Stratigraphic and structural controls on groundwater flow in an outcropping fossil fan delta: the case of Sant Llorenç del Munt range (NE Spain)
Journal Article
·
· Hydrogeology Journal
- Universidad Católica de Temuco, Escuela de Ingeniería de Procesos Industriales, Facultad de Ingeniería (Chile)
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, Departament d’Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental (Spain)
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Unitat d’Estratigrafia, Departament de Geologia, Facultat de Ciències (Spain)
- Universitat de Girona, and Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Grup de Geologia Aplicada i Ambiental (GAiA), Centre de Recerca en Geologia i Cartografia Ambiental - Geocamb, Dep. de Ciències Ambientals (Spain)
Hydrogeological models of mountain regions present the opportunity to understand the role of geological factors on groundwater resources. The effects of sedimentary facies and fracture distribution on groundwater flow and resource exploitation studied in the ancient fan delta of Sant Llorenç de Munt (central Catalonia, Spain) by integrating geological field observations (using sequence stratigraphy methods) and hydrogeological data (pumping tests, hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes). A comprehensive analysis of data portrays the massif as a single unit, constituted by different compartments determined by specific layers and sets of fractures. Two distinct flow systems—local and regional—are identified based on pumping test analysis as well as hydrochemical and isotopic data. Drawdown curves derived from pumping tests indicate that the behavior of the saturated layers, whose main porosity is given by the fracture network, corresponds to a confined aquifer. Pumping tests also reflect a double porosity within the system and the occurrence of impervious boundaries that support a compartmentalized model for the whole aquifer system. Hydrochemical data and associated spatial evolution show the result of water–rock interaction along the flow lines. Concentration of magnesium, derived from dolomite dissolution, is a tracer of the flow-path along distinct stratigraphic units. Water stable isotopes indicate that evaporation (near a 5% loss) occurs in a thick unsaturated zone within the massif before infiltration reaches the water table. The hydrogeological analysis of this outcropping system provides a methodology for the conceptualization of groundwater flow in similar buried systems where logging and hydrogeological information are scarce.
- OSTI ID:
- 22780903
- Journal Information:
- Hydrogeology Journal, Journal Name: Hydrogeology Journal Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 25; ISSN 1431-2174
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Hydrogeology of the northern segment of the Edwards aquifer, Austin region, Texas
Hydrochemistry and hydrogeologic conditions within the Hanford Site upper basalt confined aquifer system
Substantiation of hydrogeological models of groundwater reservoirs of multiple aquifier systems under complex hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions
Book
·
Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1989
·
OSTI ID:5000125
Hydrochemistry and hydrogeologic conditions within the Hanford Site upper basalt confined aquifer system
Technical Report
·
Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1995
·
OSTI ID:111944
Substantiation of hydrogeological models of groundwater reservoirs of multiple aquifier systems under complex hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions
Journal Article
·
Thu May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986
· Water Resour. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
·
OSTI ID:7094956