Base Of Aquifer Research Articles

Evaluating the productivity of basement rock aquifers for sustainable groundwater development in sub-Sahara Africa using borehole pumping experiments and geophysical data

Ensuring all-year-round groundwater availability in the basement complex regions of sub-Sahara Africa requires careful combinations of strategies for exploration, development, and management of groundwater resources. The productivity of the basement aquifer of sub-Sahara Africa, SSA, was evaluated in terms of the volume of water produced per unit time, the aquifer transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, specific capacity, and the thickness of the water-bearing zones using a suit of data from borehole pumping experiments, geophysical surveys, and lithologic logs from an area measuring 85.56 square kilometers in sub-Sahara Africa. Findings from the study have been used to classify the basement complex aquifers of sub-Sahara Africa into three categories: marginally productive, low productive, and moderately productive. Weathered and fractured zones were found to be bright spots for groundwater storage, and aquifer productivity correlates with topography and the thickness of the weather zones. Most of the boreholes located on the low topographic heights were found to have the highest groundwater discharge, transmissivity, and hydraulic conductivity. Further, the study showed that the popular models used for estimating aquifer properties are unsuitable for basement complex aquifers. The results of the models are exaggerated when compared to the pumping test results. Cases of dry holes or poorly performing wells in the basement complex terrain may be attributed to the exaggeration. Consequently, two new and novel quantitative models were proposed and tested for evaluating the productivity parameters of basement aquifers of SSA for optimal selection of sites for groundwater development. The aquifer productivity maps computed with the new quantitative models show striking similarities to those computed from the pumping tests results and confirmed the appropriateness of the new quantitative models. The appropriate pumping device, pump operation time, and installation depth were recommended for the boreholes producing groundwater from the three categories of aquifers identified in this study.

Hydrogeochemical Processes in Basement Areas Using Principal Component in Burkina Faso (West African Sahel)

The basement aquifers in Burkina Faso are increasingly exposed to groundwater pollution, largely due to socio-economic activities and climatic fluctuations, particularly the reduction in rainfall. This pollution makes the management and understanding of these aquifers particularly complex. To elucidate the processes controlling this contamination, a methodological approach combining principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate statistical techniques was adopted. The study analyzed sixteen physicochemical parameters from 58 water samples. The primary objective of this research is to assess groundwater quality and deepen the understanding of the key factors influencing the spatial variation of their chemical composition. The results obtained will contribute to better planning of preservation and sustainable management measures for water resources in Burkina Faso. The results show that three principal components explain 72% of the variance, identifying anthropogenic inputs, with two components affected by mineralization and one by pollution. The study reveals that the groundwater is aggressive and highly corrosive, with calcite saturation. Water-rock interactions appear to be the main mechanisms controlling the hydrochemistry of groundwater, with increasing concentrations of cations and anions as the water travels through percolation pathways. PCA also revealed that the residence time of the water and leaching due to human activities significantly influence water quality, primarily through mineralization processes. These results suggest that rock weathering, coupled with reduced rainfall, constitutes a major vulnerability for aquifer recharge.

Hydrochemical Characterisation of the Basement Aquifer with a Focus on the Origin of Nitrate in the Highly Urbanised Niamey Region, SW of Niger

This study investigated the basement aquifer beneath the urbanised city of Niamey and the agricultural fields of Kollo, SW of Niger. During the observation period spanning from 2021 to 2023, groundwater and surface water samples were collected for analysis of major ions and the stable isotopes oxygen-18 and deuterium (δ18O and δ2H) of water. To trace the origin of high nitrate concentrations (NO3−) found in several observation and drinking water wells in both areas, δ15N and δ18O isotope values of NO3− were analysed in groundwater and eluted soil samples. The observed hydrochemical patterns mainly reflect the heterogeneity of the weathered fringe of the basement aquifer. Decreasing concentrations of NO3− and δ18O and δ2H values were observed in relation to the distance of the Niger River and increasing thickness of the clay layer on the surface. The wells close to the river in Niamey show a dilution effect during the flood season, and the NO3− concentrations displayed a continuous increasing trend. The δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values confirmed that septic tank water is spreading in the region of Niamey and that manure originating from livestock in Kollo is the main source of NO3−. The patterns of δ15N in the soil samples coincide with those of cattle’s manure spread in both areas. The shallow wells show significantly higher values of electric conductivity and NO3− concentrations compared to the deeper wells, which clearly indicates the influence of shallow septic tanks on water quality.

