Articles | Volume 25, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5415-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5415-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
11 Oct 2021
Research article |
| 11 Oct 2021
| 11 Oct 2021
Depth to water table correction for initial carbon-14 activities in groundwater mean residence time estimation
Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, 0810, Australia
National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, and College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
Cameron Wood
Department for Environment and Water, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
Ian Cartwright
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University,
Clayton, 3800, Australia
Tanya Oliver
National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, and College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
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Stephen Lee, Dylan J. Irvine, Clément Duvert, Gabriel C. Rau, and Ian Cartwright
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 1771–1790, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1771-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1771-2024, 2024
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Global groundwater recharge studies collate recharge values estimated using different methods that apply to different timescales. We develop a recharge prediction model, based solely on chloride, to produce a recharge map for Australia. We reveal that climate and vegetation have the most significant influence on recharge variability in Australia. Our recharge rates were lower than other models due to the long timescale of chloride in groundwater. Our method can similarly be applied globally.
Stephen Lee, Dylan J. Irvine, Clément Duvert, Gabriel C. Rau, and Ian Cartwright
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 1771–1790, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1771-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1771-2024, 2024
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Global groundwater recharge studies collate recharge values estimated using different methods that apply to different timescales. We develop a recharge prediction model, based solely on chloride, to produce a recharge map for Australia. We reveal that climate and vegetation have the most significant influence on recharge variability in Australia. Our recharge rates were lower than other models due to the long timescale of chloride in groundwater. Our method can similarly be applied globally.
Keirnan Fowler, Murray Peel, Margarita Saft, Tim J. Peterson, Andrew Western, Lawrence Band, Cuan Petheram, Sandra Dharmadi, Kim Seong Tan, Lu Zhang, Patrick Lane, Anthony Kiem, Lucy Marshall, Anne Griebel, Belinda E. Medlyn, Dongryeol Ryu, Giancarlo Bonotto, Conrad Wasko, Anna Ukkola, Clare Stephens, Andrew Frost, Hansini Gardiya Weligamage, Patricia Saco, Hongxing Zheng, Francis Chiew, Edoardo Daly, Glen Walker, R. Willem Vervoort, Justin Hughes, Luca Trotter, Brad Neal, Ian Cartwright, and Rory Nathan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 6073–6120, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6073-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6073-2022, 2022
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Recently, we have seen multi-year droughts tending to cause shifts in the relationship between rainfall and streamflow. In shifted catchments that have not recovered, an average rainfall year produces less streamflow today than it did pre-drought. We take a multi-disciplinary approach to understand why these shifts occur, focusing on Australia's over-10-year Millennium Drought. We evaluate multiple hypotheses against evidence, with particular focus on the key role of groundwater processes.
Zibo Zhou, Ian Cartwright, and Uwe Morgenstern
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4497–4513, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4497-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4497-2022, 2022
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Streams may receive water from different sources in their catchment. There is limited understanding of which water stores intermittent streams are connected to. Using geochemistry we show that the intermittent streams in southeast Australia are connected to younger smaller near-river water stores rather than regional groundwater. This makes these streams more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and requires management of the riparian zone for their protection.
Ian Cartwright
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 183–195, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-183-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-183-2022, 2022
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Using specific conductivity (SC) to estimate groundwater inflow to rivers is complicated by bank return waters, interflow, and flows off floodplains contributing to baseflow in all but the driest years. Using the maximum SC of the river in dry years to estimate the SC of groundwater produces the best baseflow vs. streamflow trends. The variable composition of baseflow hinders calibration of hydrograph-based techniques to estimate groundwater inflows.
Michael Kilgour Stewart, Uwe Morgenstern, and Ian Cartwright
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 6333–6338, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6333-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6333-2021, 2021
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The combined use of deuterium and tritium to determine travel time distributions in streams is an important development in catchment hydrology (Rodriguez et al., 2021). This comment, however, argues that their results do not generally invalidate the truncation hypothesis of Stewart et al. (2010) (i.e. that stable isotopes underestimate travel times through catchments), as they imply, but asserts instead that the hypothesis still applies to many other catchments.
