Interpretation of environmental tracer data for conceptual understanding of groundwater flow: an application for fractured aquifer systems in the Kłodzko Basin, Sudetes, Poland

Abstract

ABSTRACT Environmental isotopes and hydrogeological data have been used for the construction of a conceptual model of fresh groundwater flow in the Kłodzko Basin, Sudetes, Poland. The model has allowed the verification of a groundwater circulation scheme resulting from the general morphological assumptions and the recharge role to the surrounding mountains. Combined interpretation of the tritium ages and the isotopic altitude effect allowed determining the volume of water-bearing rock V r and hydrogeological parameters of systems drained by springs and wells. Prior to the final determination of the recharge zone of individual objects, calculations were made for the thickness of the flow zone (h) and the distance from the recharge zone to the drainage point (L). The recharge areas for springs are located within a distance of 1–1.5 km and are characterized by a width of 0.75–1.65 km. The recharge area of wells is located in significantly longer distances of 2.1–12 km but yet definitely lower width. The recharge of groundwater from the Western direction seems to be obvious for all the wells and springs located westward from Nysa Kłodzka River. The eastern component of the recharge appeared during the interpretation of the well in Długopole. Dedicated to Professor Peter Fritz on the occasion of his 80th birthday