Groundwater monitoring in challenging environments: an argument for the construction of observation wells based on data from Niamey, Niger

AbstractGroundwater sampling in challenging environments often leads to compromises in following best practices to obtain representative samples from aquifers. This includes collecting samples from existing production or domestic wells instead of using properly constructed monitoring wells or using a bailer instead of a submersible pump for sampling. To address unusual patterns and trends in groundwater chemistry data collected in Niamey, Niger from 2012–2021, a state-of-the-art monthly sampling routine was established for eight wells tapping the basement aquifer. This was based on the hypothesis that the observed changes in groundwater composition were mainly due to differences in sampling technique, and the aim of the study was to gain insights into possible seasonal variations in water composition, to examine if the previously observed trends could be validated and to provide baseline data for future studies. The results indicate that in most cases the long well response zones in the stratified aquifer system led to the collection of water from different strata/aquifers or of strongly mixed samples. Therefore, any sample from those wells is only of limited value for the interpretation of hydrogeological processes. To obtain sound data for the development of groundwater management strategies, the monitoring has to be shifted from existing production wells to properly constructed monitoring wells. In the complex hydrogeological setting of Niamey, with hydraulically interacting aquifers and occurrences of density layering, it is fundamental to ensure that a monitoring well taps one specific depth of one target aquifer and that well-volume purging is applied properly.

Insights from electrical resistivity tomography on the hydrogeological interaction between sand dams and the weathered basement aquifer

Sand dams, composed of recent alluvial aquifers behind concrete dam walls, are a water management technique in drylands. However, their level of hydraulic connectivity with their surrounding weathered basement aquifer is debated. This study aims to constrain this hydrogeological uncertainty in order to better understand their ability to meet water needs and improve dryland water security. The study is the first to use 2D geophysics (Electrical Resistivity Tomography) to provide evidence of seepage from sand dams at three mature and three newly built sites. A generally greater hydraulic connectivity was found between sand dams and their surrounding aquifer than has been assumed in some previous studies, with sites providing at least some local recharge rather than existing as isolated storage structures. This improved understanding is beneficial for both site selection and the performance of sand dams and can help ensure that maximum benefits are derived from the construction of a sand dam depending on its intended purpose.

APPLICATION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RESISTIVITY PARAMETERS IN EVALUATING AQUIFER POTENTIAL AND VULNERABILITY WITHIN KABBA, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

The study area depends on groundwater as a major source of potable and healthy water supply. However, its occurrence and quality vary with low yield or abortive borehole drilled in some part. Therefore, there is need to properly investigate the geology and groundwater condition of the area using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and Dar Zarrouk parameters. The different rock types identified are migmatite-gneiss, granite-gneiss, schist, and charnockite. Forty (40) VES was carried out which revealed five to four geo-electric layers. These are top soil, lateritic clay, confining weathered basement, weathered/fractured basement aquifers and fresh basement. The types of curves identified are HA and KQ. The average depth to groundwater is 55.00m, this indicate that borehole should be drilled within or above the average depth to avoid later drying of wells. The value of aquifer resistivity and thickness was used to calculate longitudinal conductance, transverse resistance, hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The longitudinal conductance varies from poor to good in protective capacity class and revealed that the groundwater is easily exposed to contamination. The aquifer resistivity, thickness with transverse resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity were used to classified the groundwater into different zones. The groundwater potential within the study area varies from low to very good with most of the area having moderate potential zones distributed mainly within the migmatite gneiss and the schist. The study area has fractures that can produce water for domestic, agricultural and industrial purpose and the result can be used for proper management of groundwater resources.

