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.

---

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.

---

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.

     

Numerical modelling of surfacewater/groundwater flows for freshwater/saltwater hydrology: the case of the alluvial coastal aquifer of the Low Guadalhorce River, Malaga, Spain

This applied research deals with the numerical modelling and transient simulation of the joint surfacewater/groundwater flows that characterize the freshwater/saltwater hydrology of the coastal alluvial valley of the Low Guadalhorce River, Malaga, Spain. The MELEF model used was mainly adapted and calibrated for a simulation period of two hydrological years 1989/1990–1990/1991, before the current channelling of the river, where floods and low precipitations have been recorded. The model calibration process was performed with the aid of phreatic levels measured in numerous wells and piezometers, as well as recharges from precipitation and irrigation on the alluvial surface, which was also assessed by the hydrologic model SSMA-2. The present numerical approach can predict the forthcoming hydrology of the coastal alluvial of the Guadalhorce River after its final channelling.     

Numerical modelling of deformation and fluid flow in the Shuikoushan district, Hunan Province, South China

The Shuikoushan district, in Hunan Province, South China, contains major Pb–Zn–Au–Ag polymetallic mineralisation. Two groups of numerical models have been constructed to study the interactions between deformation and fluid flow in the district during the Yanshanian compression event (180 to 90 Ma). The first group includes district-scale conceptual models of coupled deformation and fluid flow during folding. The models show that fluid flow patterns are controlled by deformation within the fold system inferred for the district. During regional shortening and folding, fluids are generally focused towards the fold hinge/core areas along higher permeability layers (in particular Permian limestone units), in preference to flowing across the low permeability seal units (Permian and Jurassic terrestrial sequences). The efficiency of this fluid focusing can only be significantly increased if these folded seal units are allowed to undergo permeability increase as a result of tensile failure. The modelling results show that permeability enhancement localises mostly at fold hinges, dominantly within the silicified zone on the top of the Permian limestone unit. This process results in increased flow velocities and facilitates fluid focusing towards fold hinge/core locations at this silicified rock horizon. The second group includes deposit scale models for the Kangjiawan deposit, which is one of the two major deposits in the Shuikoushan district. The models show patterns of tensile failure, permeability creation, fluid focusing and mixing, and fracture development along a selected exploration cross section through the deposit. These results are consistent with the observed brecciation and mineralisation features. Regions of maximum brecciation in the district are associated with: (1) a combination of fold hinge and fault intersection locations (structural); and (2) the silicified zone and Permian limestone unit (lithological). Such brecciation zones are associated with extensive fluid focusing and mixing, and therefore represent the most favourable locations for mineralisation in the district. On the basis of this work, ideas for future research work and mineral exploration in the district are proposed.     

运用三维变密度潮汐效应模型确定滨海含水系统的海底等效边界——山东烟台夹河中下游地区为例

确定咸淡水界面的位置是滨海地区海水入侵研究的主要任务之一。对于天然条件承压含水层而言,含水层顶板向海底延伸的距离直接影响了咸淡水界面的位置,它可以通过承压含水层中地下水的潮汐效应信息来确定。考虑到咸淡水之间密度的差异,建立了山东省夹河中下游地区滨海含水系统地下水三维变密度潮汐效应模型。通过反复对比潮汐效应观测中的地下水水头波动与模型计算出的水头波动,确定了滨海承压含水系统的海底边界。同时,也初步估计出海区与近海陆区含水层的水文地质参数。     

Mapping of groundwater quality in the Turonian aquifer of Oum Er-Rabia Basin, Morocco: a case study

This study takes the groundwater of the Moroccan limestone aquifer of Oum Er-Rabia as an example of statistical and cartographical approaches in water resources management. Statistical analyses based on frequency distribution and PCA methods revealed the homogeneity of waters with the existence of abnormal points and have helped to assess correlations between the studied variables. The mapping approach illustrated that waters are influenced by the lithology of the surrounding rocks and are of Ca–Mg–HCO₃, Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄, and mixed types according to the Piper classification. The quality of water is of high to medium, north of the basin, but it is of medium to bad, NE and south, due to excessive contents of chloride, sulfate and nitrate. According to the US Salinity Laboratory classification, water used for irrigation in the eastern and the southern parts of the basin should take into consideration the drainage conditions, the nature of plants and the addition of gypsum doses.

