Geomorphometric approach in geoecological assessment of groundwater in the territory of the Arkhangelsk region

Abstract

It is shown that the Terrain Ruggedness Index, calculated on the digital elevation model, predetermines the chemical composition of groundwater. The high ruggedness of the relief, the small stratum of the overlying bedrocks of Quaternary deposits, the absence of water barriers contribute to the desalination of groundwater due to the penetration of ultra-fresh atmospheric precipitation. The low ruggedness of the relief also causes a low intensity of water exchange and, as a consequence, a higher mineralization of groundwater.