Groundwater quality evaluation of the weathering mantle in crystalline basement aquifer system, southern Brazil.

Groundwater is the main source of water for more than 2 billion people worldwide. In southern Brazil, the Crystalline Basement Aquifer System is composed of strategic groundwater reservoirs. Groundwater is mostly taken from shallow wells, and it is often used without any treatment, which poses a risk to public health. The present study aims to evaluate shallow groundwater quality and the geochemistry of shallow and deep groundwater located in the municipality of Canguçu, southern Brazil. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters of groundwater samples collected from shallow wells were monitored and analyzed using ANOVA variance analysis and water quality index (CCME WQI) approaches. Also, the results were compared with secondary data from deep wells. The monitored shallow wells had thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli, pH, potassium, manganese, iron, and nitrate in disagreement with the guidelines of the World Health Organization. Moreover, variance analysis showed that the parameters temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, chloride, and magnesium were the most influenced by seasonal variations. According to the CCME WQI, most samples had good quality (60%), 28% had fair quality, and 12% had poor quality. In addition, the field campaigns with higher precipitation rates also presented fair quality. Therefore, most of the shallow groundwater quality is affected by surface pollutants from the urban area, aggravated in rainy periods. Whereas deep groundwater is influenced by geochemistry mechanisms. The results revealed the risk of water consumption for public health and the urgent need for better maintenance of these wells and water treatment implementation.

Integrating geological, hydrogeological and geophysical data to identify groundwater resources in granitic basement areas (Guéra Massif, Chad)

In Chad, hard-rock aquifers are the main source of drinking water for the population located on basement areas. In these basement aquifers, and in particular those of the Guéra region, water drilling failure rates remain high despite research on one- and two-dimensional electrical resistivity techniques and lineaments as a means to improve access to the resource, mainly because these techniques are only used on an observational and structural basis to locate fractures. This study combines electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with geology, hydrogeology and geomorphology, in order to characterise the structure and geometry of the aquifer system, assess borehole productivity and determine the factors controlling it. After validating the large dataset and its representativeness, 315 high- and low-yield wells, of which 41 have complete geophysical datasets, were selected. This large dataset allows a multi-parameter approach to (1) better characterise each facies according to its electrical resistivity and (2) clearly identify the main formations constituting the local conceptual hydrogeological model. The most suitable areas for productive boreholes are characterised by the presence of an overburden of <20 m depth, well-developed weathered and fractured horizons of granites and biotite granites (preferably) containing little or no clay, and a nearby drainage network. The most substantial flow rates are found in the first 30 m of the fissured horizon, below the base of the alterites. The experience gained from the present study will guide future analysis of ERT sections in order to reduce the probability of drilling dry wells.

Arsenic geochemical species modeling, prediction, and bioavailability in groundwaters of the Oban Massif, southeastern Nigeria

To ascertain the distribution patterns, source identification, chemical speciation, and bioavailability of arsenic in basement aquifers, 64 groundwater samples were analyzed using hydrochemical and geochemical modeling. It was determined that important ion geochemistry, hydrogeochemical facies, and basic hydrogeochemical parameters are interdependent. Arsenic (As) concentrations varied from 0.001 mg/l to 0.03 mg/l, with a mean of 0.007 mg/l. The results of 4.68% of samples were higher than the allowable level of 0.01 mg/l, i.e., groundwater arsenic levels are not dangerous. Significant ion concentrations decreased from dry to rainy seasons suggesting that ionic concentrations generated by silicate weathering in aquifers became diluted. Abundance trends in metal concentration during the dry and rainy seasons were Fe &gt; Mn &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; As &gt; Pb &gt; Cd and Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Mn &gt; Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Cu &gt; As &gt; Cd, respectively. Of the two hydrochemical facies discovered, the predominant one was the main alkaline-earth-bicarbonate facies [Ca-(Mg)-HCO3] typical of basement terrains, suggesting the fundamental stage of groundwater evolution. Plots of ionic ratios, metal loads, and principal component analyses showed that ionic concentrations are controlled by geology. Geochemical modeling revealed the presence of aqueous arsenic species, which are the less dangerous arsenates at unsaturated levels and do not currently pose a concern.

