Groundwater Flow Characteristics Research Articles

Monitoramento fluviométrico de duas bacias hidrográficas vizinhas: comparação de vazões em períodos concomitantes.

Estimation of median and minimum flows in small watersheds is a complex process due to the heterogeneity of physical characteristics for each location. The proposed work intends to demonstrate this hypothesis, defining two surrounding watersheds with equivalent areas. A hydrological monitoring was obtained at both watersheds by using level sensors and hydraulic structures for metering flow. The two small watersheds present same conditions of precipitation because they contain similar physiographic characteristics. The land use in one watershed is 100 % rural and in another watershed is 50 % urban and 50 % rural. The results found for water flow were different from conventional predictions mainly due to hydrogeology. Medians and lower minimum flows in the watershed with urbanization were expected according to the characteristics of groundwater flow - naturally is a higher infiltration rate for rural watershed that increases the groundwater reserves, which could be used for periods of drought. However, this study presented opposite results. In rural small watershed the value found for Q95 was null and for Q50 was 1.29 L/s. For small watershed with urbanization the values found were 6.72 and 19.78 L/sfor Q95 and Q50, considering an identical monitoring period. This fact is due to the peculiarity of complex hydrogeological place. In this case the groundwater from rural small watershed does not supply the watershed’s mouth, but it supplies the surrounding watershed

Modeling the spatial and temporal distribution of coastal groundwater discharge for different water use scenarios under epistemic uncertainty: case study in South Portugal

The following paper presents a discussion of spatial and temporal distribution of groundwater discharge estimates at a regional scale for two coastal aquifer systems in the Algarve region. A finite element distributed parameter groundwater flow model is applied to analyze the effect of uncertainties regarding definition of model boundary conditions and seasonality on estimated values. Finally, estimates of sustainable yields are provided based on predefined sustainability criteria and the importance of well location is analyzed. Steady-state simulations indicate a range of average annual coastal discharge between 6.5 × 106 and 15 × 106 m3/year from the Albufeira-Ribeira de Quarteira aquifer, and 4.5 × 106 and 11.3 × 106 m3/year from the Quarteira aquifer, as well as significant spatial variation. Transient simulations show that seasonal variability inherent to these systems can lead to inversions of hydraulic head gradient during short periods. Model results indicate that coastal discharge rates are between 1.5 and 2 times higher during the peak winter months than during the minimum in the summer, and as such seasonality has a larger impact on discharge rates than BC conceptualization. Up to 3.31 × 106 m3/year could be abstracted from existing well fields without causing seawater intrusion problems. Historical levels of abstraction are not within the selected sustainability criteria. However, by placing abstraction further from the coast sustainable yield increases. This work is part of ongoing research that aims to identify and characterize groundwater flow from the coastal strip towards the continental platform, taking into account structural geology, marine geology and the effects of the hydrological/hydrogeologic conditions on the associated ecosystems.

Detailed measurement of the magnitude and orientation of thermal gradients in lined boreholes for characterizing groundwater flow in fractured rock