Shovon Barua, Ian Cartwright, P. Evan Dresel, and Edoardo Daly
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 89–104, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-89-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-89-2021, 2021
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We evaluate groundwater recharge rates in a semi-arid area that has undergone land-use changes. The widespread presence of old saline groundwater indicates that pre-land-clearing recharge rates were low and present-day recharge rates are still modest. The fluctuations of the water table and tritium activities reflect present-day recharge rates; however, the water table fluctuation estimates are unrealistically high, and this technique may not be suited for estimating recharge in semi-arid areas.
Harald Hofmann, Dean Newborn, Ian Cartwright, Dioni I. Cendón, and Matthias Raiber
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1293–1318, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1293-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1293-2020, 2020
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Fresh groundwater (GW) on barrier islands is affected by GW use and precipitation variability. Mean residence times (MRTs) of GW on a sand barrier island were determined. They ranged from 37 years to more than 150 years for tritium and had a much larger range (modern to 5000 years) for carbon-14. Perched aquifer systems in the unsaturated zone and peat formations around wetlands are the most likely cause of longer MRTs, as they have a significant impact on regional recharge and flow diversion.
William Howcroft, Ian Cartwright, and Uwe Morgenstern
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 635–653, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-635-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-635-2018, 2018
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Documenting mean transit times is critical for understanding and managing catchments. Mean transit times in six headwater catchments of the Otway Ranges, Australia, determined using tritium, range from 7 to 230 years. Tritium activities correlate well with streamflow but are difficult to predict from catchment attributes or major ion geochemistry. The long mean transit times suggest that the catchments are buffered from short-term rainfall variations.
Ian Cartwright and Uwe Morgenstern
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4757–4773, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4757-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4757-2016, 2016
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This research used tritium to determine the timescales that water is stored in peatlands and eucalyptus forest catchments in upland river systems in southeast Australia. The mean transit times in the peatland catchments of less than a few years contrast with much longer transit times (years to decades) in adjacent eucalyptus catchments. The peat is susceptible to drying which renders it vulnerable to degradation and bushfire and does not represent a long-term water store to upland streams.
Ian Cartwright and Harald Hofmann
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 3581–3600, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-3581-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-3581-2016, 2016
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This paper uses the natural geochemical tracer Rn together with streamflow measurements to differentiate between actual groundwater inflows and water that exits the river, flows through the near-river sediments, and subsequently re-enters the river downstream (parafluvial flow). Distinguishing between these two components is important to understanding the water balance in gaining streams and in managing and protecting surface water resources.
I. Cartwright and U. Morgenstern
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3771–3785, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3771-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3771-2015, 2015
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This study documents the age of water that contributes to rivers in upper catchments using the radioactive tracer tritium. River water in the upper Ovens Valley (Australia) is several years to decades old and water from different parts of the catchment (e.g., soil, regolith, and groundwater) is mobilised at different flow conditions. The results indicate that these rivers are buffered against short term climate variability but are susceptible to longer-term climate and land use changes
N. P. Unland, I. Cartwright, D. I. Cendón, and R. Chisari
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 5109–5124, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5109-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5109-2014, 2014
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Periodic flooding of rivers should result in increased groundwater recharge near rivers and thus - younger and fresher groundwater near rivers. This study found the age and salinity of shallow groundwater to increase with proximity to the Tambo River in South East Australia. This appears to be due to the upwelling of older, regional groundwater closer the river. Other chemical parameters are consistent with this. This is a process that may be occurring in other similar river systems.
A. P. Atkinson, I. Cartwright, B. S. Gilfedder, D. I. Cendón, N. P. Unland, and H. Hofmann
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4951–4964, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4951-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4951-2014, 2014
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This research article uses of radiogenic isotopes, stable isotopes and groundwater geochemistry to study groundwater age and recharge processes in the Gellibrand Valley, a relatively unstudied catchment and potential groundwater resource. The valley is found to contain both "old", regionally recharged groundwater (300-10,000 years) in the near-river environment, and modern groundwater (0-100 years old) further back on the floodplain. There is no recharge of the groundwater by high river flows.