Geoelectrical and Remote Sensing in the Characterization of the Pan-African Meta-sedimentary Basement Aquifer Systems: A Case Study at Nkoteng-Elap, Central Region of Cameroon

Abstract Nkoteng-Elap, a hamlet in the Central Region of Cameroon (Central Africa), has water issues, particularly with access to drinking water. The current study aims at (1) mapping the fracture networks of aquifers in the conceptual hydrogeological model and (2) delimiting the groundwater potential zones of the study area. A study combining remote sensing and geoelectrical measurements was carried out along profiles sub-perpendicular to the elongation of the geological bodies. Borehole and field geology data were used to validate the results obtained. The findings point to more than 300 linear structures about 0.065-74.89 km long, with two main directions: N80-100°E and N30-50-70°E. According to the Electrical Resistivity Tomography approach, there are three (03) geoelectric levels: conductive (less than 500 Ωm), semi-resistive (6500-12500 Ωm). resistive (more than 12500 Ωm), and resistant intrusive body (2050 Ωm). Existing drillings display three main lithological formations: the alteration zone, the fissured/altered zone, and micaceous quartzite. The correlation between the ERT data and drilling data reveals that the fissured or altered zone observed at 50 m is potentially aquifers. This structure is characterized by medium resistivity values (6500 Ω.m), flow rates of 1 to 3 m3/h for positive boreholes, and by low resistivity values (500 Ω.m), flow rates less than 1 m3/h for negative boreholes. The final map is categorized into five classes: very good, good, moderate, poor, and very poor groundwater potential zones. These results can help find basement aquifers and be useful in the planning and management of groundwater resources in a meta-sedimentary context.

Hydrologic windows into the crystalline basement and their controls on groundwater flow patterns across the Paradox Basin, western USA

Conceptual models of sedimentary basin groundwater flow systems typically assume that the crystalline basement acts as an impermeable boundary and can be neglected. In this study, we use hydrologic models constrained by isotopic and geochemical datasets to argue that the La Sal Mountains, Utah, USA, act as a hydrologic window into the Paradox Basin’s lower aquifer system and underlying crystalline basement. We conducted a sensitivity study in which we varied crystalline basement/laccolith permeability as well as fault zone connectivity along a cross-sectional transect from the La Sal Mountains to Lisbon Valley. When the crystalline basement/laccolith units are set at relatively permeable levels (10−14 m2), simulated tracers that include total dissolved solids, oxygen isotopic composition of pore fluids (δ18O), and groundwater residence times are in closest agreement with field measurements. Model results indicate that pore fluids in the basal aquifer system underlying the Paradox Formation confining unit are a mixture of relatively young meteoric fluids and older Paradox Formation brines. The presence of faults did not significantly modify fluid exchange between the upper and lower aquifer systems. This was due, in part, to underpressuring within the Paradox Formation. Our study concludes that the Paradox Basin represents a regional recharge area for the Colorado Plateau, with groundwater discharge occurring along the Colorado River within the Grand Canyon some 375 km away to the southwest. This is only possible with a permeable crystalline basement. Our findings help explain the genesis of Mississippi Valley-type ore deposits of the US Midcontinent, where the presence of a permeable basement may be useful in addressing issues related to solute mass and energy balance.

