Research on Shallow Groundwater Recharge and Control in Taihang Mountain Area of North China

Abstract

In the 21st century, diminishing water resources have become a global concern. The Taihang Mountain area plays an important role in the sustainable development of the Bohai coastal area in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei because of its special geographical location and features; but due to drought and deficiency of water, the Taihang Mountain area is faced with the dual problems of poverty and ecological vulnerability. It seems particularly important to develop and utilize the water resources in a sustainable manner as water is one of the key factors in promoting local economic development and improving the ecological environment. This paper investigates, from the perspective of water cycle and water transformation, the seepage recharge mechanism in slopes and river valleys, taking into account the hydrological features of the Taihang Mountain area and the hydro-geological features of slopes and river valleys in the area. Based on analysis of the formation process and characteristics of shallow groundwater resources, this paper puts forth the idea of “weak water consolidation” for sustainable development of water resources, and three groundwater development and utilization techniques in respect of seepage through rock-soil interfaces and weathered rock fissures in slopes and seepage in river valleys, offering a powerful support to the economic development and environmental improvement in the Taihang Mountain area.