I. Cartwright, B. Gilfedder, and H. Hofmann
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 15–30, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-15-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-15-2014, 2014
M. C. L. Yu, I. Cartwright, J. L. Braden, and S. T. de Bree
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 4907–4924, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4907-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4907-2013, 2013
N. P. Unland, I. Cartwright, M. S. Andersen, G. C. Rau, J. Reed, B. S. Gilfedder, A. P. Atkinson, and H. Hofmann
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 3437–3453, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3437-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-3437-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Groundwater hydrology | Techniques and Approaches: Theory development
Identification, mapping, and eco-hydrological signal analysis for groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) in Langxi River basin, north China
Solutions and case studies for thermally driven reactive transport and porosity evolution in geothermal systems (reactive Lauwerier problem)
Technical note: Finite element formulations to map discrete fracture elements in three-dimensional groundwater models
Trends in long-term hydrological data from European karst areas: insights for groundwater recharge evaluation
Technical note: Analytical solution for well water response to Earth tides in leaky aquifers with storage and compressibility in the aquitard
Flow recession behavior of preferential subsurface flow patterns with minimum energy dissipation
Towards a hydrogeomorphological understanding of proglacial catchments: an assessment of groundwater storage and release in an Alpine catchment
Effect of topographic slope on the export of nitrate in humid catchments: a 3D model study
Transit Time index (TTi) as an adaptation of the humification index to illustrate transit time differences in karst hydrosystems: application to the karst springs of the Fontaine de Vaucluse system (southeastern France)
In situ estimation of subsurface hydro-geomechanical properties using the groundwater response to semi-diurnal Earth and atmospheric tides
The Thiem team – Adolf and Günther Thiem, two forefathers of hydrogeology
Effects of aquifer geometry on seawater intrusion in annulus segment island aquifers
Preferential pathways for fluid and solutes in heterogeneous groundwater systems: self-organization, entropy, work
Statistical characterization of environmental hot spots and hot moments and applications in groundwater hydrology
Technical note: Disentangling the groundwater response to Earth and atmospheric tides to improve subsurface characterisation
Flowing wells: terminology, history and role in the evolution of groundwater science
Asymmetric impact of groundwater use on groundwater droughts
New model of reactive transport in a single-well push–pull test with aquitard effect and wellbore storage
HESS Opinions: The myth of groundwater sustainability in Asia
Groundwater salinity variation in Upazila Assasuni (southwestern Bangladesh), as steered by surface clay layer thickness, relative elevation and present-day land use
Changes in groundwater drought associated with anthropogenic warming
Application of environmental tracers for investigation of groundwater mean residence time and aquifer recharge in fault-influenced hydraulic drop alluvium aquifers
HESS Opinions: Linking Darcy's equation to the linear reservoir
Effects of microarrangement of solid particles on PCE migration and its remediation in porous media
Hydrological connectivity from glaciers to rivers in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: roles of suprapermafrost and subpermafrost groundwater
Temporal variations of groundwater tables and implications for submarine groundwater discharge: a 3-decade case study in central Japan
Consequences and mitigation of saltwater intrusion induced by short-circuiting during aquifer storage and recovery in a coastal subsurface
Understanding groundwater – students' pre-conceptions and conceptual change by means of a theory-guided multimedia learning program
The referential grain size and effective porosity in the Kozeny–Carman model
Approximate analysis of three-dimensional groundwater flow toward a radial collector well in a finite-extent unconfined aquifer
Technical Note: The use of an interrupted-flow centrifugation method to characterise preferential flow in low permeability media
Shallow groundwater thermal sensitivity to climate change and land cover disturbances: derivation of analytical expressions and implications for stream temperature modeling
Confronting the vicinity of the surface water and sea shore in a shallow glaciogenic aquifer in southern Finland
Residence times and mixing of water in river banks: implications for recharge and groundwater–surface water exchange
Using 14C and 3H to understand groundwater flow and recharge in an aquifer window
Hydrogeology of an Alpine rockfall aquifer system and its role in flood attenuation and maintaining baseflow
Mobilisation or dilution? Nitrate response of karst springs to high rainfall events
Transferring the concept of minimum energy dissipation from river networks to subsurface flow patterns