Delineation of lineaments for groundwater prospecting in hard rocks: inferences from remote sensing and geophysical data

Egypt is grappling with water scarcity challenges, which are exacerbated by extensive urban development in arid coastal regions with rugged terrain. Although desalinated water is an alternative source in the remote Halayeib region of Southeast Egypt, its cost increases reliance on groundwater from the intricate aquifers. This study aims to accurately delineate hydro-structural features, known as lineaments, and assess their impact on the groundwater conditions in this promising region. This integrated approach involves the assessment of various spaceborne sensors, including optical (Landsat 8), Digital Elevation Models (ALOS and ASTER-DEMs), and radar (Sentinel-1), using geospatial and geostatistical techniques within the Geographic Information System (GIS). Radar-based sensors, particularly the Sentinel-1A vertical–vertical (S1A VV) polarization, outperform all other datasets in extracting lineaments, yielding 4883 lineaments that correspond to the regional geological faults. These lineaments trend in NE–SW, NNE–SSW, NW–SE, and E-W directions. The results also indicated that both digital elevation models (DEMs) were less effective, showing different orientations with azimuth angles. S1A VV proved to be highly effective in identifying subsurface fractured hard rock terrains beneath thin sedimentary covers, especially in the flat coastal area of Wadi Serimatai, where they intersected natural drainage pathways. Geoelectrical sections confirmed that there are orthogonal subsurface faults extending from fractured basement aquifers to near-surface layers. These faults align with the NE-SW and NNE-SSW directions observed in S1A VV lineaments. Geostatistical analysis revealed that S1A VV structural lineaments, lithological, and hydrogeological factors influence the occurrence of groundwater. This emphasizes the structural control over groundwater and its significant impact on water flow and storage. The study provides valuable insights for groundwater management, guiding decisions related to the development of groundwater resources.

Differentiation of Sahelian aquifers from chemical and isotopic composition using linear statistics and machine learning

ABSTRACT In Sahelian Africa, the characteristics of boreholes are often lost and, when several aquifers are present on the same site, it is difficult to know which one is being tapped or is likely to be contaminated, which hinders good management of the resource. In this study conducted on 153 wells distributed in the four major aquifers of Burkina Faso, the variation in chemical composition within the aquifers is high compared to that between the aquifers. In spite of this, treatment by linear statistical analysis and/or machine learning allows the discrimination of the aquifers with a success rate of about 80%. The introduction of water isotopes as an additional parameter and a dimensional reduction by principal component analysis allowed a discrimination rate of 87.6% to be achieved. The pathway of water from sedimentary to basement aquifers explains some of the confusion.

Modelling groundwater pollutant transfer mineral micropollutants in a multi-layered aquifer in Burkina Faso (West African Sahel)

In Burkina Faso, human activities around water points in rural areas affect groundwater resources, which become unfit for consumption. Nearly 33.5% of boreholes are subject to point source pollution. The assessment of the evolution of such pollution should be monitored to assess groundwater quality. In addition, withdrawals for irrigation alone are estimated at 85%, i.e. 46% of the water demand, heightening the deterioration in quality while creating depression zones further leading to an increase in recharge. It is therefore critical to understand the evolution and fate of the transfer of pollutants in such environments. In this study, we aimed to model the transfer of pollutant and predict the future state of pollution using the MT3D-USGS Groundwater Solute Transport Simulator code through the Groundwater Modelling Software (GMS) over the period 2012–2062 (50 years). A mathematical model is further developed through inferential statistics and used as a surrogate model for comparison. The results showed that deterioration in water quality was more attributable to withdrawals, especially for Cyanide (Cn) and Arsenic (As). A rather slow degradation is reported for Lead (Pb), which extends over 22 km, and Fluoride (F), which extends from 4 to 10 km due to localized recharge. A faster degradation for Cn over a distance of 2–16 km and as from 3 to 11 km is also observed because of the geological setting of the subsoil. These results might assist decision-makers for the quantitative and qualitative management of groundwater resources, and the management of the basement aquifer in the area through the establishment of protection zones.

