Analysis of hydrogeological data of aquifers requires assessment of multiple variables and this is difficult to visualise in a single map with commonly used techniques. Ring maps are presented in this paper as a useful option to overcome this limitation.Four alluvial aquifers from Central Italy were assessed and are presented as case studies, evaluating the hydrogeological setting, the groundwater chemistry and the distribution of representative contaminants (Boron, Iron, Manganese and Nitrates). The final result is a graphical representation showing the ring maps, which simultaneously depict 12 numerical variables and two other variables: the geographical position and the main lithological properties of the aquifers.The research indicates that coastal alluvial aquifers show higher contamination when compared to the intramontane alluvial aquifers. Boron is exclusively present in the coastal alluvial aquifers where maximum concentrations are associated with the uprising of deeper saline groundwater with a chloride-sodium chemistry. Iron and manganese are generally associated and their presence is inversely correlated to that of nitrates. The presence of Nitrates is less common in the intramontane aquifers.The ring maps presented in this paper have been effectively used as a geovisualisation tool for multivariate hydrogeological and environmental data. The technique simultaneously and clearly shows several variables in one single graphical representation.
This chapter investigates role of cartography and geovisualization in quantitative hydrogeology and groundwater modeling processes, stressing, further to their communication role, their relevant impacts on cognitive processes in the framework of a spatial exploratory paradigm. Review of current methods and tools reveal a very fragmented framework with an undesired prevalence of loose coupling strategies among spatial databases, GISs, and advanced analysis and groundwater modeling environments. This approach leads to both technical (as data integrity failure and exponentially increased development times) and management effectiveness problems. Case studies, focused on water supply at regional scale and groundwater flow containment for environmental remediation, document both benefits and shortcomings of current practice, including advanced issues as 3D and time-dependent analysis. Definitely, following current trends in GIScience towards standardization and interoperability, requirements for seamless integration of different approaches and tools are further stressed.
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