Characteristics analysis and model prediction of sea-salt water intrusion in lower reaches of the Weihe River,Shandong Province,China

Marine sedimentary strata are widely distributed in the coastal zone of the study area, and are rich in brine resources. The exploitation of underground water resources often first caused the intrusion of salt water in the marine strata. Based on the analysis of sea-salt water intrusion feature, the sea-salt water intrusion is divided into four stages: The occurrence and development stage(1976–1985), the rapid development stage(1986–1990), the slow development stage(1990–2000) and the stable development stage(2000–2015). Based on the comparative analysis of the relationship between seawater intrusion and influencing factors, this paper presents that the groundwater exploitation and the brine resources mining are the main control factors of sea-salt water intrusion. On this basis, we have established a numerical model of the sea-salt water intrusion. Using this model, we predicted the development trend of the sea-salt water intrusion. The results show that if the current development of groundwater and brine is maintained, the sea-salt water intrusion will gradually withdraw; once development of brine stops, sea-salt water will invade again. This provides the scientific basis for the rational exploitation of groundwater and the prevention of sea-salt water intrusion.     

Improvement of groundwater resources potential by artificial recharge technique: A case study of Charf El Akab aquifer in the Tangier region,Morocco

In arid and semi-arid zones,water is the most vulnerable resource to climate change.In fact,various techniques such as artificial recharge are adopted to restore aquifers and to ensure aquifer sustainability in relation to the accelerated pace of exploitation.Morocco is a Mediterranean country highly vulnerable to climate change,many of its main aquifers are subjected to excessive drawdowns.This technique is practiced to increase potentiality of these aquifers.In the Northwestern area of Morocco,the significant development experienced by Tangier City in the industrial,tourism,and commercial sectors will lead to increased water requirements-up to 5 067 L/s(159.8 mm^3)by 2030.However,the Charf El Akab aquifer system,subject to artificial recharge,is the only groundwater resource of Tangier region;hence,a rational management context is needed to ensure aquifer sustainability,and optimized exploitation under the background of differing constraints,such as increased water requirements,and climate change impacts.This work aims to respond,for the first time,to the Charf El Akab aquifer overexploitation problem,and to evaluate the future scenarios of its exploitation in the event of failure of one of the superficial resources.This work also presents a synthesized hydrodynamic modeling based on the results of the numerical simulations carried out using Feflow software for 2004(date of cessation of injections)and 2011(date of resumption of these facilities),making it possible to evaluate the impact of the artificial recharge on the piezometric level of the aquifer on a spatiotemporal scale.Finally,the exploitation scenarios have shown that the aquifer of Charf El Akab will not adequatly provide for the region's water requirements on the future horizon,entailing an optimal management of water resources in the region and an intentionally increased recharge rate.     

太行山前平原浅层地下水污染的分子生物学响应特征——以滹沱河流域为例

分子生物学技术是地下水污染研究的前沿技术,常用于场地尺度,区域尺度罕见。以太行山前平原滹沱河流域的典型浅层地下水为研究对象,沿河布点采样67组,采用高通量测序技术,测定样品16S rDNA基因序列,以化学需氧量、硝酸盐、溶解性总固体为环境因子,分析与污染相关的微生物种群结构响应及功能性指示菌属。结果显示:采用累积概率分布法将样品分为背景(B)、硝酸盐污染(N)、有机污染(Y)3组,该分类阈值与地下水质量标准的Ⅲ类水阈值可较好对应;微生物群落丰富度为B组N组Y组,有机污染使微生物种群趋于单一,且与背景差异更大。有机污染功能性指示菌属为Acinetobacter,硝酸盐污染为Nitrospira。以上形成的分子生物学响应特征研究方法可为区域调查及修复提供技术方法理论依据。     

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.     

