Spatially resolved information on karst conduit flow from in-cave dye tracing

Artificial tracers are powerful tools for investigating karst systems. Tracers are commonly injected into sinking streams or dolines, while springs serve as monitoring sites. The obtained flow and transport parameters represent mixed information from the vadose, epiphreatic and phreatic zones (that is, the aquifer remains a black box). Accessible active caves constitute valuable but underexploited natural laboratories to gain detailed insights into the hydrologic functioning of the aquifer. Two multi-tracer tests in the catchment of a major karst spring (Blautopf, Germany) with injections and monitoring in two associated water caves aimed at obtaining spatially and temporally resolved information on groundwater flow in different compartments of the system. Two tracers were injected into the caves to characterize the hydraulic connections between them and with the spring. Two injections at the land surface, far from the spring, aimed at resolving the aquifer's internal drainage structure. Tracer breakthrough curves were monitored by field fluorimeters in caves and at the spring. Results demonstrate the dendritic drainage structure of the aquifer. It was possible to obtain relevant flow and transport parameters for different sections of this system. The highest mean flow velocities (275 m h−1) were observed in the near-spring epiphreatic section (open-channel flow), while velocities in the phreatic zone (pressurized flow) were one order of magnitude lower. Determined conduit water volumes confirm results of water balances and hydrograph analyses. In conclusion, experiments and monitoring in caves can deliver spatially resolved information on karst aquifer heterogeneity and dynamics that cannot be obtained by traditional investigative methods

Development and structure of karstification of the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, North Vietnam based on cave survey data

This paper presents a quantitative study of the relationship between the cave system and the tectonic and karst evolution of the Dong Van Karst Plateau based on analysis and statistics of geometric parameters and orientation of cave passages. The region is located in northern Vietnam and belongs to the extended part of the South China karst belt (Yunnan karst plateau), which is composed mainly of carbonate rocks. Cave classification based on cave conduits geometric parameters shows that caves developed mainly in the vadose zone (27 vadose branchwork caves, 10 mixed caves developed under the control of fault systems, and 12 water-table caves). The degree of correlation between cave levels and planation surfaces suggests that the development of horizontal cave passages is related to two levels of planation surfaces, including one at 1250–1450 masl (equivalent to cave level at 1350–1450 masl), and at 1000–1250 masl (corresponding to cave level at 1200–1250 masl). Additionally, cave passage orientation shows that the cave system formed and developed under the influence of tectonic activities in the Cenozoic. The dominant orientation trend is roughly in the East–West direction and occurred in the early phase (Eocene–Miocene). Next is a trend roughly North–South that occurred in the late phase (Pliocene–Quaternary). The last orientation trend follows the NW–SE direction due to the reactivation of paleo-fault systems in the same direction. Although there are limitations due to accessibility and the level of cave exploration, this research suggests that analysis and statistics of the geometric parameters and orientation of cave passages based on cave survey data can be one of the effective approaches used to identify the development and structure of karstification in the karst region

Markierungsversuche und Modellierung zur Bewertung der Gefährdung eines Trinkwasserbrunnens

Kurzfassung: In einem Porengrundwasserleiter aus Niederterrassenschottern bei Pratteln, Schweiz, wurde ein Markierungsversuch mit Uranin durchgeführt, um die Gefährdung eines Trinkwasserbrunnens durch ein 760 m talaufwärts gelegenen Ablagerungsstandort zu bewerten. Dabei wurde eine maximale Abstandsgeschwindigkeit von 127 m/d und ein Wiedererhalt von 0,93 % festgestellt. Der Tracer wurde auch in zwei intermediären Beobachtungsbrunnen nachgewiesen. Diese Studie diskutiert die Ursachen dieser hohen Fließgeschwindigkeit. Durch drei verschiedene analytische Modelle konnten die Durchgangskurven simuliert und Transportparameter bestimmt werden. Erst die Anwendung eines zweidimensionalen numerischen Modells (FEFLOW) mit vereinfachter Geometrie liefert aber eine hydrogeologisch konsistente, mögliche Erklärung aller Versuchsergebnisse. Demnach handelt es sich vermutlich um einen relativ homogenen Grundwasserleiter. Der steile Gradient (6 ‰) und die hohe Durchlässigkeit (3 · 10-2 m/s) verursachen die hohen Fließgeschwindigkeiten. Der Hauptteil der Tracerwolke strömt seitlich an den Brunnen vorbei. Durch später durchgeführte Kleinpumpversuche wurde diese Modellvorstellung weitgehend bestätigt. Diese Befunde sollten bei Schutz- und Sanierungskonzepten berücksichtigt werde

