Hydrogeological research on intensively exploited deep aquifers in the ‘Loma de Úbeda’ area (Jaén, southern Spain)

The intensive use of groundwater for irrigation in the area of Úbeda (‘Loma de Úbeda’, Jaén, southern Spain) has transformed an area of traditionally rain-fed dry farmland into fields with some of the highest olive oil productivity in the world. Early hydrogeological research studies, initiated just after the beginning of the groundwater exploitation, revealed that the water was collected from three different overlapping aquifers occupying an area of over 1,100 km², with the lower aquifers located at depths from 300 to over 700 m in an area of 440 km². Multidisciplinary research, based on geological characterization, and piezometric, hydrochemical and isotopic data, has led to a conceptual model of functioning in this complex hydrogeological system. The proposed model allows for the identification of the recharge areas, and the discharge, which is at present mainly associated with the groundwater pumping. Areas of mixing of waters from the different aquifers and the main hydrogeochemical processes affecting groundwater quality are described.     

Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater origin of the Basses-Laurentides sedimentary rock aquifer system, St. Lawrence Lowlands, Québec, Canada

A comprehensive hydrogeochemical study was carried out in the Paleozoic Basses-Laurentides sedimentary rock aquifer system in Québec over a 1500 km² study area. Groundwater samples were collected at 153 sites, characterizing all geological and hydrogeological units to a maximum depth of 140 m. Groundwater was analyzed for major, minor and trace inorganic constituents, stable isotopes δ ²H, δ ¹⁸O, and δ ¹³C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and some samples were analyzed for ³H, and ¹⁴C of DIC. The regional distribution of groundwater types shows that the hydrogeological conditions exert a dominant control on the major ions chemistry of groundwater. Preferential recharge areas are characterized by tritiated Ca-Mg-HCO₃ groundwater, and confined conditions by submodern Na-HCO₃ and Na-Cl groundwater types. Two groundwater end-members are identified in the aquifer system, modern meteoric water and Pleistocene Champlain Sea water. The region displays significant variations of groundwater geochemistry and quality controlled by glaciation, Champlain Sea invasion, lithological rock diversity, and flow system scales. This situation leads to varied groundwater types and origins within a restricted area.     

Groundwater flow modelling of multi-aquifer systems for regional resources evaluation: the Gdansk hydrogeological system, Poland

In order to evaluate groundwater regional resources, a mathematical model of the Gdansk hydrogeological system (Poland) was developed. The research area covers about 2,800 km². Groundwater occurs in Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene formations. The recharge zone is situated in the glacial upland of the Kashubian Lake District. The discharge zone spreads over the lowlands of Gdansk and beneath the Bay of Gdansk (Baltic Sea). The MODFLOW program was used to develop a three-dimensional steady-state model on the basis of data from over 1,700 boreholes. The research area was digitalized as a square network of sides 200 m in length. Simplification of groundwater occurrence allowed four aquifers to be distinguished: upper Pleistocene, Pleistocene-Miocene, Oligocene-Eocene, and Cretaceous and also four intervening aquitards. The mathematical model calculations showed that the system is recharged mainly by precipitation (infiltration recharge is 136 mm/year). The precipitation recharge amounts to 1,045,440 m³/day. The other part of the inflow constitutes lateral flows from beyond the area of research and also to some extent from losing rivers and lakes. The runoff from the system takes place mainly through gaining streams and through lateral outflow including under-sea and lake discharge.     

Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability in Upper Betwa River Watershed using GIS based DRASTIC Model

Groundwater, the most vital water resource being used for irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes is nowadays under severe threat of contamination. Groundwater contamination risk assessment is an effective tool for groundwater management. In the study, a DRASTIC model which is based on the seven hydrogeological parameters viz: depth of water, net-recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of vadose zone and hydraulic conductivity was used to evaluate the groundwater pollution potentiality of upper Betwa watershed. ArcGIS was used to create the ground water vulnerability map by overlaying the seven layers. Based on groundwater vulnerability map, the watershed has been divided in three vulnerable zones viz; low vulnerability zone with 42.83 km² of area, moderate with 369.21 km² area and high having 270.96 km² of area. Furthermore, the DRASTIC model has been validated by nitrate concentration over the area. Results of validation have shown that in low vulnerable zone, no nitrate contamination has been recorded. While in the moderate zone nitrate has been found in the range of 1.6-10ppm. However, in high vulnerable zone 11-40ppm of nitrate concentration in groundwater has been recorded, which proves that the DRASTIC model is applicable for the prediction of groundwater vulnerability in the watershed and in similar areas too.     

Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones using Remote Sensing and GIS of K-J Watershed,India

Groundwater potential zone mapping has become easier with the inputs from Remote Sensing (RS) & Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. Various thematic maps like geology, geomorphology, drainage density, slope, landuse/landcover etc can be easily generated through RS & GIS. The present study is aimed at generating groundwater potential map of Koshalya-Jhajhara (K-J) watershed by using integrated approach of RS & GIS. Various thematic layers have been generated and assigned weightages and ranks. These layers have been integrated in GIS software for generating Groundwater Potential Zone (GPZ) map of K-J watershed. The area falls into five categories of groundwater potential zones i.e. very good, good, moderate, poor and very Poor depending on the likelihood of availability of ground water. On the basis of this study it is found that only 5.83 km² and 4.91 km² area is under very good and good category of groundwater availability respectively. An area of 24.48 km² is found under moderate category whereas dominant portion of K-J watershed i.e. 61.83 km² and 37.87 km² area falls under poor and very poor category of availability of groundwater respectively.     

Hydrogeology and groundwater management in a coastal granitic area with steep slopes in Galicia (Spain)

Groundwater availability, management and protection are great challenges for the sustainability of groundwater resources in the scattered rural areas of the Atlantic regions of Europe where groundwater is the only option for water supply. This report presents a hydrogeological study of the coastal granitic area of Oia in northwestern Spain, which has unique geomorphological and hydrogeological features with steep slopes favoring the erosion of the weathered granite. The hydrogeological conceptual model of the study area includes: (1) the regolith layer, which is present only in the flat summit of the mountains; (2) the slope debris and the colluvial deposits, which are present in the intermediate and lowest parts of the hillside; (3) the marine terrace; and (4) the underlying fractured granite. Groundwater recharge from rainfall infiltration varies spatially due to variations in terrain slope, geology and land use. The mean annual recharge estimated with a hydrological water balance model ranges from 75 mm in the steepest zone to 135 mm in the lowest flat areas. Groundwater flows mostly through the regolith and the detrital formations, which have the largest hydraulic conductivities. Groundwater discharges in seepage areas, springs, along the main creeks and into the sea. The conceptual hydrogeological model has been implemented in a groundwater flow model, which later has been used to select the best pumping scenario. Model results show that the future water needs for domestic and tourist water supply can be safely provided with eight pumping wells with a maximum pumping rate of 700 m³/day.

     

Assessment of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S emission hazards into tunnels: the Nosoud tunnel case study from Iran

The presence of a gassy ground condition is an important problem in tunneling. In this study, the effects of groundwater H₂S and CH₄ emissions are investigated and characterized together with the factors that created these conditions in Nosoud tunnel in Iran. Through the geological investigations, the presence of these gasses was not detected prior to the construction of the tunnel. Groundwater sampling indicated that about 1 L of H₂S is released per 100 L of the water inflow into the Nosoud tunnel under normal conditions. However, the volume of the released gas was varying with the changes in the groundwater discharge rate. Thus, estimation of groundwater inflow into the tunnel is necessary for predicting the volume of gas emission. Based on the experience of the Nosoud tunnel excavations, there are several geological and hydrogeological factors that must be considered as the indicators of gas emissions during tunneling. Considering the importance of ground water gas emission into the tunnels located in gassy conditions, the present work was conducted to predict the H₂S seepage before the excavation using geological and hydrogeological indicators.     

