Radioacarbon in dissolved organic carbon, a possible groundwater dating method: Case studies from western Canada
- Univ. of Waterloo, Ontario (Canada)
- National Hydrology Research Inst., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)
- Gesellschaft fuer Strahlen- und Umweltforschung mbH Muenchen, Neuherberg (West Germany)
This paper explores the feasibility of using {sup 14}C in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as an alternative isotopic groundwater dating method. Two hydrogeologically contrasting groundwater systems were tested; the Cretaceous age Milk River aquifer, and low-permeability, organic rich, Wisconsinan age Prairie tills in southern Alberta, Canada. Comparisons of radiocarbon data were made between DOC fractions, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and several DIC geochemical age correction models along well defined flow paths. The data presented demonstrate that {sup 14}C dating of DOC fractions can indeed provide an alternative method for determining isotopic groundwater ages, under suitable conditions. However, detailed information may be required regarding (1) the geologic nature of the aquifer and its flow system, (2) the isotopically conservative behavior of DOC, (3) the initial {sup 14}C activity of DOC in recharge, and (4) the effect of bacterial redox processes on the {sup 14}C activity of DOC. In the Milk River aquifer, DOC {sup 14}C ages were successfully used to estimate groundwater residence times, as well as to further refine input parameter assumptions for the DIC method. In the Prairie tills, DOC {sup 14}C ages were used to establish a maximum age for the pore waters in an environment where the DIC method is especially problematic.
- OSTI ID:
- 5946545
- Journal Information:
- Water Resources Research; (United States), Vol. 27:8; ISSN 0043-1397
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Yucca Mountain Area Saturated Zone Dissolved Organic Carbon Isotopic Data
Dissolved Organic Carbon 14C in Southern Nevada Groundwater and Implications for Groundwater Travel Times
Related Subjects
AQUIFERS
ROCK-FLUID INTERACTIONS
GROUND WATER
ISOTOPE DATING
ALBERTA
CARBON 14
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
ISOTOPIC EXCHANGE
MORAINES
RELIABILITY
TRACER TECHNIQUES
AGE ESTIMATION
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CANADA
CARBON ISOTOPES
CHEMISTRY
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
MESOZOIC ERA
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEI
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RADIOISOTOPES
WATER
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
540220* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)