Spectral induced polarization measurements for predicting the hydraulic conductivity in sandy aquifers
Transient analysis of fluctuations of electrical conductivity as tracer in the stream bed
Teaching hydrogeology: a review of current practice
Transient flow between aquifers and surface water: analytically derived field-scale hydraulic heads and fluxes
Influence of initial heterogeneities and recharge limitations on the evolution of aperture distributions in carbonate aquifers
Impact of climate change on groundwater point discharge: backflooding of karstic springs (Loiret, France)
Stream depletion rate with horizontal or slanted wells in confined aquifers near a stream
Tidal propagation in an oceanic island with sloping beaches
Mingyang Li, Fulin Li, Shidong Fu, Huawei Chen, Kairan Wang, Xuequn Chen, and Jiwen Huang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4623–4642, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4623-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4623-2024, 2024
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Research on groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) started earlier, but because there is no good identification and classification method, most of the related research is concentrated in Europe and Australia. In this study, the lower Yellow River basin in northern China, with well-developed karsts, was selected as the study area, and a four-diagnostic-criteria framework for identifying the GDEs based on remote sensing, GIS data dredging, and hydrogeological surveys was proposed.
Roi Roded, Einat Aharonov, Piotr Szymczak, Manolis Veveakis, Boaz Lazar, and Laura E. Dalton
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4559–4576, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4559-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4559-2024, 2024
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Common practices in water resource management and geothermal applications involve the injection of hot or cold water into aquifers. The resulting thermal changes may lead to chemical disequilibrium and consequent mineral dissolution/precipitation in the rock void space. A mathematical model is developed to study the effects of such thermal fluid injection on the evolution of water composition, aquifer porosity, and permeability. The model is then applied to two important case studies.
Rob de Rooij
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-289, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-289, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for HESS
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Coordinate transformations are often used in the finite element method. Here, three existing approaches are discussed that can be applied to the same mapping problem. From a mathematical viewpoint, the approaches are quite different. It is shown that all three approaches provide the same result. Interestingly, the more mathematically challenging approaches provide an expression that is the most practical to implement into a finite element code.
Markus Giese, Yvan Caballero, Andreas Hartmann, and Jean-Baptiste Charlier
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2078, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2078, 2024
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Groundwater recharge and flow processes are difficult to quantify on a larger scale. Therefore, it is difficult to assess groundwater resources, substantially used for fresh water supply, and their changes over time. In karst areas, groundwater drainage networks over large areas are generated due to the soluble rocks. The observation of discharge from springs provides an alternative to estimate changes in groundwater resources over time, which can be connected to changing climatic conditions.
Rémi Valois, Agnès Rivière, Jean-Michel Vouillamoz, and Gabriel C. Rau
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 1041–1054, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1041-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1041-2024, 2024
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Characterizing aquifer systems is challenging because it is difficult to obtain in situ information. They can, however, be characterized using natural forces such as Earth tides. Models that account for more complex situations are still necessary to extend the use of Earth tides to assess hydromechanical properties of aquifer systems. Such a model is developed in this study and applied to a case study in Cambodia, where a combination of tides was used in order to better constrain the model.
Jannick Strüven and Stefan Hergarten
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3041–3058, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3041-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3041-2023, 2023
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This study uses dendritic flow patterns to analyze the recession behavior of aquifer springs. The results show that the long-term recession becomes slower for large catchments. After a short recharge event, however, the short-term behavior differs strongly from the exponential recession that would be expected from a linear reservoir. The exponential component still accounts for more than 80 % of the total discharge, much more than typically assumed for karst aquifers.