Groundwater flow and geochemistry in the lower reaches of the Yellow River: a case study in Shandang Province, China

Water samples were collected from the Yellow River and from wells for chemical and isotopic measurement in the counties of Yucheng and Qihe, to which 6–9×10⁸ m³ of water is diverted annually from the Yellow River. A zone of high electrical conductivity (EC) in groundwater corresponds well on the regional scale with a ridge in groundwater level, which is the main flow path through the region, but has a low gradient. The zone of highest EC along this ridge occurs at a position with the lowest ground altitude in the study area. The unique characteristic of the groundwater is the linear relationship among the principal anions as the result of mixing. The mixing effect is confirmed by its isotopic signature, which was then used to calculate the contributions from three sources: rainfall, old water, and diverted water with an average mixing rate of 18, 17, and 65%, respectively. As an indicator of water movement, Cl^– content varies across a wide range in the profile from 30–10 m with a maximum concentration at about 1.2 m depth. Concentrations are relatively stable at about 2 m, which is the average boundary of the saturated and unsaturated zone. The water from the Yellow River has proved to be dominant in mixing in the aquifer in terms of groundwater flow and geochemistry. Electronic Publication     

Determination of horizontal extension from fissure-ridge travertines: a case study from the Denizli Basin,southwestern Turkey

Travertine deposits reflect some aspects of the regional tectonics because of the close association between travertine deposits and active fractures, that later of which provide conduits along which travertine-depositing waters may rise. Fissure-ridge travertines form above extensional fissures which are located in the hanging walls of normal faults, in step-over zones between fault segments, or in active or recently active) volcanic provinces. Numerous active and inactive fissure-ridge travertines are located in the hanging walls of normal faults in the Denizli Basin. A typical fissure-ridge comprises a central fissure along its long axis and flanking bedded travertines dipping away from the fissure. Central fissures of travertine ridges have been dilating since the initiation of the fissures. Samples from both the margins and centres of banded travertine deposits were dated by Th/U methods in order to determine dilation rates. Individual fissures have been dilating at average rates of between 0.008 and 0.1 mm yr^–1 during travertine deposition, and ~ 0.001 and 0.007 mm yr^–1 after cessation of travertine deposition. There is a noticable decrease in dilation rate from west to east in the Denizli Basin, and this decrease in dilation rate may be related to decrease in overall extension in southwest Turkey, which decreases eastward.     

Application of remote-sensing data to groundwater exploration: A case study of the Cross River State, southeastern Nigeria

 The Cross River State, Nigeria, is underlain by the Precambrian-age crystalline basement complex and by rocks of Cretaceous to Tertiary age. The exploration for groundwater in this area requires a systematic technique in order to obtain optimum results, but the non-availability of funds and facilities has made it extremely difficult to carry out site investigations prior to the drilling of water wells. Therefore, the failure rate is as high as 80%. In order to delineate areas that are expected to be suitable for future groundwater development, black and white radar imagery and aerial photographs were used to define some hydrological and hydrogeological features in parts of the study area. Lineament and drainage patterns were analysed using length density and frequency. Lineament-length density ranges from 0.04–1.52; lineament frequency is 0.11–5.09; drainage-length density is 0.17–0.94, and the drainage frequency is 0.16–1.53. These range of values reflect the differences in the probability of groundwater potentials. Results were then used to delineate areas of high, medium, and low groundwater potential. Study results also indicate that correlations exist between lineament and drainage patterns, lithology, water temperature, water conductivity, well yield, transmissivity, longitudinal conductance, and the occurrence of groundwater. Received, August 1994 · Revised, March 1996, June 1996 · Accepted, October 1996     

河流对矿山及矿山开发的水环境地球化学响应--以广西刁江水系为例

矿产资源以其不可再生性和开发利用过程中环境问题的严重性而备受世人关注.广西刁江流域的源头地带是著名的大厂矿区,较典型地反映了矿山资源开发与环境保护之间的对立关系.重点解剖刁江流域矿山及矿山开发的环境响应,探讨水环境响应.结果表明,刁江流域对上游的矿山开发存在着显著的环境响应现象,在距矿区200km以外的下游地带仍然可以观察到这种响应;刁江河水被严重污染,河床上沉积了大量尾砂.严重的水环境污染破坏了河流水生生态系统,曾造成刁江中上游河段鱼虾绝迹.河床上的尾砂沉积范围广、厚度大,重金属As、Pb、Zn、Cd含量非常高,除直接危害了水环境质量外,还造成河道泄洪能力下降和洪水淹没范围的扩大,构成对沿江土壤环境和生态环境的严重威胁.     

