Changes in sources and storage in a karst aquifer during a transition from drought to wet conditions

Wong, C. I.; Mahler, Barbara J.; Musgrove, MaryLynn; Banner, Jay L.

doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.08.030

Cited by 38 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 44 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This suggests that recharge to units of both aquifers occurred with similar timing and at constant relative magnitudes (i.e., similar ratio of Edwards vs. Trinity recharge through time) at Ruby Ranch. Rapid recharge in response to changes in meteorological conditions (Mahler and Massei ; Wong et al ) and fast lateral groundwater travel times (Hauwert ) have previously been documented in the Edwards, but have not been investigated in the Trinity. This study, however, has provided evidence that surface water is actively recharging the Middle Trinity (Figure B) and head pressure is laterally disseminated within a short time frame (i.e., months) (Figure B).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Central Texas is characterized by a sub‐humid to semi‐arid climate with hot summers and mild winters (Larkin and Bomar ) and has an average annual rainfall of 860 mm and a range of 390 to 1370 mm (1856 to 2010; National Climate Data Center ). Groundwater in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer is sensitive to changes in meteorological conditions, which often cycle between wet and dry intervals (Wong et al ). Drought conditions, as quantified by the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), ranged from −6 (extreme drought) to 3 (very moist) during the study interval (February 2008 to July 2011; Figure ) (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ).…”

Section: Project Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Groundwater in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer is sensitive to changes in meteorological conditions, which NGWA.org C.I. Wong et al Groundwater 52, often cycle between wet and dry intervals (Wong et al 2012). Drought conditions, as quantified by the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), ranged from −6 (extreme drought) to 3 (very moist) during the study interval (February 2008 to July 2011; Figure 2) (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2012).…”

Section: Climate Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Investigating Groundwater Flow Between Edwards and Trinity Aquifers in Central Texas

et al. 2013

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Understanding the nature of communication between aquifers can be challenging when using traditional physical and geochemical groundwater sampling approaches. This study uses two multiport wells completed within Edwards and Trinity aquifers in central Texas to determine the degree of groundwater inter-flow between adjacent aquifers. Potentiometric surfaces, hydraulic conductivities, and groundwater major ion concentrations and Sr isotope values were measured from multiple zones within three hydrostratigraphic units (Edwards and Upper and Middle Trinity aquifers). Physical and geochemical data from the multiport wells were combined with historical measurements of groundwater levels and geochemical compositions from the region to characterize groundwater flow and identify controls on the geochemical compositions of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. Our results suggest that vertical groundwater flow between Edwards and Middle Trinity aquifers is likely limited by low permeability, evaporite-rich units within the Upper and Middle Trinity. Potentiometric surface levels in both aquifers vary with changes in wet vs. dry conditions, indicating that recharge to both aquifers occurs through distinct recharge areas. Geochemical compositions in the Edwards, Upper, and Middle Trinity aquifers are distinct and likely reflect groundwater interaction with different lithologies (e.g., carbonates, evaporites, and siliceous sediments) as opposed to mixing of groundwater between the aquifers. These results have implications for the management of these aquifers as they indicate that, under current conditions, pumping of either aquifer will likely not induce vertical cross-formational flow between the aquifers. Inter-flow between the Trinity and the Edwards aquifers, however, should be reevaluated as pumping patterns and hydrogeologic conditions change.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Project Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Climate Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Investigating Groundwater Flow Between Edwards and Trinity Aquifers in Central Texas

et al. 2013

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Within the aquifer-aquitard sandwich, fast conduit groundwater flow, which is typical for karstified carbonate rocks (Wong et al, 2012), likely takes place in the moTK-1 and partially in the moM-1 aquifer storeys, whereas slow diffusion in slightly fractured, thin aquifers beds is anticipated in the moM-2 to moM-9 aquifer storeys. Confined diffuse flow is considered laminar and takes place in interparticle pores and fractures of dense limestones with low primary porosity (Smart and Hobbs, 1986).…”

Section: Modes Of Groundwater Flowmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aquifer configuration and geostructural links control the groundwater quality in thin-bedded carbonate–siliciclastic alternations of the Hainich CZE, central Germany

Kohlhepp

Lehmann

Seeber

et al. 2017

Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci.