Tom Müller, Stuart N. Lane, and Bettina Schaefli
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 6029–6054, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6029-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6029-2022, 2022
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This research provides a comprehensive analysis of groundwater storage in Alpine glacier forefields, a zone rapidly evolving with glacier retreat. Based on data analysis of a case study, it provides a simple perceptual model showing where and how groundwater is stored and released in a high Alpine environment. It especially points out the presence of groundwater storages in both fluvial and bedrock aquifers, which may become more important with future glacier retreat.
Jie Yang, Qiaoyu Wang, Ingo Heidbüchel, Chunhui Lu, Yueqing Xie, Andreas Musolff, and Jan H. Fleckenstein
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 5051–5068, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5051-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5051-2022, 2022
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We assessed the effect of catchment topographic slopes on the nitrate export dynamics in terms of the nitrogen mass fluxes and concentration level using a coupled surface–subsurface model. We found that flatter landscapes tend to retain more nitrogen mass in the soil and export less nitrogen mass to the stream, explained by the reduced leaching and increased potential of degradation in flat landscapes. We emphasized that stream water quality is potentially less vulnerable in flatter landscapes.
Leïla Serène, Christelle Batiot-Guilhe, Naomi Mazzilli, Christophe Emblanch, Milanka Babic, Julien Dupont, Roland Simler, Matthieu Blanc, and Gérard Massonnat
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 5035–5049, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5035-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-5035-2022, 2022
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This work aims to develop the Transit Time index (TTi) as a natural tracer of karst groundwater transit time, usable in the 0–6-month range. Based on the fluorescence of organic matter, TTi shows its relevance to detect a small proportion of fast infiltration water within a mix, while other natural transit time tracers provide no or less sensitive information. Comparison of the average TTi of different karst springs also provides consistent results with the expected relative transit times.
Gabriel C. Rau, Timothy C. McMillan, Martin S. Andersen, and Wendy A. Timms
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4301–4321, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4301-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4301-2022, 2022
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This work develops and applies a new method to estimate hydraulic and geomechanical subsurface properties in situ using standard groundwater and atmospheric pressure records. The estimated properties comply with expected values except for the Poisson ratio, which we attribute to the investigated scale and conditions. Our new approach can be used to cost-effectively investigate the subsurface using standard monitoring datasets.
Georg J. Houben and Okke Batelaan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4055–4091, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4055-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4055-2022, 2022
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Unbeknown to most hydrologists, many methods used in groundwater hydrology today go back to work by Adolf and Günther Thiem. Their work goes beyond the Dupuit–Thiem analytical model for pump tests mentioned in many textbooks. It includes, e.g., the development and improvement of isopotential maps, tracer tests, and vertical well constructions. Extensive literature and archive research has been conducted to identify how and where the Thiems developed their methods and how they spread.
Zhaoyang Luo, Jun Kong, Chengji Shen, Pei Xin, Chunhui Lu, Ling Li, and David Andrew Barry
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 6591–6602, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6591-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-6591-2021, 2021
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Analytical solutions are derived for steady-state seawater intrusion in annulus segment aquifers. These analytical solutions are validated by comparing their predictions with experimental data. We find seawater intrusion is the most extensive in divergent aquifers, and the opposite is the case for convergent aquifers. The analytical solutions facilitate engineers and hydrologists in evaluating seawater intrusion more efficiently in annulus segment aquifers with a complex geometry.
Erwin Zehe, Ralf Loritz, Yaniv Edery, and Brian Berkowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5337–5353, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5337-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5337-2021, 2021
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This study uses the concepts of entropy and work to quantify and explain the emergence of preferential flow and transport in heterogeneous saturated porous media. We found that the downstream concentration of solutes in preferential pathways implies a downstream declining entropy in the transverse distribution of solute transport pathways. Preferential flow patterns with lower entropies emerged within media of higher heterogeneity – a stronger self-organization despite a higher randomness.