• TVP measures the detail variations in the thermal gradient within a lined borehole. • Components of the thermal gradient vector characterize fracture flow through rock. • Complex thermal patterns exist in a lined borehole adjacent to fractures. • Data are reproducible and consistent with three nearby multilevel installations. • Variations in “thermal stratigraphy” are similar to hydro-stratigraphic layers. Recent developments have led to revitalization of the use of temperature logging for characterizing flow through fractured rock. The sealing of boreholes using water-filled, flexible impermeable liners prevents vertical cross connection between fractures intersecting the hole and establishes a static water column with a temperature stratification that mimics that in the surrounding formation. Measurement of the temperature profile of the lined-hole, water column (using a high sensitivity single-point probe achieving resolution on the order of 0.001 °C) has identified fractures with active flow under ambient groundwater conditions (without cross connecting flow along the borehole). Detection of flow in fractures was further improved with the use of a heater to create thermal disequilibrium in the active line source (ALS) technique and eliminate normal depth limitations in the process. This paper presents another advancement; detailed measurement of the magnitude and direction of the thermal gradient to characterize flow through fractured rock. The temperature within the water column is measured along the length of the lined hole using a temperature vector probe (TVP): four high sensitivity sensors arranged in a tetrahedral pattern oriented using three directional magnetometers. Based on these data, the horizontal and vertical components of the thermal field, as well as the direction of temperature gradient are determined, typically at depth intervals of less than 0.01 m. This probe was assessed and refined by trials in over 30 lined boreholes; the results from two holes through a fractured dolostone aquifer in Guelph, Ontario are used as exampled. Since no other device exists for measuring flow magnitude and direction under the ambient flow condition created by lined holes, the performance of the TVP is assessed by examining the reproducibility of the temperature measurements through an ALS test, and by the consistency of the results relative to other types of larger-scale information from the study area. Temperature profiles were measured in lined holes under both ambient thermal conditions and subject to ALS heating of the entire length of the holes to demonstrate resolution and reproducibility. The hydraulic gradient in three-dimensional space, based on pressure measurements from three depth discrete, multilevel monitoring systems in nearby holes, was used to independently estimate variations in groundwater flow directions. The characteristics of the hydraulic and thermal regimes are compared to assess response to changes in flow in a fractured rock system. When used in the lined holes, the level of detail provided by this multi-sensor probe is much greater than that provided by a single-sensor probe and this detail strongly supports inferences concerning the relative magnitude and direction of the flow. The results of this study indicate that the details of the thermal gradient can be measured and provides superior results compared to a conventional one dimensional temperature profile, thereby substantially enhancing the characterization of groundwater flow in fractured rock.

Numerical simulation of tritium migration in groundwater at Wolsong Plant 1 site

On-site groundwater has been reported to be contaminated by the unplanned release of liquid radioactive material at some nuclear power plants. Thus, it is of utmost importance to implement a timely and effective groundwater protection program at a site based on a good understanding of groundwater flow and a reasonable prediction for the potential impact of the unplanned release. In this study, the tritium migration has been simulated based on the modeling result of groundwater at Wolsong Plant 1 site to assess the potential impact of an unplanned release in the form of a leak. The results indicate that the groundwater eventually flowed into the sea, leaving marine activities as the only possible exposure pathway for receptors. Furthermore, the tritium concentrations in groundwater were simulated to be lowered very quickly with groundwater approaching the sea. Therefore, an additional radiation dose contribution due to the discharge of the contaminated groundwater was estimated to be negligible. Particularly, the draining effect of the dewatering sumps was shown to have a strong influence on the groundwater flow characteristics and the simulation of tritium migration, mainly decreasing the spread rate of the contaminated groundwater, which is advantageous to the protection of groundwater.

Bridging groundwater models and decision support with a Bayesian network

[1] Resource managers need to make decisions to plan for future environmental conditions, particularly sea level rise, in the face of substantial uncertainty. Many interacting processes factor in to the decisions they face. Advances in process models and the quantification of uncertainty have made models a valuable tool for this purpose. Long-simulation runtimes and, often, numerical instability make linking process models impractical in many cases. A method for emulating the important connections between model input and forecasts, while propagating uncertainty, has the potential to provide a bridge between complicated numerical process models and the efficiency and stability needed for decision making. We explore this using a Bayesian network (BN) to emulate a groundwater flow model. We expand on previous approaches to validating a BN by calculating forecasting skill using cross validation of a groundwater model of Assateague Island in Virginia and Maryland, USA. This BN emulation was shown to capture the important groundwater-flow characteristics and uncertainty of the groundwater system because of its connection to island morphology and sea level. Forecast power metrics associated with the validation of multiple alternative BN designs guided the selection of an optimal level of BN complexity. Assateague island is an ideal test case for exploring a forecasting tool based on current conditions because the unique hydrogeomorphological variability of the island includes a range of settings indicative of past, current, and future conditions. The resulting BN is a valuable tool for exploring the response of groundwater conditions to sea level rise in decision support.