Groundwater Detection Using Resistivity at Nubutautau Village in Viti Levu in Fiji

A geophysical method, electrical resistivity tomography, was applied to identify potential groundwater-bearing zones around Nubutautau village on Viti Levu island, Fiji. Apparent resistivity data of the subsurface were collected through an electrode assembly along survey lines by injecting current into the subsurface using an ABEM Terrameter LS2. The apparent resistivity data were inverted using Res2DINVx64 software to produce the final electrical resistivity through an iterative process to compare the resistivity of layers and draw analogical hydrogeological results. Analysis revealed the presence of two potential groundwater-bearing zones as potential targets for future drilling. The two targets indicated the presence of potentially saturated vertical fractures through which infiltrating rainwater percolates through the volcanic rock towards a deeper basal aquifer. The identification of the two potential targets demonstrated great potential of this geophysical technique to effectively inform drilling operations. A scientific approach can increase the successful delivery of water security interventions in remote, drought-prone communities of the Pacific.

Hydro-geochemical evolution, quality, and health risk assessment of groundwater in crystalline basement aquifer in Keffi, Nigeria

Hydro-geochemical evolution, quality, and health risk assessment of groundwater in crystalline basement aquifer in Keffi, Nigeria

Vertical leaching of paleo-saltwater in a coastal aquifer–aquitard system of the Pearl River Delta

Marine transgressive and regressive processes have promoted the formation of deltas and estuaries from the postglacial period, and the coastal aquifer-aquitard system can be identified based on the complicated sedimentary environments in the river delta. The groundwater system is usually composed of freshwater and paleo saltwater, and the vertical leaching of paleo saltwater from aquitard to fresh aquifer occurs due to density difference and gravity effect. In this study, radium quartet and radon were used as the tracers for groundwater due to their different half-lives. We constructed a radium reactive transport model considering the vertical leaching of paleo saltwater in a deltaic aquifer-aquitard system and then applied it in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The activity ratio of 224Ra to 228Ra was used to characterize whether the groundwater system was controlled by α-recoil or sufficient 232Th under fully weathered condition, and results showed that the deltaic system was well weathered and the vertical leaching of paleo saltwater inhibited the α-recoil input and increased the decay of the sorbed parent nuclide in the aquifer. After incorporating the vertical leaching of saltwater in the model, the value of retardation factor in the shallow aquitard evidently increased, meaning that the leaching of salty porewater into the aquifer greatly affected the adsorption–desorption process of radium isotopes in the aquitard, and the value of retardation factor reduced to the lower limit in the basal aquifer, indicating that the desorption process was determined by the vertical leaching of saltwater here. After considering the effect of vertical leaching, the estimated water transit time in the aquifer was decreased and the groundwater discharge rate was increased, and the converse results were obtained in the aquitard. The proposed radium reactive transport model advances the understanding of the salinization process in coastal aquifers through vertical migration and facilitates the understanding of freshening process of paleo saltwater in the river delta with similar hydrogeological settings.

Hydrogeochemistry, ionic speciation, controlling processes and agricultural suitability of groundwaters in sections of the semi-arid basement complex of north–central Nigeria