Jiancong Chen, Bhavna Arora, Alberto Bellin, and Yoram Rubin
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4127–4146, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4127-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4127-2021, 2021
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We developed a stochastic framework with indicator random variables to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of environmental hot spots and hot moments (HSHMs) that represent rare locations and events exerting a disproportionate influence over the environment. HSHMs are characterized by static and dynamic indicators. This framework is advantageous as it allows us to calculate the uncertainty associated with HSHMs based on uncertainty associated with its contributors.
Gabriel C. Rau, Mark O. Cuthbert, R. Ian Acworth, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 6033–6046, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6033-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6033-2020, 2020
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This work provides an important generalisation of a previously developed method that quantifies subsurface barometric efficiency using the groundwater level response to Earth and atmospheric tides. The new approach additionally allows the quantification of hydraulic conductivity and specific storage. This enables improved and rapid assessment of subsurface processes and properties using standard pressure measurements.
Xiao-Wei Jiang, John Cherry, and Li Wan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 6001–6019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6001-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6001-2020, 2020
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The gushing of water from flowing wells is a natural phenomenon of interest to the public. This review demonstrates that this spectacular phenomenon also instigated the science of groundwater and can be considered a root of groundwater hydrology. Observations of flowing wells not only led to the foundation of many principles of traditional groundwater hydrology but also played a vital role in the paradigm shift from aquitard-bound flow to cross-formational flow driven by topography.
Doris E. Wendt, Anne F. Van Loon, John P. Bloomfield, and David M. Hannah
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4853–4868, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4853-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4853-2020, 2020
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Groundwater use changes the availability of groundwater, especially during droughts. This study investigates the impact of groundwater use on groundwater droughts. A methodological framework is presented that was developed and applied to the UK. We identified an asymmetric impact of groundwater use on droughts, which highlights the relation between short-term and long-term strategies for sustainable groundwater use.
Quanrong Wang, Junxia Wang, Hongbin Zhan, and Wenguang Shi
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3983–4000, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3983-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3983-2020, 2020
Franklin W. Schwartz, Ganming Liu, and Zhongbo Yu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 489–500, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-489-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-489-2020, 2020
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We are concerned about the sad state of affairs around groundwater in the developing countries of Asia and the obvious implications for sustainability. Groundwater production for irrigated agriculture has led to water-level declines that continue to worsen. Yet in the most populous countries, China, India, Pakistan, and Iran, there are only token efforts towards evidence-based sustainable management. It is unrealistic to expect evidence-based groundwater sustainability to develop any time soon.
Floris Loys Naus, Paul Schot, Koos Groen, Kazi Matin Ahmed, and Jasper Griffioen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1431–1451, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1431-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1431-2019, 2019
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In this paper, we postulate a possible evolution of the groundwater salinity around a village in southwestern Bangladesh, based on high-density fieldwork. We identified that the thickness of the surface clay layer, the surface elevation and the present-day land use determine whether fresh or saline groundwater has formed. The outcomes show how the large groundwater salinity variation in southwestern Bangladesh can be understood, which is valuable for the water management in the region.
John P. Bloomfield, Benjamin P. Marchant, and Andrew A. McKenzie
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1393–1408, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1393-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1393-2019, 2019
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Groundwater is susceptible to drought due to natural variations in climate; however, to date there is no evidence of a relationship between climate change and groundwater drought. Using two long groundwater level records from the UK, we document increases in frequency, magnitude and intensity and changes in duration of groundwater drought associated with climate warming and infer that, given the extent of shallow groundwater globally, warming may widely effect changes to groundwater droughts.
Bin Ma, Menggui Jin, Xing Liang, and Jing Li
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 427–446, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-427-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-427-2019, 2019
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Groundwater supplies the most freshwater for industrial and agricultural production and domestic use in the arid northwest of China. This research uses environmental tracers to enhance one's understanding of groundwater, including aquifer recharge sources and groundwater mean residence times in the alluvium aquifers. The results provide valuable implications for groundwater resources regulation and sustainable development and have practical significance for other arid areas.
