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Environmental Isotopes in Hydrology

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stable isotope analysis deuterium hydrogen groundwater surface water source
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... After normalizing the isotope values the analysis focuses on variations due to altitudinal effects (Clark and Fritz, 1997). ...
... Supplementary Table S3 Figure S1A) near the main stream, which may be affected by strong evaporation as discussed further in this section (Clark and Fritz, 1997;Spangenberg et al., 2007). The lake has been present since at least 1956, as revealed by Hycon aerial photos in Supplementary Figure S1B. ...
... Glacier 51 samples show much higher values than all other samples, which in turn will reflect different environmental conditions at the moisture source during the evaporation process, as the moisture source should remain the same (i.e.: Pacific Ocean). Higher d excess are linked to lower relative humidity (i.e.: colder air temperature conditions) (Clark and Fritz, 1997). On the other hand, Aparejo Glacier samples have lower d excess values, likely reflecting higher relative humidity conditions over the ocean (primary moisture source), while stream samples probably reflect a mix of both older Glacier 51 and Aparejo ice melt. ...
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The catastrophic detachment of Aparejo Glacier (one of the three known cases in the Andes) took place on 1 March 1980 and resulted in the removal of an ice volume initially estimated to be 7.2 Mm 3 , which originally was 1.0 km long and covered an area of 0.2 km 2. The event caused the sudden mobilization of the sliding mass 3.7 km down valley at an estimated speed of 110 km/h, causing remarkable geomorphological changes, including the obliteration of most of the glacier. 40 years after the event, we analyze new evidence: 3 ground surveys carried out in 2015 and 2016; DEMs and glacier outlines compiled from orthorectified aerial imagery pre-and post-event; GNSS data; Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data; a terrestrial LiDAR scan survey of 2020, together with detailed interviews with 2 direct witnesses of the event, terrestrial and helicopter-borne photographs acquired 12 days after the sudden detachment. The combined interpretation of these new data, allow us to make a more precise estimation of the pre-detachment glacier volume, 12.9 ± 0.6 × 10 6 m 3 and the detached ice volume of 11.7 ± 0.6 × 10 6 m 3 (90% of the total volume of the glacier). We also show that in the 40-year period Aparejo Glacier has recovered 12.4% of the original glacier volume, with a mean ice thickness of 19.5 m and a maximum of 40 m according to GPR data, being preserved within the same basin as the detached glacier. In recent years, the glacier has shown a mean elevation change of −3.7 ± 1.2 m during the 2015-2020 period, with maximum thinning values greater than 8 m, which are probably caused by enhanced ablation due to climate warming and reduced precipitation during the current megadrought which started in 2010 and has lasted more than 1 decade. We conclude that under the projected scenarios of climate warming and reduced precipitation for central Chile, the risk associated to a new detachment of Aparejo Glacier is unlikely.
... They had undergone intensive evaporation. The samples of surface water collected from Kheirabad Salt Lake exhibit an enrichment in the isotopes 18 O and 2 H, a characteristic sign of evaporation in an exposed water body with low relative humidity in a continental arid and semi-arid climate (Clark and Fritz 1997). Infiltration of evaporated groundwater and surface water pumped from the mine pit and maintained at a pool near the 3241G borehole may explain the isotopic enrichment of groundwater sample 3241G in the south of Goharzamin mine. ...
... When soil organic matter decomposes along flow paths or when carbonates dissolve, dead carbon is introduced into the system. This can significantly dilute the 14 C content and raise the apparent 14 C ages (Geyh 2000;Clark and Fritz 1997). Therefore, numerous methods for 14 C groundwater age correction (Ingerson and Pearson 1964;Evans et al. 1979;Eichinger 1983;Salem et al. 1980;Fontes and Garnier 1979;Tamers 1975) have been developed. ...