Groundwater resources in the Jabal Al Hass region,northwest Syria: an assessment of past use and future potential

In many cases, the development of groundwater resources to boost agricultural production in dry areas has led to a continuous decline in groundwater levels; this has called into question the sustainability of such exploitation. In developing countries, limited budgets and scarce hydrological data often do not allow groundwater resources to be assessed through groundwater modeling. A case study is presented of a low-cost water-balance approach to groundwater resource assessments in a 1,550 km² semi-arid region in northwestern Syria. The past development of irrigated agriculture and its effect on the groundwater system were studied by analysis of Landsat images and long-term groundwater level changes, respectively. All components of the groundwater balance were determined. Groundwater recharge was estimated using the chloride mass balance method. Over the past three decades, groundwater levels have declined, on average, 23 m, coinciding with a two-fold increase in the groundwater-irrigated area. Groundwater resources are currently depleted by a value that lies between 9.5×10⁶ and 118×10⁶ m³ year^?1, which is larger than can be compensated for by a future decrease in natural discharge or changes in boundary conditions. However, groundwater resources are likely to be sufficient to supply domestic and livestock needs in the area.     

Conflicts between wetland conservation and groundwater exploitation: Two case histories in Spain

The problems in two Spanish national parks located on wetlands are analyzed. The hydrogeological and ecological characteristics of the two parks are somewhat different as are their respective degrees of deterioration. The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is located on the Central Plateau of Spain. It used to consist of a marshy area of about 20 km² around the confluence of two relatively small rivers. The area was marshy mainly because it was the natural discharge zone for a Tertiary aquifer system about 100 m thick extending over an area of some 5,000 km², composed of calcareous and detrital material of continental origin. The average annual recharge has been estimated at approximately 350 hm³/yr. Current groundwater withdrawal is around 450 hm³/yr, mainly used to irrigate a surface area of some 1,000 km². This overdevelopment has led to a continuous depletion of the regional water table and eventually to the drying out of the marshy area. Spontaneous combustion or fires caused by man have occurred in about 10 km² of the desiccated areas since the spring of 1986. The Doñana National Park is located on the estuary of the River Guadalquivir. The aquifer system of the Lower Guadalquivir estuary consists essentially of a permeable formation of unconsolidated Plioquaternary materials with an area of some 3,000 km². Under the marshy area (about 1,800 km²) the aquifer system is confined below low-permeability estuary deposits which can be over 100 m thick. Around most of the marshland the aquifer crops out and is recharged by rain. The Doñana National Park is over 700 km² in size, part of which is in the marshland and part in the recharge area where the aquifer is phreatic. In the 1970s Spain's largest irrigation project using groundwater, covering a surface area of 240 km², was planned in an area bordering on the national park. The initial project has been scaled down considerably as a result of protests by conservation groups. However, it seems likely that the water table depletion as a result of pumpage for irrigation could cause a large part of the ecotone situated at the contact-line between the marshland and the phreatic aquifer to disappear. This ecotone exists because it is a natural groundwater dischange area.     

Hydrogeological model of the Baltic Artesian Basin

The Baltic Artesian Basin (BAB) is a complex multi-layered hydrogeological system in the south-eastern Baltic covering about 480,000 km². The aim of this study is to develop a closed hydrogeological mathematical model for the BAB. Heterogeneous geological data from different sources were used to build the geometry of the model, i.e. geological maps and stratigraphic information from around 20,000 boreholes. The finite element method was used for the calculation of the steady-state three-dimensional (3D) flow of unconfined groundwater. The 24-layer model was divided into about 1,000,000 finite elements. A simple recharge model was applied to describe the rate of infiltration, and the discharge was set at the water-supply wells. Variable hydraulic conductivities were used for the upper (Quaternary) deposits, while constant hydraulic conductivity values were assumed for the deeper layers. The model was calibrated on the statistically weighted borehole water-level measurements, applying L-BFGS-B (automatic parameter optimization method) for the hydraulic conductivities of each layer. The principal flows inside the BAB and the integral flow parameters were analyzed. The modeling results suggest that deeper aquifers are characterized by strong southeast–northwest groundwater flow, which is altered by the local topography in the upper, active water-exchange aquifers.     