Hubert H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1911–1916, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1911-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1911-2018, 2018
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This paper provides the connection between two simple equations describing groundwater flow at different scales: the Darcy equation describes groundwater flow at pore scale, the linear reservoir equation at catchment scale. The connection between the two appears to be very simple. The two parameters of the equations are proportional, depending on the porosity of the subsoil and the resistance for the groundwater to enter the surface drainage network.
Ming Wu, Jianfeng Wu, Jichun Wu, and Bill X. Hu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1001–1015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1001-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1001-2018, 2018
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Fractal models of regular triangle arrangement (RTA) and square pitch arrangement (SPA) are developed in this study. Results suggest RTA can cause more groundwater contamination and make remediation more difficult. In contrast, the cleanup of contaminants in aquifers with SPA is easier. This study demonstrates how microscale arrangements control contaminant migration and remediation, which is helpful in designing successful remediation schemes for subsurface contamination.
Rui Ma, Ziyong Sun, Yalu Hu, Qixin Chang, Shuo Wang, Wenle Xing, and Mengyan Ge
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4803–4823, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4803-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4803-2017, 2017
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The roles of groundwater flow in the hydrological cycle within the alpine area characterized by permafrost or seasonal frost are poorly known. We investigated the role of permafrost in controlling groundwater flow and hydrological connections between glaciers and river. The recharge, flow path and discharge of permafrost groundwater at the study site were explored. Two mechanisms were proposed to explain the significantly seasonal variation in interaction between groundwater and surface water.
Bing Zhang, Jing Zhang, and Takafumi Yoshida
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3417–3425, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3417-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3417-2017, 2017
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Since groundwater is the linkage between climate changes and fresh submarine groundwater discharge, the variations of and relationships among monthly groundwater table, rainfall, snowfall, and climate change events from 1985 to 2015 were analyzed by wavelet coherence to discuss the implications for climate changes. The results show the increase in precipitation and the groundwater table, indicating that fresh submarine groundwater discharge flux may increase under climate change.
Koen Gerardus Zuurbier and Pieter Jan Stuyfzand
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 1173–1188, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1173-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1173-2017, 2017
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The subsurface is increasingly perforated for exploitation of water and energy. This has increased the risk of leakage between originally separated aquifers. It is shown how this leakage can have a very negative impact on the recovery of freshwater during aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) in brackish-saline aquifers. Deep interception of intruding brackish-saline water can mitigate the negative effects and buoyancy of freshwater to some extent, but not completely.
Ulrike Unterbruner, Sylke Hilberg, and Iris Schiffl
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 2251–2266, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2251-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2251-2016, 2016
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Studies show that young people have difficulties with correctly understanding groundwater. We designed a multimedia learning program about groundwater and tested its learning efficacy with pupils and teacher-training students. A novelty is the theory-guided designing of the program on the basis of hydrogeology and science education. The pupils and students greatly benefited from working through the multimedia learning program.
Kosta Urumović and Kosta Urumović Sr.
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1669–1680, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1669-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1669-2016, 2016
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Calculation of hydraulic conductivity of porous materials is crucial for further use in hydrogeological modeling. The Kozeny–Carman model is theoretically impeccable but has not been properly used in recent scientific and expert literature. In this paper, proper use of the Kozeny-Carman formula is given through presentation of geometric mean grain size in the drilled-core sample as the referential mean grain size. Also, procedures for identification of real effective porosity of porous media are presented.
C.-S. Huang, J.-J. Chen, and H.-D. Yeh
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 55–71, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-55-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-55-2016, 2016
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Existing solutions for the problem of pumping at a radial collector well (RCW) in unconfined aquifers either require laborious calculation or predict divergent results at a middle period of pumping. This study relaxes the above two limitations to develop a new analytical solution for the problem. The application of the solution is convenient for those who are not familiar with numerical methods. New findings regarding the responses of flow to pumping at RCW are addressed.
R. A. Crane, M. O. Cuthbert, and W. Timms
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3991–4000, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3991-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3991-2015, 2015
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We present an interrupted-flow centrifugation technique to characterise the vertical hydraulic properties of dual porosity, low permeability media. Use of large core samples (100mm diameter) enables hydraulic-conductivity-scale issues in dual porosity media to be overcome. Elevated centrifugal force also enables simulating in situ total stress conditions. The methodology is an important tool to assess the ability of dual porosity aquitards to protect underlying aquifer systems.