In order to ascertain the governing mechanisms, sources, and speciation of ionic species, identify hydrochemical facies, and assess their appropriateness for agricultural use, groundwaters from several portions of the semi-arid basement complex of north–central Nigeria were analyzed based on chemistry. Basement aquifers made of gneiss-migmatites, metasediments, and granitoids store groundwater. Standard analytical techniques were used to analyze the fluids for main cations, anions, and physical characteristics. The results showed that the waters were slightly acidic (with a mean pH of 5.38, below the permissible range of 6.5–8.5), and that the predominant cations and anions were Na+ >Ca2+ >K+ >Mg2+ and Cl− > NO3- > HCO3- > SO42−, respectively. Analysis of the ions' stoichiometric ratios reveals that alkali elements predominate, making up about 55.3% of the ions and being connected to silicate weathering. Based on ionic ratio calculations, it was determined that ion exchange was a key factor controlling water chemistry. Ionic species cross plots show that silicate weathering (sodic and calcic plagioclase) predominates. Hydrochemical facies, Gibbs plots, and principal component (correlation, cluster and factor) studies all show that ionic elements are geogenic, essentially coming from the weathering of silicates with ion exchanges. Based on predicted saturation indices, hydrochemical modeling by the computer program VISUAL-MINTEQ reveals that the majority of main ions occur in free mobile states with associated mineral species, all at undersaturated levels. Based on measurements of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (% Na), and chloro-alkaline indices (CAI), the waters have been evaluated for their suitability for agricultural use.

Thermally Significant Fluid Seepage Through Thick Sediment on the Juan de Fuca Plate Entering the Cascadia Subduction Zone

AbstractWe use heat flux measurements colocated with seismic reflection profiles over a buried basement high on the Juan de Fuca plate ∼25 km seaward of the deformation front offshore Oregon to test for the presence of hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust. We also revisit heat flux data crossing a buried basement high ∼25 km seaward of the deformation front ∼150 km north, offshore Washington. Seafloor heat flux is inversely correlated with sediment thickness, consistent with vigorous hydrothermal circulation in the basement aquifer homogenizing temperatures at the top of the basement. Heat flux immediately above the summit of the basement highs is greater than expected solely from conduction. Fluid seepage at rates of ∼2.6–5.4 cm yr−1 in a 1–1.5 km‐wide conduit through ∼800–1,300 m thick sediment sections above these basement highs can explain these observations. Observations of thermally significant fluid seepage through sediment &gt;225 m thick on oceanic crust are unprecedented. High sediment permeability, high fluid overpressure in the basement, or a combination of both is required to drive fluid seepage at the observed rates. We infer that rapid seepage occurs because the basement highs rise above the low permeability basal sediment with their tops protruding into the base of high permeability Nitinat or Astoria Fan sediment. Seepage from basement highs penetrating into the submarine fans can affect the thermal state of crust entering the subduction zone.

Water–Rock Interactions Driving Groundwater Composition in the Pra Basin (Ghana) Identified by Combinatorial Inverse Geochemical Modelling

The crystalline basement aquifer of the Pra Basin in Ghana is essential to the water supply systems of the region. This region is experiencing the ongoing pollution of major river networks from illegal mining activities. Water management is difficult due to the limited knowledge of hydrochemical controls on the groundwater. This study investigates its evolution based on analyses from a previous groundwater sampling campaign and mineralogical investigation of outcrops. The dominant reactions driving the average groundwater composition were identified by means of a combinatorial inverse modelling approach under the hypothesis of local thermodynamical equilibrium. The weathering of silicate minerals, including albite, anorthite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, and chalcedony, explains the observed median groundwater composition in the transition and discharge zones. Additional site-specific hypotheses were needed to match the observed composition of the main recharge area, including equilibration with carbon dioxide, kaolinite, and hematite in the soil and unsaturated zones, respectively, and the degradation of organic matter controlling the sulfate/sulfide content, thus pointing towards kinetic effects during water–rock interactions in this zone. Even though an averaged water composition was used, the inverse models can “bridge” the knowledge gap on the large basin scale to come up with quite distinct “best” mineral assemblages that explain observed field conditions. This study provides a conceptual framework of the hydrogeochemical evolution for managing groundwater resources in the Pra Basin and presents modelling techniques that can be applied to similar regions with comparable levels of heterogeneity in water chemistry and limited knowledge of aquifer mineralogy. The combinatorial inverse model approach offers enhanced flexibility by systematically generating all plausible combinations of mineral assemblages from a given pool of mineral phases, thereby allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the reactions driving the chemical evolution of the groundwater.