Investigating Groundwater Flow Between Edwards and Trinity Aquifers in Central Texas

Understanding the nature of communication between aquifers can be challenging when using traditional physical and geochemical groundwater sampling approaches. This study uses two multiport wells completed within Edwards and Trinity aquifers in central Texas to determine the degree of groundwater inter-flow between adjacent aquifers. Potentiometric surfaces, hydraulic conductivities, and groundwater major ion concentrations and Sr isotope values were measured from multiple zones within three hydrostratigraphic units (Edwards and Upper and Middle Trinity aquifers). Physical and geochemical data from the multiport wells were combined with historical measurements of groundwater levels and geochemical compositions from the region to characterize groundwater flow and identify controls on the geochemical compositions of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. Our results suggest that vertical groundwater flow between Edwards and Middle Trinity aquifers is likely limited by low permeability, evaporite-rich units within the Upper and Middle Trinity. Potentiometric surface levels in both aquifers vary with changes in wet vs. dry conditions, indicating that recharge to both aquifers occurs through distinct recharge areas. Geochemical compositions in the Edwards, Upper, and Middle Trinity aquifers are distinct and likely reflect groundwater interaction with different lithologies (e.g., carbonates, evaporites, and siliceous sediments) as opposed to mixing of groundwater between the aquifers. These results have implications for the management of these aquifers as they indicate that, under current conditions, pumping of either aquifer will likely not induce vertical cross-formational flow between the aquifers. Inter-flow between the Trinity and the Edwards aquifers, however, should be reevaluated as pumping patterns and hydrogeologic conditions change.

FACTORS OF GROUNDWATER FLUCTUATION IN SHIN KORI NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN KOREA

To establish an aging management plan considering seawater influx and changes in groundwater within nuclear power plant sites, the characteristics of groundwater flow must be understood. This study investigated the characteristics of groundwater flow within the site and analyzed groundwater level recorded by monitoring wells to evaluate groundwater flow characteristics and elements that affected these characteristics for supplying the information to conduct the appropriate aging management for ensuring the safety of the safety-related structures in Shin Kori Unit 1 and 2. The increase in groundwater level during the wet season results from high sea-level conditions and the large amount of precipitation. As a result of the analysis of groundwater distribution and change characteristics, the site could be divided into a rainfall-affected area and a tide-affected area. First, the rainfall-affected area can further be divided into areas that are affected simultaneously by excavation, backfill, and a permanent dewatering system. Secondly, areas that are not affected by excavation, or the dewatering system, or by structure arrangement and excavation. Analysis of the spectrum for wells affected by tides resulted in confirmation of the M2 component (12.421 hr) and S2 component (12.000 hr) of the semidiurnal tides, and the O1 component (25.819 hr) of the diurnal tides. In the cross-correlation results regarding tides and groundwater levels, the lag time occurred diversely within 1-3 hours by the effect of the well location from sea, the distribution of the backfill material with depth, and the concrete structure.

Characterizing groundwater flow and heat transport in fractured rock using fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing

We show how fully distributed space‐time measurements with Fiber‐Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FO‐DTS) can be used to investigate groundwater flow and heat transport in fractured media. Heat injection experiments are combined with temperature measurements along fiber‐optic cables installed in boreholes. Thermal dilution tests are shown to enable detection of cross‐flowing fractures and quantification of the cross flow rate. A cross borehole thermal tracer test is then analyzed to identify fracture zones that are in hydraulic connection between boreholes and to estimate spatially distributed temperature breakthrough in each fracture zone. This provides a significant improvement compared to classical tracer tests, for which concentration data are usually integrated over the whole abstraction borehole. However, despite providing some complementary results, we find that the main contributive fracture for heat transport is different to that for a solute tracer.

Experimental investigation of contaminant migration in filled fracture

Experiment equipments involved in the single tube fracture and double tube fracture models are designed to research the characteristics of groundwater flow and solute transport in filled fracture. During the experiment, the state of groundwater flow can be characterized as linear flow, and satisfies Darcy’s law. Therefore, based on the pipe flow of hydraulics and Darcy’s law, the flow rate and water flow velocity can be calculated. Also, dispersion parameters were calculated with the fitting of observed data and analytical solution in the single tube fracture model. Furthermore, effects of some factors on solute transport are involved in the double tube fracture model, and length of branch fracture, particles’ diameter and flow rate in water inlet have been discussed. Results show that the arrival time of concentration peak value in the single tube fracture model is faster than that in the double tube fracture model, and two concentration peak values exist in the double tube fracture model. Arrival time of concentration peak value is faster with the increase of branch fracture length. Furthermore, if the branch fracture is longer, arrival time of the first concentration peak value is faster, while arrival time of the second concentration peak value is slower, relative to short branch fracture.