Simulated impacts of artificial groundwater recharge and discharge on the source area and source volume of an Atlantic Coastal Plain stream, Delaware, USA

A numerical groundwater-flow model was used to characterize the source area and volume of Phillips Branch, a baseflow-dominated stream incising a highly permeable unconfined aquifer on the low relief Delmarva Peninsula, USA. Particle-tracking analyses indicate that the source area (5.51 km²) is ～20% smaller than the topographically defined watershed (6.85 km²), and recharge entering ～37% of the surface watershed does not discharge to Phillips Branch. Groundwater residence time within the source volume ranges from a few days to almost 100 years, with 95% of the volume “flushing” within 50 years. Artificial discharge from groundwater pumping alters the shape of the source area and reduces baseflow due to the interception of stream flow paths, but has limited impacts on the residence time of groundwater discharged as baseflow. In contrast, artificial recharge from land-based wastewater disposal substantially reduces the source area, lowers the range in residence time due to the elimination of older flow paths to the stream, and leads to increased discharge to adjacent surface-water bodies. This research suggests that, in this and similar hydrogeologic settings, the “watershed” approach to water-resource management may be limited, particularly where anthropogenic stresses alter the transport of soluble contaminants through highly permeable unconfined aquifers.     

Influence of dune stabilization on relationship between plant diversity and productivity in Horqin Sand Land, Northern China

The city of Split has been developing continuously since the construction of the Diocletian Palace (287–305) to the present time. Detailed engineering geological investigations, with the recorded documents, have been performed since 1970. Further development and expansion of the city require an urban engineering geological map to be developed as a main prerequisite for the geotechnical and seismic zonation. In this paper a review of engineering geological conditions at the area of Split City (cca 25 km²) is given. Those conditions are interpreted on the basis of available data from geotechnical reports (about stratigraphical units, their lithological composition and physical and mechanical properties) and limited field survey. Zones with different ground conditions regarding rock properties are delineated in the form of lithological complex, engineering geological mapping units for medium-scale maps. The area of the city of Split, built of foraminifera limestones (E_1,2), clayey glauconitic limestones (E₂^1,2 E_{2}^{1,2} ), and flysch sediments (E_2,3), is divided into five lithological complexes, which presents unique combination of individual lithological type for which it is possible to indicate general behavior of the whole. The paper also provides short review of other environmental conditions (active geomorphological processes, hydrological and hydrogeological conditions, as well as seismic conditions), which are intended as a guide to the sort of environmental data that could be collected by more detailed studies during the course of the zoning process.     

Quantifying baseflow and water-quality impacts from a gravel-dominated alluvial aquifer in an urban reach of a large Canadian river

Groundwater discharge and non-point source (NPS) loading were evaluated along an urban reach of an eastern-slopes Rocky Mountains river (Bow River, Canada) to understand sources of water-quality impacts and baseflow. The discharge did not increase measurably over a 16-km reach. Groundwater in the river-connected alluvial aquifer was a mixture of river and prairie groundwater, with elevated chloride concentrations (average 379 mg L^–1) from road salt. Alluvial groundwater was the major NPS of chloride discharging to the river. Although the mass-flux based estimates of groundwater discharge were small (mean 0.02 m³ s^–1 km^–1, SD = 0.04 m³ s^–1 km^–1, n?=?30), the associated chloride mass flux over 16 km was significant (equivalent to that discharged from the city’s largest wastewater-treatment-plant effluent). Although local groundwater baseflow was previously thought to contribute significantly to overwinter baseflow in this reach, little contribution was measured in this study. Low baseflow generation is consistent with long-term river discharge data that show almost all of the baseflow generation occurs in the Rocky Mountain reach. Thus, local watershed areas are important for water-quality protection, but climate change in the headwaters is most salient to long-term flow.     

Hydrogeologic framework of the Maku area basalts, northwestern Iran

The Maku area in northwestern Iran is characterized by young lava flows which erupted from Mount Ararat in Turkey. These fractured volcanic rocks overlie alluvium associated with pre-existing rivers and form a good basalt-alluvium aquifer over an area of 650 km². Groundwater discharge occurs from 12 large springs, ranging from 20 to 4,000 L s^?1, and from some extraction wells. Permian and Oligo-Miocene age limestones along the northern boundary of the Bazargan and Poldasht Plains basalts are intensively karstified and groundwater from these high lands easily enters the basalt-alluvium aquifers. The transmissivity of the basalt-alluvium aquifer ranges from 24 to 870 m² d^?1, indicating heterogeneity. Groundwater of the aquifer is a sodium-bicarbonate and mixed cation-bicarbonate type and the concentration of fluoride is higher than the universal maximum admissible concentrations for drinking. In order to determine the chemical composition and identify the source of the high fluoride concentrations in the groundwater of the basaltic area, water samples from the springs, wells and rivers were analyzed. The results indicate that the high fluoride water enters the study area from the Sari Su River.     

