scholarly journals The Montellina Spring as an Example of Water Circulation in an Alpine DSGSD Context (NW Italy)

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Antonio De Luca ◽  
Elena Cerino Abdin ◽  
Maria Gabriella Forno ◽  
Marco Gattiglio ◽  
Franco Gianotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tracer Tests ◽  
Open Fractures ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Hydrogeological Model ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
High Discharge ◽  
Glacial Sediments ◽  
Geological Setting ◽  
Glacial Cover ◽  
Nw Italy

Alpine areas, with normally fissured bedrock outcrops, do not typically contain important hydrologic reservoirs, except for small aquifers located in Quaternary sediments. By contrast, mountainous areas affected by deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD), especially if covered by glacial sediments, contain large aquifers and are consequently promising for water exploitation. This last geological setting is observed, for example, in the lower Dora Baltea Valley (near the confluence with the Renanchio Basin) in which the Montellina Spring is located and exhibits a very high discharge. A multidisciplinary approach (detailed geological survey of the bedrock and Quaternary cover, as well as hydrogeological research based on tracer tests, hydrochemical analyses, and water balance studies) was used, allowing for a reconstruction of the geological and hydrogeological setting of the investigated area, also considering its environmental implications. The consequent hydrogeological model derives from the coexistence of some factors. In detail, the thick glacial cover, widespread in the intermediate sector of the slope, represents an important aquifer with a slow groundwater flow to the spring. The buried glacial valley floor, hosting this cover, can convey the groundwater from the high Renanchio Basin zone towards the low sector. The loosened bedrock of the low sector, consequent to DSGSD phenomena, favors the concentration of groundwater along the contact with the underlying normal fissured bedrock outcropping at the base of the slope. Finally, the flow until the spring essentially takes place through N100° trend open fractures and trenches. Part of the Montellina Spring discharge is also fed by the low Renanchio Stream, as highlighted by fluorescein tests, essentially using NE-SW oriented open fractures on the bedrock. The results of the investigation on the Montellina Spring can provide some insight regarding the hydrological potential of other alpine areas with a similar geological setting.

scholarly journals Combining implicit geological modeling, field surveys, and hydrogeological modeling to describe groundwater flow in a karst aquifer

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 2779-2802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando M. D’Affonseca ◽  
Michael Finkel ◽  
Olaf A. Cirpka
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Flow ◽  
Karst Aquifer ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Tracer Tests ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Geological Modeling ◽  
Hydrogeological Model ◽  
Geological Interpretation ◽  
Elevation Data ◽  
Contact Data

AbstractIn three-dimensional (3-D) implicit geological modeling, the bounding surfaces between geological units are automatically constructed from lithological contact data (position and orientation) and the location and orientation of potential faults. This approach was applied to conceptualize a karst aquifer in the Middle Triassic Muschelkalk Formation in southwest Germany, using digital elevation data, geological maps, borehole logs, and geological interpretation. Dip and strike measurements as well as soil-gas surveys of mantel-borne CO2 were conducted to verify the existence of an unmapped fault. Implicit geological modeling allowed the straightforward assessment of the geological framework and rapid updates with incoming data. Simultaneous 3-D visualizations of the sedimentary units, tectonic features, hydraulic heads, and tracer tests provided insights into the karst-system hydraulics and helped guide the formulation of the conceptual hydrogeological model. The 3-D geological model was automatically translated into a numerical single-continuum steady-state groundwater model that was calibrated to match measured hydraulic heads, spring discharge rates, and flow directions observed in tracer tests. This was possible only by introducing discrete karst conduits, which were implemented as high-conductivity features in the numerical model. The numerical groundwater flow model was applied to initially assess the risk from limestone quarrying to local water supply wells with the help of particle tracking.

scholarly journals Rapid accretion of dissolved organic carbon in the springs of Florida: the most organic-poor natural waters

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 4051-4057 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Duarte ◽  
Y. T. Prairie ◽  
T. K. Frazer ◽  
M. V. Hoyer ◽  
S. K. Notestein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Organic Carbon ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Natural Waters ◽  
Gross Primary Production ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
High Discharge ◽  
Discharge Rates ◽  
Receiving Waters ◽  
Flowing Waters