Field Performance of Point Velocity Probes at a Tidally Influenced Site

AbstractConventional methods to estimate groundwater velocity that rely on Darcy's Law and average hydrogeologic parameter values are insensitive to local‐scale heterogeneities and anisotropy that control advective flow velocity and direction. Furthermore, at sites that are tidally influenced or have extraction wells with variable pumping schedules, infrequent water‐level measurements may not adequately characterize the range and significance of transient hydraulic conditions. The point velocity probe (PVP) is a recently developed instrument capable of directly measuring local‐scale groundwater flow velocity and direction. In particular, PVPs may offer distinct advantages for sites with complex groundwater–surface water interactions and/or with spatially and temporally variable groundwater flow conditions. The PVP utilizes a small volume of saline tracer and inexpensive sensors to directly measure groundwater flow direction and velocity in situ at the centimeter‐scale and discrete times. The probes are installed in conventional direct‐push borings, rather than in wells, thus minimizing the changes and biases in the local flow field caused by well installation and construction. Six PVPs were installed at a tidally influenced site in North Carolina to evaluate their implementability, performance, and potential value as a new site characterization tool.For this study, a new PVP prototype was developed using a rapid prototyping machine (i.e., a “three‐dimensional printer'') and included both horizontally and vertically oriented tracer detectors. A site‐specific testing protocol was developed to account for the spatially and temporally variable hydraulic conditions and groundwater salinity. The PVPs were tested multiple times, and the results were compared to the results of several different groundwater flux and velocity estimation tools and methods, including a heat‐pulse flowmeter, passive flux meters, single‐well tracer tests, and high‐resolution hydraulic gradient analysis. Overall, the results confirmed that the PVP concept is valid and demonstrated that reliable estimates of groundwater velocity and direction can be obtained in simple settings. Also, PVPs can be successfully installed by conventional methods at sites where the formation consists primarily of noncohesive soils and the water table is relatively shallow.Although some PVP tests yielded consistent and reliable results, several tests did not. This is likely due to the highly transient flow conditions and limitations associated with the PVP design and testing procedures. PVPs offer particular advantages over, and can effectively complement, other groundwater flow characterization techniques for certain conditions, and objectives may be useful for characterizing complex flow patterns under steady conditions; however, this study suggests that PVPs are best suited for conditions where the flow hydraulics are not highly transient. For sites where the hydraulic conditions are highly transient, the most reliable approach for understanding groundwater flow behavior and groundwater–surface water interactions would generally involve both a high‐resolution hydraulic gradient analysis and another local‐scale method, such as tracer testing. This study also highlighted some aspects of the current PVP design and testing protocol that can be improved upon, including a more robust connection between the PVP and injection line and further assessment of tracer solution density effects on vertical flow. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fluorosis and Dental Caries in the Hydrogeological Environments of Southeastern Communities in the State of Morelos, Mexico

Objectives: 1) To identify the hydrogeological characteristics and fluoride (F-) concentration in drinking water in the southeast of the state of Morelos, Mexico, and 2) to estimate the association between the prevalence and severity of fluorosis, dental caries, and water F- concentration. Methods: A hydrogeological model was developed to determine the vertical distribution of lithostratigraphic units, rocks’ hydraulic conductivities, and groundwater flow characteristics. A total of 649 schoolchildren from two communities received oral examinations. One community was located in an area with 0.75 mg F-/L in the water supply and the other in an area with 1.6 mg F-/L. Fluorosis was assessed using the Thylstrup & Fejerskov Index (TFI) and the dental caries were assessed with the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The region groundwater was extracted from an inter-granular aquifer consisting of volcano clasts of intermediate volcanic chemical composition. Results: Oral examinations showed that 32.35% of the children had severe forms of fluorosis (TFI ≥ 4) in the community with 1.60 mg F-/L and 7.8% in the 0.75 mg F-/L community (p -/L and 0.75 mg F-/L, respectively (p = 0.2259). Conclusions: The increasing extraction of underground water was associated with deeper water flows and higher F- concentration. In the community with high F-concentration, a third of the children showed objectionable levels of fluorosis. Adequate groundwater management actions are required to reduce fluorosis risk.

