Abstract
To understand groundwater flow and geochemical processes within an aquifer, it is necessary to set up a conceptual model of the aquifer. To accomplish this, different methods are used, and one of them is an isotopic technique. The study area is located in the Varaždin area (NW Croatia). The aquifer represents the main source of potable water for the town of Varaždin and the surrounding settlements. The conceptual model of the alluvial aquifer has to be set up prior to creating a groundwater flow and transport model. Measurements of ratios δ18Ο and δ2H in ground- and surface waters and precipitation samples were carried out. The relationship between ratios δ18Ο, δ2H, and d-excess for local precipitation in the study area showed that precipitation originates from the Atlantic air masses, although during the colder periods of the year, influence of the Mediterranean air masses was not negligible. The monitored period was warmer and wetter than average. Evaporation was observed at all monitored surface waters, but the largest rate was at the location of a gravel pit in Šijanec. The isotopic composition of the precipitation and groundwater showed a good correlation due to the isotopic homogenization of groundwater along the flow path.
Highlights
To understand groundwater flow and geochemical processes within an aquifer, it is necessary to set up a conceptual model of it
The study area is located in the Varaždin area (NW Croatia)
To June 2019 based on 1981–2010 climate normal
Summary
To understand groundwater flow and geochemical processes within an aquifer, it is necessary to set up a conceptual model of it. Knowledge about the isotopic ratios of oxygen (δ18 O) and hydrogen (δ2 H) in atmospheric precipitation and groundwater is important for hydrological, hydrogeological, climatological, and meteorological applications [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. The favorable climate, topography, and available groundwater have insured intensive agricultural practices involving the application of large amounts of synthetic fertilizers and manure that have subsequently led to high nitrate concentrations in the Varaždin aquifer. A conceptual model of the alluvial aquifer, has to be set up, and to improve this model, measurements of δ18 O and δ2 H in the ground- and surface waters and precipitation samples were carried out
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