Variations of U and Sr isotope ratios in Alsace and Luxembourg rain waters: origin and hydrogeochemical implications

Major and trace element concentrations, as well as Sr and U isotope ratios, were measured in rainwater samples collected in three different locations in Alsace (East of France) and Luxembourg: a mid-altitude mountain site (Aubure Environment HydroGeochemical Observatory), an urban site (Strasbourg) and a peri-urban site located in an area of well developed industrial activity (Esch-sur-Alzette in Luxembourg). Results highlight the quite high spatial and temporal variability of the chemical and isotopic characteristics of rainwater at the regional scale. They also suggest a quite systematic contribution of a local component in the chemical composition of rainwater. In urban and peri-urban sites, the local component is certainly linked to human activities, as it is well illustrated in this study with the Esch-sur-Alzette samples. On the other hand, for the Aubure site, i.e. a small forested watershed of mid-altitude mountain, data presented in this study demonstrate the influence of the vegetation on the chemical composition of rainwater for alkali and calc-alkali elements, as well as for the Sr isotope ratios. Such a result questions the reliability of the method classically used to estimate the rainwater contribution on the river chemical budget. In addition, data of the present study confirm the very low content of uranium in rainwater and demonstrate, especially through the U isotope analysis of Aubure rainwater, the negligible effect of rainwater on U budget of river waters. This work thus outlines the property of U to be a geochemical tracer specific of weathering fluxes carried by rivers. To cite this article: F. Chabaux et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

A revised approach to the UKIH method for the calculation of baseflow / Une approche améliorée de la méthode de l'UKIH pour le calcul de l'écoulement de base

Abstract

A revised approach to the calculation of baseflow using the method originally proposed by the United Kingdom Institute of Hydrology is presented. The revisions resolve two aspects of the method that lead to less than optimal results; that is, the calculation of values of baseflow that exceed the corresponding values of streamflow and the dependence of the calculated values on the origin of the five-day segmentation of the input streamflow data. The approach is illustrated using streamflow monitoring information that is typical for areas of southern Ontario, Canada, where baseflow is primarily the result of groundwater discharge.     

Modélisation directe et inverse de l'écoulement souterrain dans les milieux poreux

Résumé

Le présent article montre l'intérêt des simulations mathématiques dans la compréhension des aquifères complexes et hétérogènes. Le réservoir côtier du Maroc occidental est un exemple qui traduit une répartition spatiale des corps perméables et imperméables, d'où la nécessité d'approfondir la connaissance de son fonctionnement hydrogéologique en termes de modélisation numérique. Le modèle hydrodynamique proposé repose sur la résolution du problème direct et inverse. La simulation de l'écoulement (problème direct) en régime permanent a montré la persistance de grands écarts entre la piézométrie mesurée et calculée. Cette anomalie de calage est expliquée principalement par le caractère hétérogène et fissuré, incompatible avec la dérivation de l'équation de diffusivité qui présuppose un milieu continu et un régime laminaire plutôt que turbulent. Deux cartes principales ont été obtenues: (a) une carte des polygones de la conductivité hydraulique dont les valeurs varient entre 50 × 10^?4 et 80 × 10^?4 m/s; et (b) une carte des polygones de recharge avec des valeurs comprises entre 4.5 × 10^?9 et 5 × 10^?14 m/s. Le calage du modèle d'écoulement recherché dans la résolution du problème inverse consiste à identifier les paramètres de l'aquifère à partir de la piézométrie connue. Le code d'inversion PEST (Parameter ESTimation) a été utilisé pour créer des cartes montrant des polygones de la conductivité hydraulique et de la recharge avec des valeurs très similaires aux résultats du modèle conceptuel.     

Incorporating groundwater recharge and discharge functions into an existing monthly rainfall–runoff model/Incorporation de fonctions de recharge et de vidange superficielle de nappes au sein d’un modèle pluie-débit mensuel existant

Abstract

Abstract There is an urgent need for an integrated surface water and groundwater modelling tool that is suitable for southern African conditions and can be applied at various basin scales for broad strategic water resource planning purposes. The paper describes two new components (recharge and groundwater discharge) that have been added to an existing monthly time-step rainfall–runoff model that is widely used in the southern African subcontinent. The new components are relatively simple, consistent with the existing model formulation, but based on accepted groundwater flow principles and well understood groundwater parameters. The application of the revised model on two basins in southern Africa with quite different baseflow characteristics has demonstrated that the new components have a great deal of potential, even if the improvement is only to be able to simulate the groundwater baseflow component of total runoff more explicitly. More comprehensive testing and comparison of the results with existing groundwater and geohydrological data is required, while some extensions to the new components need to be considered to ensure that the model can be considered applicable to a wide range of basin and climate types.     

Apport des isotopes stables dans l'estimation des altitudes de recharge de sources thermales du MarocRecharge altitude estimation of thermal springs using stable isotopes in Morocco

The recharge altitude estimation of thermal springs from northern and eastern Morocco using ¹⁸O and ²H contents requires the definition of regional isotopic altitudinal gradients (?0.25‰ for 100 m for the Rif and ?0.30‰ for the East) and the calculation of residence time using ¹⁴C. The altitudes of emergence vary widely between 170 and 1040 m under the altitude of the recharge areas. The ¹⁸O and ²H compositions of palaeowaters ($\text{>10}\text{000}$ yr BP) indicate two effects, altitude and palaeoclimate. To cite this article: A. Winckel et al., C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 469–474.     

