Abstract
Abstract This paper discusses fluctuations in spring water temperature and its correlation to climate and aquifer characteristics. Data from nine springs in the Gryżynka River catchment (Polish Plain) were taken monthly (November 2005 to October 2010). The springs examined in this study are characterised by significant thermal inertia in contrast to air temperature, that is expressed in small temperature amplitudes that range from 1.3°C to 2.3°C. The average temperature of the springs is about 9°C. The research proved that observed groundwater temperature variations on the surface resulted mainly from atmospheric conditions, especially air temperature. The highest water temperatures (up to 10°C) were observed during late summer and early autumn, and the lowest temperature (7.7°C) was observed at the end of the winter period. The range of spring water temperature variability may reflect amount of water contribution from local water recharge in the spring vicinity.
Highlights
Analysing the groundwater that emerges in springs was found to be an easy and fast tool research method (Aldwell, Burdon 1986), the springs should be considered important elements of an environmental monitoring network (Bender et al 2001)
Temperature data taken from selected springs that drain sedimentary porous aquifers in the temperate climatic zone demonstrated that: –– Groundwater that emerged from the springs revealed very small temperature amplitudes due to their significant thermal inertia in contrast to air temperature
The average temperature measured in the springs was approximately 9°C and was comparable to the air temperature of the region. –– The observed seasonal spring water temperature changes were only 1°C to 2°C and followed variations in air temperature
Summary
Analysing the groundwater that emerges in springs was found to be an easy and fast tool research method (Aldwell, Burdon 1986), the springs should be considered important elements of an environmental monitoring network (Bender et al 2001). Measuring the temperature of spring water aids the assessment of heat flow from the surface to the groundwater (Bundschuh 1993, Manga 1998, Musgrove et al 2010) and of the influence of geothermal heat on spring water temperature (Manga, Kirchner 2004, Leaver, Unsworth 2007). Such measurement assists in the determination of residence time in underground and the direction of its circulation (James et al 2000, Becker et al 2004, Baena et al 2009). Other potential applications of spring water temperature measurements include assessment of use of groundwater resources for drinking, industrial purposes and balneology (Manga 2001)
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