105

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. The quality of near-surface groundwater reservoirs is controlled, but also threatened, by manifold surfacesubsurface interactions. Vulnerability studies typically evaluate the variable interplay of surface factors (land management, infiltration patterns) and subsurface factors (hydrostratigraphy, flow properties) in a thorough way, but disregard the resulting groundwater quality. Conversely, hydrogeochemical case studies that address the chemical evolution of groundwater often lack a comprehensive analysis of the structural buildup. In this study, we aim to reconstruct the actual spatial groundwater quality pattern from a synoptic analysis of the hydrostratigraphy, lithostratigraphy, pedology and land use in the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory (Hainich CZE). This CZE represents a widely distributed yet scarcely described setting of thin-bedded mixed carbonatesiliciclastic strata in hillslope terrains. At the eastern Hainich low-mountain hillslope, bedrock is mainly formed by alternated marine sedimentary rocks of the Upper Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic) that partly host productive groundwater resources. Spatial patterns of the groundwater quality of a 5.4 km long well transect are derived by principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Aquifer stratigraphy and geostructural links were deduced from lithological drill core analysis, mineralogical analysis, geophysical borehole logs and mapping data. Maps of preferential recharge zones and recharge potential were deduced from digital (soil) mapping, soil survey data and field measurements of soil hydraulic conductivities (K s ). By attributing spatially variable surface and subsurface conditions, we were able to reconstruct groundwater quality clusters that reflect the type of land management in their preferential recharge areas, aquifer hydraulic conditions and cross-formational exchange via caprock sinkholes or ascending flow. Generally, the aquifer configuration (spatial arrangement of strata, valley incision/outcrops) and related geostructural links (enhanced recharge areas, karst phenomena) control the role of surface factors (input quality and locations) vs. subsurface factors (water-rock interaction, cross-formational flow) for groundwater quality in the multi-layered aquifer system. Our investigation reveals general properties of alternating sequences in hillslope terrains that are prone to forming multilayered aquifer systems. This synoptic analysis is fundamental and indispensable for a mechanistic understanding of ecological functioning, sustainable resource management and protection.

show abstract

“…Inverse modelling was carried out using the geochemical modelling program 5,6 , which simulates combinations of endmembers proportions and amounts (i.e. meq) of minerals and gas mole transfers that are responsible for the differences in composition between water.…”

Section: Phreeqc Model Setupmentioning

confidence: 99%

Attenuation capacity of a coastal aquifer under managed recharge by reclaimed wastewater

Christodoulou¹,

Dokou

Tzoraki

et al. 2013

SPIE Proceedings

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is becoming an increasingly attractive water management option, especially in semiarid areas. Nevertheless, field studies on the fate and transport of priority substances, heavy metals and pharmaceutical products within the recharged aquifer are rare. Based on the above, the objective of this project is to study the hydrological conditions of the coastal aquifer of Ezousa (Cyprus) and its ability to attenuate pollutants. The Ezousa riverbed is a locally important aquifer used for a MAR project where treated effluent from the Paphos Waste Water Treatment Plant is recharged into the aquifer through a number of artificial ponds along the riverbed. Additionally, groundwater is pumped for irrigation purposes from wells located nearby. The hydrological conditions of the area are unique due to the construction of the Kannaviou dam in 2005 that reduced natural recharge of the Ezousa aquifer significantly, inducing the saltwater intrusion phenomenon. A three-dimensional finite element model of the area was constructed using the FEFLOW software to simulate the groundwater flow conditions and transport of Phosphorous and cooper in the subsurface from the recharge process. The model was calibrated using hydraulic head and chemical data for the time period of 2002-2011. The groundwater model was coupled with a geochemical model PHREEQC attempting to evaluate nitrate and Copper processes. Inverse modeling calculation was used to determine sets of moles transfers of phases that are attributed to the water composition change in groundwater between the mixture of natural groundwater and reclaimed wastewater and the final water composition.

show abstract

Changes in sources and storage in a karst aquifer during a transition from drought to wet conditions

Cited by 38 publications

References 44 publications

Investigating Groundwater Flow Between Edwards and Trinity Aquifers in Central Texas

Investigating Groundwater Flow Between Edwards and Trinity Aquifers in Central Texas

Aquifer configuration and geostructural links control the groundwater quality in thin-bedded carbonate–siliciclastic alternations of the Hainich CZE, central Germany

Attenuation capacity of a coastal aquifer under managed recharge by reclaimed wastewater

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About