Solving for Dispersivity in Field Dispersion Test of Unsteady Flow in Mixing Flow Field: Mass Transport Modeling

A combined groundwater flow and mass transport model was constructed to simulate the migration of contaminants and to obtain dispersion parameters from a field dispersion test in unsteady flow in mixing flow field in groundwater. Aquifer parameters were obtained by a pumping test. Tracer tests were carried out in order to characterize the characteristics of groundwater flow and to determine the velocity of the pollutant diffusion process from the source to the pumping well. Groundwater head and velocity were analyzed in the groundwater flow model and the total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration was computed in the mass transport model. The observed drawdown and the observed TDS concentration were found to respectively match closely with the computed drawdown and TDS concentration.

Foundation Pit Dewatering and Ground Subsidence in Binary Structural Stratum of Wuhan

The geological model of pit of binary structure stratum is established under the analysis of the engineering geological characteristics of the binary structure stratum of Wuhan , combined with land subsidence and groundwater flow characteristics calculated. Associated with the use of software of Processing Modflow to calculate settlement around the excavation, the rules of ground settlement of excavation of dual structure stratum in Wuhan are obtained. And it provides a theoretical foundation and practical support for the same project.

Measurements of spontaneous potential in chalk with application to aquifer characterization in the southern UK

We report the first measured values of the streaming potential coupling coefficient in chalk samples saturated with natural groundwater, and preliminary field measurements of the spontaneous potential (SP), at both ambient and pumped conditions, at a test site in the Berkshire Chalk aquifer in the southern UK. The ultimate aim of the work is to use measurements of SP, in conjunction with borehole data, to characterize groundwater flow and aquifer properties. Laboratory measurements yield a value of the streaming potential coupling coefficient of −60 ± 4 mV MPa −1 and a corresponding zeta potential of −13 ± 1 mV. A negative zeta potential contrasts with previous published open-system measurements on artificial calcite, and may reflect the presence of organic material in the natural chalk samples or HCO 3 and SO 4 ions in the groundwater. Field measurements at ambient conditions show temporal variations in SP consistent with flow processes within the aquifer, but no coherent spatial variations. Measurements during water abstraction demonstrate that voltages at the ground surface and in monitoring boreholes become more positive during pressure drawdown and more negative during pressure build-up, consistent with the negative values of streaming potential coupling coefficient and zeta potential observed in the laboratory. Moreover, the magnitude of the change in voltage is similar to that estimated using the laboratory value of the coupling coefficient. Our results suggest that measurements of SP may make a valuable contribution to characterizing groundwater flow in the UK Chalk aquifer.

Prevention of Internal Erosion by Cut-Off Walls in River Embankments on the Upper Rhine

Between 1928 and 1971, a total of 10 barrages including river embankments with a height of up to approx. 10 m were erected on the Upper Rhine between Basel and Karlsruhe. The river embankments were constructed using local building materials : the shells consists of sandy gravel, and the cores of a silty material (alluvial loam).The in-situ sandy gravels in the Upper Rhine region show a pronounced grain-size gap for coarse-grained sand and fine gravel which is why they are not resistant to suffosion. This lack of suffosion resistance affects both the ground below the river embankments and their shells. Furthermore, the filter stability of the silty soil material used in the cores is not sufficient to filter the sandy gravels of the ground below the embankments and/or their shells. Immediately after flooding of the impoundments, the exit of seepage water was observed on the downstream embankment slopes. Due to the embankment material’s lack of suffosion resistance and filter stability this caused a loss of soil in certain areas.To improve the situation, and working from the crest downwards, cut-off walls (diaphragm walls, injection walls and sheet pile walls) were subsequently driven into the river embankments over long stretches. These increase the length of the seepage path, thus reducing the hydraulic gradients in the embankment and the ground. The resulting reductionof the seepage forces reduces the risk of internal erosion. The efficiency of the cut-off walls embedded in the embankments subject to seepage depends on the overall ground situation and the groundwater flow characteristics on the one hand, and on the walls’ resistance to geohydraulic load on the other hand.