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Determining the source of groundwater infiltrating mine pits is one of the most interesting challenge for mining engineers and designers. The uncontrolled groundwater flow will delay the planned schedule and have a negative impact on extraction costs and mining operations. Determining the groundwater source by hydrochemical and isotopical interpretations in the Goharzamin iron mine, located in south-central Iran, plays a significant role in comprehending hydrochemical and hydrogeological processes and designing an effective dewatering system in this mining area. Through three phases of groundwater sample collection from seepages and boreholes, a total of 75 samples were gathered for analysis, including 12 samples containing heavy metals and stable isotopic data (D and ¹⁸ O), 5 samples containing ¹⁴ C and ¹³ C, and another 5 samples containing ³ H data. Results indicated that all samples belonged to saline and brackish water categories (EC > 4 mS cm − 1 ), with a predominant sequence of Cl ⁻ -SO 4 ²⁻ -HCO 3 ⁻ -NO 3 ⁻ , and Na ⁺ -Ca ²⁺ -Mg ²⁺ -K ⁺ for anions and cations, respectively. Conservative tracers (Cl, Br, and B) and stable isotopes demonstrated that Kheirabad Salt Lake (located approximately 13 km north of the mine) is unlikely to be the source of groundwater. Radiocarbon and tritium age dating suggested that the majority of groundwater in the mining area was infiltrated during the Holocene and late Pleistocene epochs (paleowater) rather than being replenished by recent rainfall. Hydrochemical variations observed in samples collected during the wet season are generally attributed to the mixing of surface water and groundwater at fractures around the mine pit.
... For example, if isotope data fall below GMWL with reduced slope then the water samples reflect their recharge from evaporated water source. On the other hand, Sample data falling above the GMWL suggest recharge from recycled moisture sources or higher altitude precipitation [15]. ...
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Groundwater is the most reliable source for freshwater supplies in India and abroad. Population rise has affected the groundwater resources both in terms of quality and quantity. Punjab, being an agrarian state, is highly dependent on groundwater resources for both irrigation and drinking purposes. Recent studies have indicated presence of uranium in groundwater especially in southwestern parts of Punjab. In this research, water samples were collected from Fazilka district of Punjab for evaluating the water quality focussing uranium and identifying source and recharge processes of groundwater. Uranium concentration was found in both shallow and deep groundwater samples. Inter-ionic correlations signify that alkalinity and electrical conductivity of the water samples control the uranium mobilization from the aquifer matrix. Isotopic systematics demonstrate that groundwater recharge is mainly through rainwater infiltration.
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... This study seeks to enhance our understanding of karst aquifer behaviour under varying hydrological conditions by utilizing major ion and stable water isotopes data. The analysis of stable isotopes of oxygen δ 18 O and hydrogen δ 2 H has been effective in discerning groundwater provenance and karst aquifer recharge processes (CLARK & FRITZ, 1997). We posited that certain identified EOCs could correlate with physico-chemical parameters of water resources within the studied system. ...
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The main findings of a hydrochemical investigation conducted within a typical Dinaric karst catchment located in Southern Croatia are outlined. The studied aquifer is drained by the Jadro and Žrnovnica springs, which are important for the regional and local water supplies, respectively. Presumably, there is intercatchment groundwater flow coming from the neighbouring Cetina River catchment. Various factors governing aquifer hydrochemistry and their interplay with emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) that were detected at different water resources in ng/L concentrations was assessed. A total of 26 sampling campaigns (October 2019 – October 2022) were conducted at two springs, in a river and at a deep borehole, all representative of this complex hydrogeological system. Assessment of major ion constituents and saturation indices calculated with PHREEQC revealed the sampled water resources are of a Ca-HCO3 type due to the predominant weathering of the carbonate mineral calcite. Sharp spikes observed in chemographs indicated a highly karstified system with an effective conduit network allowing rapid spring responses to precipitation events. Water resources are of good chemical status, as affirmed by anthropogenic contamination indicators, with nitrates, chlorides and sulphates all below maximum threshold values. Strong positive correlations were found between EOCs concentration, number of detected compounds, and nitrates in the Cetina River, indicating a common origin, most likely wastewater. Identification of persistent EOCs including widely used repellent N,N-diethyl- metatoluamide (DEET) during base flow conditions and its strong positive correlation with the Ca2+ content in both the Cetina and Jadro samples, suggests potential storage in the epikarst and aquifer matrix. This coupling of conventional hydrochemical indicators and novel markers of anthropogenic impacts, including EOCs, in vulnerable karst water resources is a crucial advancement in the assessment and management of emerging environmental and potential human health risks. Such an approach is pivotal for the sustainable protection of hydrogeologically intricate sites.
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