Characteristics of groundwater in Northeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its response to climate change and human activities: A case study of Delingha,Qaidam Basin

Delingha is located in the northeast margin of Qaidam Basin. Bayin River alluvial proluvial fan is the main aquifer of Delingha, in which groundwater generally flows from north to south. The hydrochemistry results showed that two different hydrochemical evolution paths formed along southeast and southwest directions, respectively. Cl-Na type groundwater was formed in front of Gahai Lake, and SO₄·HCO₃-Na·Ca type groundwater was formed in front of Keluke Lake. The results of deuterium (D) and ¹⁸O revealed that the groundwater mainly originated from the continuous accumulation of precipitation during geological history under cold and humid climate conditions. In addition, results of ¹⁴C indicated that the groundwater age was more than 1140 years, implying relatively poor renewal capability of regional groundwater. Moreover, our numerical modeling results showed that the regional groundwater level will continue to rise under the warm and humid climate conditions.© 2021 China Geology Editorial Office.     

A numerical study of sea breeze circulation observed at a tropical site Kalpakkam on the east coast of India, under different synoptic flow situations

A simulation study of the sea breeze circulation and thermal internal boundary layer (TIBL) characteristics has been carried out at the tropical site Kalpakkam on the east coast of India, for operational atmospheric dispersion prediction. The community based PSU/NCAR MM5 Meso-scale meteorological model is used for the study. Three cases on typical days in summer (24 May 2003), southwest (SW) monsoon (1 July 2001) winter season (2 February 2003) with different large-scale flow pattern are studied. The MM5 model is used with 3 nested domains with horizontal grid resolutions 18 km, 6 km and 2 km and 26 vertical levels. The model is integrated for 24 hours in the above cases with initial and boundary conditions taken from NCEP-FNL analyses data. Observations of 10 meteorological stations and coastal boundary layer experiments conducted at Kalpakkam are used for comparison and validation of the simulation. The characteristics of simulated sea breeze and TIBL at Kalpakkam are seen to vary in the above cases according to the prevailing large-scale winds and surface fluxes. The sea breeze circulation is seen to develop early with larger strength and inland propagation in the summer case under the influence of moderate synoptic wind and strong heating conditions than in the SW monsoon and winter cases. The horizontal and vertical extents of TIBL are found to be larger in the summer case than in other cases. Although model parameters agree in general with observations, all the fine features are not clearly captured and some slowness in model sea breeze development is also seen. The results indicate the need to improve i) the initial conditions by assimilation of available surface/upper air observations to reduce model bias and ii) surface net radiation parameterisation. The model could predict the essential features of the local circulation and further improvement is expected with better initial condition data and incorporation of more realistic surface data.     

河流对矿山及矿山开发的水环境地球化学响应——以广西刁江水系为例

矿产资源以其不可再生性和开发利用过程中环境问题的严重性而备受世人关注。广西刁江流域的源头地带是著名的大厂矿区,较典型地反映了矿山资源开发与环境保护之间的对立关系。重点解剖刁江流域矿山及矿山开发的环境响应,探讨水环境响应。结果表明,刁江流域对上游的矿山开发存在着显著的环境响应现象,在距矿区200km以外的下游地带仍然可以观察到这种响应;刁江河水被严重污染,河床上沉积了大量尾砂。严重的水环境污染破坏了河流水生生态系统,曾造成刁江中上游河段鱼虾绝迹。河床上的尾砂沉积范围广、厚度大,重金属As、Pb、Zn、Cd含量非常高,除直接危害了水环境质量外,还造成河道泄洪能力下降和洪水淹没范围的扩大,构成对沿江土壤环境和生态环境的严重威胁。     

山东山旺盆地中新世两个蚂蚁新属(Heteromyrmex Zhang, 1989和Tolylasius Zhang, 1989)的修正

1989年,张俊峰发表了山东山旺盆地中新世（N2）2个蚂蚁新属新种：Heteromyrmex atopogaster Zhang,1989和Tolylasius inflatus Zhang,1989。经检验,前一个属是基于不实的观察结果,新属、种应予废除,作为未定属种归人蚁亚科（Formicinae);后一个属的建属根据都非建属的根据,其他的特征系毛蚁属（Lasius)的属征范围,没有建属条件,属应予废,保留其种,转移到毛蚁属。