Determination of the Concentration of Carbonic Species in Natural Waters: Results from a World‐Wide Proficiency Test

The results of an international interlaboratory proficiency test for the determination of carbonic species are presented. Eight laboratories analysed twelve water samples (four synthetic waters, one lake water, four geothermal waters, one seawater and two petroleum waters) by two methods: (a) individual laboratory analytical procedure and (b) acid–base titration curves in tabular form following a standardised protocol. In case (b), the concentrations of carbonic species were calculated by the organiser using the (1) Hydrologists' method, (2) Geochemists' method and/or (3) initial pH and total alkalinity method. For synthetic waters, the averaged % trueness and precision of measurement of the two methods were (trueness = 7.6, precision = 9.4) and (9.0, 3.4) for total alkalinity, and (6.6, 31.0) and (7.8, 6.1) for carbonic alkalinity, respectively. This indicates that the total alkalinity calculation procedure is in general correct in the individual laboratory method, but the carbonic alkalinity calculation procedure has serious problems. The measurements of total alkalinity for lake and seawaters were in agreement in both the methods; however, the individual laboratory measurement method for geothermal and petroleum waters was conceptually incorrect. Thus, the analytical procedures for the determination of carbonic species were reviewed. To apply the Hydrologists' and/or Geochemists' methods, the location of NaHCO₃EP and H₂CO₃EP is necessary, even for samples with pH lower than that of NaHCO₃EP, and a backward titration curve after complete removal of CO₂ must be performed. The initial pH and total alkalinity method is appropriate where a complete analysis of species that contribute to the alkalinity is known.     

Contribution to the detection of Lake Masoko (Tanzania) groundwater outflow: isotopic evidence (18O,D) / Contribution à la détection des pertes souterraines du Lac Masoko (Tanzanie): évidences isotopiques (18O,D)

Abstract

The isotopic compositions (¹⁸O and D) of groundwater, springs, rivers and lake waters are used to account for the hydrological processes in the area of the closed maar Lake Masoko in Tanzania. Springs and groundwater from the northern, western and southern parts of the lake basin display relatively stable compositions, close to those of the mean precipitation, evidencing their fast infiltration rate. Springs located in the eastern part of the basin have enriched compositions, which are on the mixing line between the ?"non evaporated? water and the evaporated lake water. This underlines the hydraulic continuity between the lake and the eastern springs and supports a previous proposition of grounwater outflow from Lake Masoko. The mixing parts of lake water calculated at each spring are constant through time, evidencing the inertia of the system. Furthermore, the mixing part of the lake water decreases linearly with the distance from the lake, suggesting an homogeneous and continuous aquifer. These observations point to a west to east groundwater flow, in agreement with the altitude of different potentials.     

Approche hydrogéologique et hydrochimique des échanges hydrodynamiques entre aquifères profond et superficiel du bassin du Djérid,Tunisie

Résume

L'étude basée sur l'interprétation des données hydrochimiques (éléments majeurs) et isotopiques (¹⁸O, ²H, ³H et ¹⁴C) des eaux souterraines du bassin du Djérid (sud-ouest tunisien) a permis de comprendre les relations entre les différents niveaux du système aquifère dans ce bassin. Elle a montré que l'eau de l'aquifère profond du Complexe Terminal (CT), vraisemblablement peu circulante, a été rechargée sous un paléoclimat plus froid. De nos jours, cette eau couvre à elle seule la quasi-totalité des besoins en eau d'irrigation des palmeraies de la région. Le surplus d'eau d'irrigation alimente la nappe phréatique logée dans les formations sableuses du Plio-Quaternaire. Cette dernière présente un intérêt secondaire de point de vue quantitatif, mais son influence se situe au niveau de sa contribution à la recharge de la nappe profonde du CT. En effet, l'eau de retour d'irrigation de la nappe phréatique, évaporée et équilibrée avec le CO₂ atmosphérique conduit, par endroits, à un rajeunissement apparent et à un enrichissement en isotopes stables des eaux de la nappe du CT.     

Natural Protection Against Groundwater Pollution by Nitrates in the Central Valley of Chile/Protection Naturelle Contre la Pollution des Eaux Souterraines par les Nitrates Dans la Vallée Centrale du Chili

Abstract

The Central Valley of Chile is a zone of intensive agricultural activity. Historically, in this zone, large amounts of fertilizers have been applied and low technological level irrigation methods have been used. Contrary to what might be expected, the existing aquifers in the Central Valley do not contain significant nitrate that could be associated with agricultural activity. This situation leads one to infer the existence of favourable conditions for the occurrence of natural attenuating processes such as denitrification. Favourable conditions may be related to the particular soil and climatic conditions, and/or the structure and dynamics of the existing aquifers.     

Spatial distribution of resistivity in the hydrogeological systems,and identification of the catchment area in the Rharb basin,Morocco / Répartition spatiale de la résistivité dans les systèmes hydrogéologiques et détection des zones de captages dans le bassin du Rharb,Maroc

Abstract

Abstract Geophysical results obtained in the Rharb basin, Morocco are reported. Correlations between hydrogeological well logs reveal several water-bearing Plio-Quaternary units resting on a substrate of blue marls. Geo-electrical borehole analyses were interpreted using bi-logarithmic diagrams which indicate the permeable layers of the aquifer and also its basement. Resistivity data from NE–SW and NW–SE electrical sections allow definition of the permeable/impermeable levels, and identification of ?ditches? that may be favourable sectors for hydrogeological exploitation. Resistivity anomalies were investigated by analysing maps of resistivity at 400 and 1000 m AB. Anomalies identified in the Rharb basin are related to the thickening of the permeable bodies (sand, limestone, sandstone deposits). In the coastal zone (AB = 1000 m), there is a strong decrease of the resistivity gradient (35–10 Ω m), which is probably linked to marine intrusion. Electrical anomalies allow detection of the water-bearing zones notably in the western and southwestern parts of the Rharb basin.