Abstract. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in groundwater emanating as spring discharge at several locations in Florida, USA and the net increase in DOC in the downstream receiving waters were measured as part of a larger investigation of carbon dynamics in flowing waters. Springs with high discharge (>2.8 m3 s−1) were found to be the most organic-poor natural waters yet reported (13 ± 1.6 μmol C L−1), while springs with lesser discharge exhibited somewhat higher DOC concentrations (values ranging from 30 to 77 μmol C L−1). DOC concentrations increased rapidly downstream from the point of spring discharge, with the calculated net areal input rate of DOC ranging from 0.04 to 1.64 mol C m−2 d−1 across springs. Rates of DOC increase were generally greater in those springs with high discharge rates. These input rates compare favorably with values reported for gross primary production in these macrophyte-dominated spring systems, assuming that 17% of macrophyte primary production is lost, on average, as DOC. The measures reported here are possible only because of the remarkably low DOC levels in the up-surging groundwaters and the short residency times of the water in the spring-runs themselves.

scholarly journals Rapid accretion of dissolved organic carbon in the Springs of Florida: the most organic-poor natural waters

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 5253-5267
Author(s):  
C. M. Duarte ◽  
R. Martínez ◽  
Y. T. Prairie ◽  
T. K. Frazer ◽  
M. V. Hoyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Dissolved Organic Carbon ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Natural Waters ◽  
Gross Primary Production ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
High Discharge ◽  
Discharge Rates ◽  
Receiving Waters ◽  
Flowing Waters

Abstract. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in groundwater emanating as spring discharge at several locations in Florida, USA, and the net rate of DOC increase in the downstream receiving waters were measured as part of a larger investigation of carbon dynamics in flowing waters. Springs with high discharge (>2.8 m3 s−1) were found to be the most organic-poor natural waters yet reported (13 ±1.6 μmol C L−1), while springs with lesser discharge exhibited somewhat higher DOC concentrations (values ranging from 30 to 77 μmol C L−1). DOC concentrations increased rapidly downstream from the point of spring discharge, with the calculated net areal input rate of DOC ranging from 0.04 to 1.64 mol C m−2 d−1 across springs. Rates of DOC increase were generally greater in those springs with high discharge rates. These input rates compare favorably with values reported for gross primary production in these macrophyte-dominated spring systems, assuming that 17% of macrophyte primary production is lost, on average, as DOC. The measures reported here are possible only because of the remarkably low DOC levels in the up-surging groundwaters and the short residency times of the water in the spring-runs themselves.

scholarly journals Hydrogeological characterization of peculiar Apenninic springs

2014 ◽  
Vol 364 ◽  
pp. 333-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Cervi ◽  
M. Marcaccio ◽  
F. Petronici ◽  
L. Borgatti
Keyword(s):  
Low Flow ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Groundwater Balance ◽  
High Discharge ◽  
Hydrogeological Characteristics ◽  
Discharge Monitoring ◽  
The One ◽  
Annual Discharge

Abstract. In the northern Apennines of Italy, springs are quite widespread over the slopes. Due to the outcropping of low-permeability geologic units, they are generally characterized by low-yield capacities and high discharge variability during the hydrologic year. In addition, low-flow periods (discharge lower than 1 Ls-1) reflect rainfall and snowmelt distribution and generally occur in summer seasons. These features strongly condition the management for water-supply purposes, making it particularly complex. The "Mulino delle Vene" springs (420 m a.s.l., Reggio Emilia Province, Italy) are one of the largest in the Apennines for mean annual discharge and dynamic storage and are considered as the main water resource in the area. They flow out from several joints and fractures at the bottom of an arenite rock mass outcrop in the vicinity of the Tresinaro River. To date, these springs have not yet been exploited, as the knowledge about the hydrogeological characteristics of the aquifer and their hydrological behaviour is not fully achieved. This study aims to describe the recharge processes and to define the hydrogeological boundaries of the aquifer. It is based on river and spring discharge monitoring and groundwater balance assessment carried out during the period 2012–2013. Results confirm the effectiveness of the approach, as it allowed the total aliquot of discharge of the springs to be assessed. Moreover, by comparing the observed discharge volume with the one calculated with the groundwater balance, the aquifer has been identified with the arenite slab (mean altitude of 580 m a.s.l.), extended about 5.5 km2 and located 1 km west of the monitored springs.

scholarly journals Study on the water supply of the Montellina Spring by the Renanchio Stream (Quincinetto, Turin)

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Lasagna ◽  
Domenico Antonio De Luca ◽  
Paolo Clemente ◽  
Giovanna Antonella Dino ◽  
M. Gabriella Forno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydroelectric Plant ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Tracer Tests ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Fluorescent Tracer ◽  
Stream Discharge ◽  
Spring Area ◽  
Analytical Assessment ◽  
The Relationship