Hydrogeology of an alpine rockfall aquifer system and its role in flood attenuation and maintaining baseflow

The frequency and intensity of extreme hydrological events in Alpine regions is projected to increase with climate change. The goal of this study is to better understand the functioning of aquifers composed of complex alluvial and rockfall deposits in Alpine valleys and to quantify the role of these natural storage spaces in flood attenuation and baseflow maintenance. Geomorphological and hydrogeological mapping, tracer tests, and continuous flow measurements were conducted in the Reintal (German Alps), where runoff from a karst spring infiltrates a series of postglacial alluvial/rockfall aquifers. During high-flow conditions, groundwater velocities of 30 m h⁻¹ were determined along 500 m; hydrograph analyses revealed short lag times (5 h) between discharge peaks upstream and downstream from the aquifer series; the maximum discharge ratio downstream (22) and the peak recession coefficient (0.196 d⁻¹) are low compared with other Alpine catchments. During low-flow conditions, the underground flow path length increased to 2 km and groundwater velocities decreased to 13 m h⁻¹. Downstream hydrographs revealed a delayed discharge response after 101 h and peaks damped by a factor of 1.5. These results indicate that alluvial/rockfall aquifers might play an important role in the flow regime and attenuation of floods in Alpine regions

Mobilisation or dilution? Nitrate response of karst springs to high rainfall events

peer-reviewedNitrate (NO3−) contamination of groundwater associated with agronomic activity is of major concern in many countries. Where agriculture, thin free draining soils and karst aquifers coincide, groundwater is highly vulnerable to nitrate contamination. As residence times and denitrification potential in such systems are typically low, nitrate can discharge to surface waters unabated. However, such systems also react quickest to agricultural management changes that aim to improve water quality. In response to storm events, nitrate concentrations can alter significantly, i.e. rapidly decreasing or increasing concentrations. The current study examines the response of a specific karst spring situated on a grassland farm in South Ireland to rainfall events utilising high-resolution nitrate and discharge data together with on-farm borehole groundwater fluctuation data. Specifically, the objectives of the study are to formulate a scientific hypothesis of possible scenarios relating to nitrate responses during storm events, and to verify this hypothesis using additional case studies from the literature. This elucidates the controlling key factors that lead to mobilisation and/or dilution of nitrate concentrations during storm events. These were land use, hydrological condition and karstification, which in combination can lead to differential responses of mobilised and/or diluted nitrate concentrations. Furthermore, the results indicate that nitrate response in karst is strongly dependent on nutrient source, whether mobilisation and/or dilution occur and on the pathway taken. This will have consequences for the delivery of nitrate to a surface water receptor. The current study improves our understanding of nitrate responses in karst systems and therefore can guide environmental modellers, policy makers and drinking water managers with respect to the regulations of the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD). In future, more research should focus on the high-resolution monitoring of karst aquifers to capture the high variability of hydrochemical processes, which occur at time intervals of hours to days.Teagasc Walsh Fellowship Programm

Technical Note: Field experiences using UV/VIS sensors for high-resolution monitoring of nitrate in groundwater

peer-reviewedTwo different in situ spectrophotometers are compared that were used in the field to determine nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations at two distinct spring discharge sites. One sensor was a double wavelength spectrophotometer (DWS) and the other a multiple wavelength spectrophotometer (MWS). The objective of the study was to review the hardware options, determine ease of calibration, accuracy, influence of additional substances and to assess positive and negative aspects of the two sensors as well as troubleshooting and trade-offs. Both sensors are sufficient to monitor highly time-resolved NO3-N concentrations in emergent groundwater. However, the chosen path length of the sensors had a significant influence on the sensitivity and the range of detectable NO3-N. The accuracy of the calculated NO3-N concentrations of the sensors can be affected if the content of additional substances such as turbidity, organic matter, nitrite or hydrogen carbonate significantly varies after the sensors have been calibrated to a particular water matrix. The MWS offers more possibilities for calibration and error detection but requires more expertise compared with the DWS.The authors would like to acknowledge the Teagasc Walsh Fellowship scheme for funding the study in Ireland, and the German federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for sponsoring the SMART-project (grant no. 02WM1079-1086, 02WM1211-1212) for the study in Jordan.Teagasc Walsh Fellowship Programm

