表水与地下水的相互转换比例,上游山区深层地下水接受江水和浅层地下水的补给,浅层地下水补给比例占50%左右;下游平原区浅层地下水补给江水,补给比例占20%左右。研究结果可为综合利用地表水和地下水、促进水资源的可持续利用提供理论基础。     

Tracing the decomposition of dissolved organic carbon in artificial groundwater recharge using carbon isotope ratios

Reducing the concentration of dissolved organic C (DOC) in water is one of the main challenges in the process of artificial groundwater recharge. At the Tuusula waterworks in southern Finland, surface water is artificially recharged into an esker by pond infiltration and an equal amount of groundwater is daily pumped from the aquifer. This groundwater study was conducted to consider the role of redox processes in the decomposition of DOC. The isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic C (δ¹³C_DIC) in the recharged water was used as a tracer for redox reactions. The isotopic composition of O and H in water was determined in order to calculate mixing ratios between the local groundwater and the infiltrated surface water. Three distinct processes in the reduction of the DOC content were traced using isotopic methods and concentration analyses of DIC and DOC: (1) the decomposition of DOC, (2) adsorption of DOC on mineral matter, and (3) the dilution of artificially recharged water by mixing with local groundwater. The largest decrease (44%) in the DOC content occurred during the early stage of subsurface flow, within 350 m of the infiltration ponds. The reduction of DOC was accompanied by an equal increase in DIC and a significant drop in δ¹³C_DIC. This change is attributed to the oxidative decomposition of DOC. A further 23% decrease in DOC is attributed to adsorption and a final drop of 14% to dilution with local groundwater.     

Noble gas and isotope geochemistry in western Canadian Arctic watersheds: tracing groundwater recharge in permafrost terrain

In Canada’s western Arctic, perennial discharge from permafrost watersheds is the surface manifestation of active groundwater flow systems with features including the occurrence of year-round open water and the formation of icings, yet understanding the mechanisms of groundwater recharge and flow in periglacial environments remains enigmatic. Stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δD, δ¹³C_DIC), and noble gases have proved useful to study groundwater recharge and flow of groundwater which discharges along rivers in Canada’s western Arctic. In these studies of six catchments, groundwater recharge was determined to be a mix of snowmelt and precipitation. All systems investigated show that groundwater has recharged through organic soils with elevated P_CO2, which suggests that recharge occurs largely during summer when biological activity is high. Noble gas concentrations show that the recharge temperature was between 0 and 5 °C, which when considered in the context of discharge temperatures, suggests that there is no significant imbalance of energy flux into the subsurface. Groundwater circulation times were found to be up to 31 years for non-thermal waters using the ³?H-³He method.     

Hydrological characteristics of karstic groundwater in the northeast Viet Nam as studied by isotopic techniques

The stable water isotopic composition (δ²H and δ¹⁸Ο), tritium (³H) activity, dissolved organic carbon, alkalinity, as well as the composition of carbon 13 (δ¹³C) in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) of 36 water samples taken from 16 resurgences in the northeast provinces of Viet Nam in the dry (Mar 2008) and rainy (June 2008) seasons were analyzed to elucidate hydrological characteristics of the karstic aquifers in the area. The stable water isotopic composition of the water samples collected clearly demonstrated that the karstic groundwater in the region was recharged from the local meteorological water. The tritium activity in the samples was found to be in between 3 and 4 TU, falling in the range of the ³H activity in the local precipitation and thus meaning that the traveling of recharge water to the resurgences was very short. Concentrated and diffuse allogenic recharges seem to be important sources of karstic groundwater in the study region. Water in the karstic aquifers could be classified into three types as: (a) water from karstic areas with dense vegetation cover that causes DIC be depleted in carbon 13 (¹³δ<?12‰ vs. Pee Dee Belemnite standard of Vienna, VPDB); (b) water from karstic areas with poor vegetation cover that originates DIC with carbon 13 composition ranging from ?11 to ?12‰; and (c) surface water from lakes, springs and rivers that has DIC with enriched carbon 13 (δ¹³C >?10‰). This implies that there are several sources of carbon dioxide contributing to the DIC in water of the karstic aquifers in the study region. Among other potential sources, the atmospheric CO₂, CO₂ from carbonate rock dissolution, biomineralization of soil organic matters and plant roots respiration seem to be important sources of the DIC in the waters of this region. The results show high vulnerability towards anthropogenic contaminants of karstic groundwater in the study 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.     