Tracer tests were utilised in an area of northwester Italy, in order to evaluate the hydrogeological relationship between the drinking water Montellina Spring and the Renanchio Stream, likely feeding the spring. The project of a derivation from the stream for an hydroelectric plant could affect the water regime of the spring. So an analytical assessment of the connection existing between the stream and the spring was required. Moreover, a geological survey of the spring area was carried out, with the aim to reconstruct the geological and hydrogeological context. The large amount of groundwater in the basin is linked to a high permeability of the shallow rock mass. The concentration of supplies to the spring is due to morphological reasons and the occurrence of major fractures that carry also a part of the losses of the stream. The purposes of the study are the evaluation of: the losses (l/s) of stream feeding the spring, the percentage of water of the stream that reaches the spring and the percentage of the spring discharge supplied by the stream. The hydrogeological surveys consisted of sodium-chloride tracer tests for the measurement of the stream discharge and of the overflow of the spring, and tracer tests of the stream with fluorescent tracer. The surveys were conducted in three measurement campaigns for different flows of the stream. Findings indicate that, despite the large variation of stream discharge and stream losses, the discharge of spring remains fairly steady and scarcely supplied by the stream. The case study, besides increasing the knowledge about this area, unusual for the hydrogeological features, provides a methodological approach to the evaluation of the relationship between rivers and groundwater.

scholarly journals Comparison between Periodic Tracer Tests and Time-Series Analysis to Assess Mid- and Long-Term Recharge Model Changes Due to Multiple Strong Seismic Events in Carbonate Aquifers

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3073
Author(s):  
Davide Fronzi ◽  
Diego Di Curzio ◽  
Sergio Rusi ◽  
Daniela Valigi ◽  
Alberto Tazioli
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Time Series Analysis ◽  
Tracer Tests ◽  
Seismic Events ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Massif Central ◽  
Carbonate Aquifers ◽  
Series Analysis ◽  
Hydrodynamic Behaviour

Understanding the groundwater flow in carbonate aquifers represents a challenging aspect in hydrogeology, especially when they have been struck by strong seismic events. It has been proved that large earthquakes change springs hydrodynamic behaviour showing transitory or long-lasting variations and making their management much more difficult. This is the case of Sibillini Massif (central Italy), which has been hit by the well-known 2016–2017 seismic period. This work aims to improve the knowledge of carbonate aquifers groundwater circulation and their possible changes in the hydrodynamic behaviour, during and after a series of strong seismic events. The goal has been achieved by comparing long-time tracer tests and transient time-series analysis, based on a sliding-window approach. This approach allowed investigating transient variations in the carbonate aquifers recharge system, highlighting the changes of relationships between the inflow contributions to the spring discharge in the area. As a result, the seismically triggered pore pressure distribution, and the hydraulic conductivity variations, because of the ground shaking and the fault systems activation, account for all the mid- and long-term modifications in the recharge system of Sibillini aquifers, respectively. These outcomes provide valuable insights to the knowledge of aquifer response under similar hydrogeological conditions, that are vital for water management.

scholarly journals Spring recharge and groundwater flow patterns in flysch aquifer in the Połonina Wetlińska Massif in the Carpathian Mountains

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 819-833
Author(s):  
Karolina Mostowik ◽  
Damian Krzyczman ◽  
Eliza Płaczkowska ◽  
Bartłomiej Rzonca ◽  
Janusz Siwek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Response Time ◽  
Groundwater Flow ◽  
Flow Patterns ◽  
Specific Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Spring Discharge ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
High Discharge ◽  
Eastern Carpathians

AbstractFlysch-type aquifers in the Eastern Carpathians usually feed periodic and low-discharge springs. However, in some areas, such as in the upper part of the Połonina Wetlińska Massif, perennial springs with a relatively high discharge were identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify recharge and groundwater flow patterns of three high-discharge springs based on the response of spring discharge to rainfall and on the relationship between specific electrical conductivity of water and spring discharge. The relation between spring discharge and rainfall was investigated by cross-correlation analyses. Generally, cumulative rainfall over a period from 10 days to 3 months is most strongly correlated with discharge; however, the response time of spring discharge varies throughout the year. Faster response to rainfall occurs in the spring after snowmelt, while in the summer and autumn months the response time increases. Two flow systems were identified: 1) a relatively deep, fissure-pore flow system with a long response time to precipitation and 2) a shallow, fissure-dominated system with a short response time, which is superimposed on the longer response. A small range of specific electrical conductivity combined with the varying discharge of two springs suggests that dilution of groundwater by rainwater does not play a significant role. The differences in the studied springs’ response to rainfall can be attributed to the recharge area, regolith features and local bedrock structures, i.e. occurrence of joints and faults, monoclinal dip of rock layers and gravitational slope deformations including ridge-top trenches, which, thus far, have been underestimated in determining groundwater storage capacity in the flysch part of the Carpathians.

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