Deep desiccation of soils observed by long-term high-resolution measurements on a large inclined lysimeter

Availability of long-term and high-resolution measurements of soil moisture is crucial when it comes to understanding all sorts of changes to past soil moisture variations and the prediction of future dynamics. This is particularly true in a world struggling against climate change and its impacts on ecology and the economy. Feedback mechanisms between soil moisture dynamics and meteorological influences are key factors when it comes to understanding the occurrence of drought events. We used long-term high-resolution measurements of soil moisture on a large inclined lysimeter at a test site near Karlsruhe, Germany. The measurements indicate (i) a seasonal evaporation depth of over 2 m. Statistical analysis and linear regressions indicate (ii) a significant decrease in soil moisture levels over the past 2 decades. This decrease is most pronounced at the start and the end of the vegetation period. Furthermore, Bayesian change-point detection revealed (iii) that this decrease is not uniformly distributed over the complete observation period. The largest changes occur at tipping points during years of extreme drought, with significant changes to the subsequent soil moisture levels. This change affects not only the overall trend in soil moisture, but also the seasonal dynamics. A comparison to modeled data showed (iv) that the occurrence of deep desiccation is not merely dependent on the properties of the soil but is spatially heterogeneous. The study highlights the importance of soil moisture measurements for the understanding of moisture fluxes in the vadose zone.</p

Ecohydrogeology: The interdisciplinary convergence needed to improve the study and stewardship of springs and other groundwater-dependent habitats, biota, and ecosystems

This essay discusses the need for, advantages and challenges of integrating the scientific disciplines of ecology and hydrogeology in the study of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs). We provide a definition for ecohydrogeology as \u201ca unifying, synthetic field of study integrating the approaches from the ecological and hydrogeological sciences in the study of groundwater (GW)-related ecosystems, habitats, and organisms to advance science, stewardship, and policy\u201d. We selected specific case studies to illustrate first how hydrogeological approaches can favour in-depth understanding and modelling of springs and crenobiontic (spring-dependent) species distribution, assemblage composition and organization. Second, this essay also examines how taxa and assemblages serve as bioassays and ecosystem indicators to infer hydrogeological aspects of GW flow and discharge, as well as quantitative and qualitative human impacts. We consider both types of features and parameters as ecohydrogeological indicators. The examples presented include topics related to springs and other GDE geomorphological types and classification, GW quality influences on crenobiont distribution, phreatophyte (= plant species the roots of which reach to and into the water table) ecophysiology in relation to water table depth, and flow variability in karstic systems, to nutrient dynamics in relation to dinoflagellate blooms in GDE montane lakes. Conceptual approaches that integrate ecology with hydrogeology include the investigation of GDE distribution and ecology, groundwater-surface water (GW-SW) interactions, and the development of the discipline of ecohydrology. Despite widespread applications, the scientific community still lacks a complete or effective integration of the principles described in the fields of groundwater hydrogeology with ecology, ecophysiology, and environmental biology. Springs are aquatic-wetland-riparian habitats that link shallow subsurface-surface processes and assemblages, often functioning as biodiversity hotspots, ecotones, keystone, and refugial ecosystems, for which coordination between studies of hydrogeology and ecology are both obvious and essential. Over the past century, springs ecosystem ecology has been largely ignored by hydrologists, and, conversely, hydrogeology has been under-emphasized by ecologists. Recent global recognition of the extraordinary biodiversity and socio-cultural significance of springs, coupled with their globally highly threatened conservation status, stimulated this inquiry into how to better integrate hydrogeology with springs ecosystem ecology. Acknowledging the highly threatened status of springs ecosystems around the world, there is an urgent need to integrate and invigorate the union of these disciplines into ecohydrogeology, the study of groundwater-dependent organisms, habitats, ecosystems, and management policy