B. L. Kurylyk, K. T. B. MacQuarrie, D. Caissie, and J. M. McKenzie
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 2469–2489, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2469-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2469-2015, 2015
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Changes in climate and land cover are known to warm streams by altering surface heat fluxes. However, the influence of these disturbances on shallow groundwater temperature are not as well understood. In small streams, groundwater discharge may also exert a control on stream temperature, and thus groundwater warming may eventually produce additional stream warming not considered in most existing models. This study investigates these processes and suggests stream temperature model improvements.
S. Luoma, J. Okkonen, K. Korkka-Niemi, N. Hendriksson, and B. Backman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 1353–1370, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1353-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1353-2015, 2015
N. P. Unland, I. Cartwright, D. I. Cendón, and R. Chisari
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 5109–5124, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5109-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-5109-2014, 2014
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Periodic flooding of rivers should result in increased groundwater recharge near rivers and thus - younger and fresher groundwater near rivers. This study found the age and salinity of shallow groundwater to increase with proximity to the Tambo River in South East Australia. This appears to be due to the upwelling of older, regional groundwater closer the river. Other chemical parameters are consistent with this. This is a process that may be occurring in other similar river systems.
A. P. Atkinson, I. Cartwright, B. S. Gilfedder, D. I. Cendón, N. P. Unland, and H. Hofmann
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4951–4964, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4951-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4951-2014, 2014
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This research article uses of radiogenic isotopes, stable isotopes and groundwater geochemistry to study groundwater age and recharge processes in the Gellibrand Valley, a relatively unstudied catchment and potential groundwater resource. The valley is found to contain both "old", regionally recharged groundwater (300-10,000 years) in the near-river environment, and modern groundwater (0-100 years old) further back on the floodplain. There is no recharge of the groundwater by high river flows.
U. Lauber, P. Kotyla, D. Morche, and N. Goldscheider
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4437–4452, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4437-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4437-2014, 2014
M. Huebsch, O. Fenton, B. Horan, D. Hennessy, K. G. Richards, P. Jordan, N. Goldscheider, C. Butscher, and P. Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4423–4435, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4423-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4423-2014, 2014
S. Hergarten, G. Winkler, and S. Birk
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4277–4288, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4277-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4277-2014, 2014
M. Attwa and T. Günther
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 4079–4094, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4079-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4079-2013, 2013
C. Schmidt, A. Musolff, N. Trauth, M. Vieweg, and J. H. Fleckenstein
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 3689–3697, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-3689-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-3689-2012, 2012
T. Gleeson, D. M. Allen, and G. Ferguson
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 2159–2168, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-2159-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-2159-2012, 2012
G. H. de Rooij
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 649–669, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-649-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-16-649-2012, 2012
B. Hubinger and S. Birk
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 3715–3729, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-3715-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-3715-2011, 2011
E. Joigneaux, P. Albéric, H. Pauwels, C. Pagé, L. Terray, and A. Bruand
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 2459–2470, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-2459-2011, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-2459-2011, 2011
P.-R. Tsou, Z.-Y. Feng, H.-D. Yeh, and C.-S. Huang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 1477–1485, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1477-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1477-2010, 2010
Y.-C. Chang, D.-S. Jeng, and H.-D. Yeh
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 14, 1341–1351, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1341-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-14-1341-2010, 2010
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Short summary
It is widely assumed that 14C is in contact with the atmosphere until recharging water reaches the water table. Unsaturated zone (UZ) studies have shown that 14C decreases with depth below the land surface. We produce a relationship between UZ 14C and depth to the water table to estimate input 14C activities for groundwater age estimation. Application of the new relationship shows that it is important for UZ processes to be considered in groundwater mean residence time estimation.
It is widely assumed that 14C is in contact with the atmosphere until recharging water reaches...
