Abstract
As the main scavenge port of groundwater in the karst water system, most of the karst springs affected by human activities experienced discharge attenuation phenomenon in the north of China. Whilst artificial replenishment measures have been taken to keep water spewing, the results are not ideal in many karst springs. This is mainly because of poor understanding about the recharging water sources. This paper used the Jinan Spring region as an example to discuss about different spring water supply sources. Based on a wide range of methods (e.g., dynamic observation of spring water level, real-time monitoring of water temperature and electrical conductivity (EC), tracer test, and frequency analysis), this study obtained several findings. First, the maximum karst-fractured water proportion that Cambrian Zhangxia Formation contribute to the Zhenzhu Spring is 57–59%, and the Heihu Spring only recharges 25–31%. Second, the proportion of fracture-karst water to the Heihu Spring from the Fengshan Formation to the Sanshanzi Formation of the Ordovician is 69–75%, while the proportion of the Tanxi spring is 15–17%. Third, the Baotu Spring and Heihu Spring mainly receive karst-fractured water from the Cambrian Zhangxia Formation and fracture-karst water from the Cambrian Fengshan Formation to the Ordovician Sanshanzi Formation. The supply sources of the Zhenzhu Spring and Tanxi Spring are more diverse, including karst-fractured water of the Cambrian Zhangxia Formation and fracture-karst water of the Cambrian Fengshan Formation to the Ordovician Sanshanzi Formation, as well as a small amount of pore water and fissure water, artificial recharge water supply. Fourth, the frequency analysis of spring water temperature indicated that the Zhenzhu Spring and Tanxi Spring are mainly in deep circulation, while the Baotu Spring and Heihu Spring are predominantly in shallow circulation. The differences in the sources of the four largest spring groups suggest that the karst water movement in Jinan has heterogeneous characteristics. The determination of the mixing ratio of the sources of spring water supplies provides a scientific basis for the protection of spring water, and the implementation of artificial recharge projects.
Highlights
Karst areas are widely distributed worldwide with various forms which are valuable tourism resources [1]
To calculate the replenishment of karst water system, numerous methods can be employed, such as the hydrogeological condition analysis method [4,5,6], hydrochemical method [7,8,9], isotope method [10,11,12,13], and the consequences have been acquired by utilizing the comprehensive analysis of methods mentioned above [14,15]
The atmospheric precipitation infiltration is complex process, because the total annual precipitation, precipitation characteristics, lithology and thickness of the aerated zone, topography, and vegetation influence the amount of groundwater recharge from precipitation infiltration [17]
Summary
Karst areas are widely distributed worldwide with various forms which are valuable tourism resources [1]. They often develop underground karst holes and karst fissures, which create a. Water 2020, 12, 694 concentrated drainage area of karst water-bearing system; and form large karst springs and water resources [2]. These karst areas are considered as vulnerable area of geological environment. Groundwater recharge sources mainly include the atmospheric precipitation, surface water, condensed water, and etc. Aiming at the impact of the dynamic changes of the surface environment, Daniel
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