Thermal infrared remote sensing in assessing groundwater and surface-water resources related to Hannukainen mining development site,northern Finland

Mining development sites occasionally host complicated aquifer systems with notable connections to natural surface water (SW) bodies. A low-altitude thermal infrared (TIR) imaging survey was conducted to identify hydraulic connections between aquifers and rivers and to map spatial surface temperature patterns along the subarctic rivers in the proximity of the Hannukainen mining development area, northern Finland. In addition to TIR data, stable isotopic compositions (δ ¹⁸O, δD) and dissolved silica concentrations were used as tracers to verify the observed groundwater (GW) discharge into the river system. Based on the TIR survey, notable GW discharge into the main river channel and its tributaries (61 km altogether) was observed and over 500 GW discharge sites were located. On the basis of the survey, the longitudinal temperature patterns of the studied rivers were found to be highly variable. Hydrological and hydrogeological information is crucial in planning and siting essential mining operations, such as tailing areas, in order to prevent any undesirable environmental impacts. The observed notable GW discharge was taken into consideration in the planning of the Hannukainen mining development area. The results of this study support the use of TIR imagery in GW–SW interaction and environmental studies in extensive and remote areas with special concerns for water-related issues but lacking the baseline research.     

The dynamics of central Main Ethiopian Rift waters: Evidence from δD, δO and Sr/Sr ratios

Water samples from cold and geothermal boreholes, hot springs, lakes and rivers were analyzed for δD, δ¹⁸O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr compositions in order to investigate lake water–groundwater mixing processes, water–rock interactions, and to evaluate groundwater flow paths in the central Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) of the Ziway–Shala basin. Different ranges of isotopic values were recorded for different water types: hot springs show δ¹⁸O −3.36 to +3.69 and δD −15.85 to +24.23, deep Aluto-Langano geothermal wells show δ¹⁸O −4.65 to −1.24 and δD −12.39 to −9.31, groundwater wells show δ¹⁸O −3.99 to +5.14 and δD −19.69 to +32.27, whereas the lakes show δ¹⁸O and δD in the range +3.98 to +7.92 and +26.19 to +45.71, respectively. The intersection of the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL: δD = 7 δ¹⁸O + 11.2, R² = 0.94, n = 42) and the Local Evaporation Line (LEL: δD = 5.63δ¹⁸O + 8, n = 14, R² = 0.82) was used to estimate the average isotopic composition of recharge water into the basin (δD = −5.15 and δ¹⁸O = −2.34). These values are depleted if compared with the modern-day average precipitation, presumably indicating paleo-groundwater components recharged during previous humid climatic phases. The measured stable isotope values indicate that the geothermal wells, some of the hot springs and groundwater wells mainly consist of meteoric water. The Sr isotopic signatures in all waters are within the range of the Sr isotopic composition of the rift basalts and rhyolites. The variability of Sr isotopic data also pinpoints complex water–rock interaction and mixing processes in groundwater and surface water. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio ranges from 0.70445 to 0.70756 in the hot springs, from 0.70426 to 0.70537 in two deep geothermal wells, and from 0.70673 to 0.70721 in the rift lakes Ziway, Langano, Shala and Awasa. The radiogenic composition recorded by the lakes indicates that the input water was predominantly affected by progressive interaction with rhyolitic volcanics and lacustrine sediments.     

Determination of groundwater recharge regime and flowpath in the Lower Heihe River basin in an arid area of Northwest China by using environmental tracers: Implications for vegetation degradation in the Ejina Oasis

Environmental tracers (CFCs, stable isotopes ¹⁸O, ²H, and ³H) and major ions were employed to study river infiltration and groundwater recharge in the aquifer system in the basin of the Lower Heihe River, Northwest China. Three groups of waters have been recognized: (1) young groundwater, connected to the river, with large variation of CFC apparent ages ranging from <10 a to 40 a, and δ¹⁸O and δ²H values which are similar to the river water; (2) regional background water, unaffected by the river, having CFC apparent ages >40 a, and being depleted in ¹⁸O and ²H compared with the river water; and (3) groundwater in Gurinai, a grassland located about 100 km from the river, in which the predominant discharge is from the Badain Jaran desert, with CFC apparent ages ranging from 25 to >50 a and being enriched in ¹⁸O and ²H compared to the river water. The groundwater along the river contains CFCs and ³H down to depths of about 120 m, and the shallow groundwater exhibits CFC apparent ages in a wide range which are not dependent on the well depth. Groundwaters along the river show a similar trend of enrichment in ¹⁸O and ²H as the river water whereas groundwaters in depression cones are depleted in heavier isotopes, and have low CFC and ³H concentrations. The CFC apparent age of the groundwater increases with increasing distance downstream, indicating that the dominant part of the groundwater is from infiltration of river water in the upper reaches. Modifications of groundwater recharge are reflected in variations of stable isotope compositions, as well as CFC and ³H concentrations in the groundwater that was recharged from the river over the last decades. Despite recharging from river water, groundwater abstraction has induced a water balance deficit. The riparian ecosystem in the Ejina Oasis is constrained by both decreased river flow and increased groundwater abstraction. The vegetation degradation in the Ejina Oasis is controlled not only by natural aridification but also worsened by heavy groundwater abstraction and decreased river flow.     

