The hydrogeology of the Ballimore region, central New South Wales, Australia: an integrated study

Abstract

The integrated use of geophysical, geological, hydrogeochemical and hydrogeological data has allowed the development of a plausible conceptual model for groundwater flow in the Ballimore region. A realistic model for this under-explored system could not be derived solely by the use of hydrogeological data. Interpretation of the available datasets indicates that two groundwater systems are active: a regional and a local system. These are separated by a regionally extensive aquiclude. Groundwater flow in the regional groundwater system is controlled by the structural fabric of the Palaeozoic basement rocks. The local groundwater system is restricted to the Permian to Recent sequence of cover rocks. The local groundwater system is subdivided into three cells: the deep, intermediate and shallow cells. Groundwater flow within the deep cell of the local groundwater system is controlled by fracture flow. Groundwaters from this aquifer are under artesian pressure and are effervescent (CO2-gas). The intermediate cell is a leaky aquitard that acts as a mixing zone between the deep and shallow cells. Groundwater flow within the shallow cell is controlled by the influx of surface waters which migrate laterally through permeable beds.