Groundwater of the Pleistocene aquifer system in the north Caspian and near-Caspian regions: Communication 1. Character of water exchange and factors of sedimentary water integrity

Abstract

Water contained in marine sediments is of great significance in evolution process of sedimentatry basin. Transformation of sediments at all stages of lithogenesis occurs through interaction with water of different genetic types, as well as with organic matter and gases. Our attention was focused on the proportions of sedimentary and infiltration water in basin. The possibility and degree of displacement of sedimentary water by waters of other genetic types, first of all, infiltration water, are considered. In this communication, we consider specific natural conditions that provided the integrity of sedimentary water at least during the entire Pleistocene-Holocene. It was convincingly demonstrated for the first time that infiltration water, evaporation, and deep factors have a minimum or local influence on the total balance of the Pleistocene aquifer system of the North Caspian and near-Caspian regions. The water balance is mainly determined by the following principal factors: extremely low Darcy velocity of regional groundwater flow and insignificant contribution of local recharge of atmospheric precipitation, evaporation, and vertical water exchange between aquiferous strata.