京津冀地区国土资源环境地质条件分析

统计分析了京津冀地区土地资源、地下水、湿地、矿产、地热和地质景观等资源条件分布,结果显示,平原区土壤质量总体良好,良好及以上等级土壤分布面积约占平原区面积的80.89%,适宜种植绿色农产品的面积为96363 km~2,富硒耕(园)地面积为1894 km~2;地下水可开采资源总量为188亿m~3/a,但呈现空间分布不均的特征;衡水湖等五大湿地分布面积约为614 km~2,近30年来减少了35.57%;金属矿产和非金属矿产资源丰富,例如铁矿资源储量98.4亿t,铜矿资源量111.50万t,石油地质储量249635.02万t;地热资源丰富,开发利用地热资源可替代3.43亿t标准煤;地质遗迹资源丰富,约有300余处可纳入环首都国家公园规划建设。同时,分析了活动断裂与地震、地面沉降、地裂缝、崩滑流和地面塌陷、地下水污染和湿地退化等主要环境地质问题现状;在此基础上,针对城镇发展和重要基础设施建设、湿地保护与修复、地下水资源开发利用、优质耕地资源保护和地质遗迹资开发利用等方面提出了地学建议,为区域规划建设提供地质安全保障和资源保障。     

地域生态环境保护与城市规划布局中的地下水资源评价——以鄂西岗地董市幅1:50 000水文地质图数据集为例

鄂西岗地1：50 000水文地质图数据集是在董市幅实施水文地质测绘、地球物理勘探、遥感地质解译、水文地质钻探、水样品采集测试及地下水位监测与统测等工作基础上完成原始数据采集,综合前期收集资料的整理分析与最新采集数据集成编制而成。原始数据采集主要包括遥感地质解译面积450 km²,机（民）调查点226个,地质调查点125个,环境地质调查点16个,水文地质钻探孔12眼,工程地质钻探孔8眼,水样品（全分析、同位素及有机污染样）合计采集80组,丰、枯水期地下水位统测各40点次,以及机（民）井监测12点位（一个水文年监测）等,数据采集严格遵守《水文地质调查规范》（DZ/T 0282-2015）《水文水井地质钻探规程》（DZ/T 0148-2014）等规范与技术要求组织实施,保证数据的准确可靠。数据集采用MapGIS 6.7平台辅助制图,坐标系为1984年西安坐标系,投影方式为高斯-克吕格投影（6度带）。水文地质图编制是以地下水系统理论为指导,充分展现关键水文地质信息与地下水资源现状条件,为区域地下水资源开发利用远景规划与有效保护提供直接依据,能够促进长江中游生态文明建设与长江中游经济带快速发展。     

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.     

Delineation of groundwater salinization in a coastal aquifer, Bousheher, South of Iran

The geochemical processes controlling chemical composition of groundwater are studied using hydrochemical and isotopic data in Abdan-Dayer coastal plain, south of Iran. The salinity of groundwater in the coastal plain ranges from 1,000, a fresh end-member, to more than 50,000 μS cm^?1, a saline end-member. Groundwater salinity increases from the recharge area toward areas with a shallow water table close to the Persian Gulf coast due to direct evaporation and sea water intrusion as confirmed by mixing binary diagrams, stable isotope content, and Br^?/Cl^? ratio. Groundwater flow pattern in the study area has been modified due to over-pumping of groundwater in recent years which resulted in further saline water migration toward fresh water and their mixing. The maximum mixing ratio is estimated about 15% in different parts of the study area according to chloride concentration.     

川西甘孜地区活动断裂与地质灾害分布相关性探讨

活动断裂带的地质灾害效应是工程地质与地质灾害领域研究的重要内容.川西甘孜地区位于青藏高原东南缘,区内新构造运动强烈,地质灾害频繁发生,对人类生命财产安全造成威胁,对社会生活和经济建设起到了破坏作用.文章从活动断裂与地质灾害点空间分布之间关系进行分析研究,总结出两者在空间分布的规律.认为活动断裂是川西甘孜地区地质灾害孕育...