松嫩平原地下水流动模式的环境同位素标记

采用同位素水文学方法并结合传统水文地质方法,识别松嫩平原地下水流动模式。氢氧稳定同位素和地下水年龄分布表明该区地下水流动系统流动模式呈现出局部流、中间流和区域流系统。地下水中氚分布深度指示局部水流系统为现代水循环系统,以垂向运动为主要特征,循环深度一般小于50 m,山前区可达100m以下;区域流系统存在于深部承压含水层,以侧向水平径流为主要运动特征。松辽边界附近的环境同位素特征存在明显的差别,指示天然状态下可视为零通量边界。同位素示踪剂也反映出嫩江和地下水的相互作用关系,在齐齐哈尔以北,江水补给地下水;在齐齐哈尔以南,地下水向嫩江排泄。     

Tracing stable isotope values from meteoric water to groundwater in the southwestern part of the Chad basin

The southwestern Chad basin is a semi-arid region with annual rainfall that is generally less than 500 mm and over 2,000 mm of evapotranspiration. Surface water in rivers is seasonal, and therefore groundwater is the perennial source of water supply for domestic and other purposes. Stable isotope has been measured for rainwater, surface water and groundwater samples in this region. The stable isotope data have been used to understand the inter-relationships between the rainwater, surface water, shallow and deep groundwater of this region. This is being used in a qualitative sense to demonstrate present day recharge to the groundwater. Stable isotope in rainwater for the region has an average value of –4‰ δ¹⁸O and –20‰ δ²H. Surface water samples from rivers and Lake Chad fall on the evaporation line of this average value. The Upper Zone aquifer water samples show stable isotope signal with a wide range of values indicating the complex character of the aquifer Zone with three distinguishable units. The wide range of values is attributable to waters from individual unit and/or mixture of waters of different units. The Middle and Lower aquifers Zones’ waters show similar stable isotopes values, probably indicating similarity in timing and/or mechanism of recharge. These are palaeowaters probably recharged under a climate that is different from today. The Upper Zone aquifer is presently being recharged as some of its waters show stable isotope compositions similar to those of average rainfall waters of the region.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of groundwater in the northeastern Tennger Desert,northern China

Groundwater is typically the only water source in arid regions, and its circulation processes should be better understood for rational resource exploitation. Stable isotopes and major ions were investigated in the northeastern Tengger Desert, northern China, to gain insights into groundwater recharge and evolution. In the northern mountains, Quaternary unconsolidated sediments, exposed only in valleys between hills, form the main aquifer, which is mainly made of aeolian sand and gravel. Most of the mountain groundwater samples plot along the local meteoric water line (LMWL), with a more depleted signature compared to summer precipitation, suggesting that mountain groundwater was recharged by local precipitation during winter. Most of the groundwater was fresh, with total dissolved solids less than 1 g/L; dominant ions are Na⁺, SO₄ ^2? and Cl^?, and all mineral saturation indices are less than zero. Evaporation, dissolution and cation exchange are the major hydrogeochemical processes. In the southern plains, however, the main aquifers are sandstone. The linear regression line of δD and δ ¹⁸O of groundwater parallels the LMWL but the intercept is lower, indicating that groundwater in the plains has been recharged by ancient precipitation rather than modern. Both calcite and dolomite phases in the plains groundwater are close to saturation, while gypsum and halite can still be dissolved into the groundwater. Different recharge mechanisms occur in the northern mountains and the southern plains, and the hydraulic connection between them is weak. Because of the limited recharge, groundwater exploitation should be limited as much as possible.