System of Groundwater Flow in Multilayer Pore-Fissure Media with Weak Permeability Layer

Groundwater in pores and fractures of rock can result in destruction of a reservoir dam. Therefore, techniques of forecasting characteristics of groundwater flow have wide applications in areas of hydraulic engineering. A consecutive experiment was designed and combined with analyses of groundwater chemistry to solve a groundwater hydrology problem in multilayer pore-fissure media with weak permeability layer occurring in hydraulic engineering construction in China. Results show that changes of electrical conductivity of groundwater samples from wells, springs and drillings with time have a good relevance except a sample in local position with very weak permeability layer; and that a system and pathways of groundwater flow in multilayer pore-fissure rock with weak permeability media can be determined by the method of a consecutive test combined with groundwater chemistry analyses.

Characterization of the vadose flow and its influence on the functioning of karst springs: Case study of the karst system near Postojna, Slovenia

In three selected drips in the Postojna cave in SWw Slovenia and in the nearby Korentan spring, which in general belongs to the same karst aquifer, the discharge and electrical conductivity were measured at 15-minute intervals. Simultaneously, the meteorological parameters in Postojna were measured and the effective infiltration was assessed. The data obtained in the period of one hydrological year, 2003–2004, was compared in order to study the influence of the vadose flow on the characteristics of groundwater flow in a karst system and on the functioning of a karst spring. The highest discharges of the Korentan spring are the result of the inflow of water through a hierarchy of fissures of various permeabilities within the vadose zone, but the contribution of stored water from low-permeability zones is especially important. One of our most significant findings is that in the conditions of high saturation of the vadose zone, the network of small fissures is hydraulically connected, which enables an integral reaction of the system to the pressure pulse induced by infiltrated precipitation. On the other hand, a detailed comparison of effective infiltration and discharge indicates that in dry periods with a lower saturation of the vadose zone, the infiltrated precipitation is mainly stored in the system and only the most permeable fissures enable a rapid transfer of the recharge impulses toward the spring. Data on measured discharge and conductivity were additionally compared in order to study the complex conditions of the actual mass flow of water through the system.Key words: karst aquifer, vadose zone, Postojna Cave, Korentan spring, Slovenia

Transient solution for stream–unconfined aquifer interaction due to time varying stream head and in the presence of leakage

Summary This paper presents new analytical solutions of a linearized Boussinesq equation characterizing groundwater flow in a stream–unconfined aquifer system due to transient seepage. The aquifer is underlain by a horizontal leaky bed, and interacts with an adjoining stream of varying water level through a semipervious vertical stream bank. Close form analytical expressions are derived to predict water head distribution, flow rate and volumetric exchange of water in response to time dependent rise or drop in the stream water level. Comparison between analytical and numerical results shows satisfactory agreement. The effects of the finite and semi-infinite lengths of the domain are considered in detail. Certain asymptotic situations such as sudden rise or drop in the stream water level, no flow condition at the aquifer’s base and absence of vertical stream bank can be dealt with as limiting cases of main results. An illustration of the new analytical approach is used to quantify the accretion/recession of the bank storage due to variation in various aquifer parameters.

Groundwater pollution with heavy metals in the Ibar alluvium near Raska (Serbia)

As a result of the operation of an ore flotation facility at Donja Rudnica near Raska, Serbia, during the period from 1972 to 2002, flotation tailings and wastewater of highly complex chemical compositions were deposited in the alluvial plain of the Ibar River. Due to the excellent groundwater flow characteristics of the alluvial formations underlying the tailings dump, the groundwater and soil over an extended area were continually polluted. High concentrations of heavy metals (Fe = 7.38 mg/L. Zn = 4.04 mg/L, Pb = 2.17 mg/L) in the soil and concentrations of sulfate as high as 3709 mg/L, and pH levels of 4.2 in the groundwater have been recorded at some locations. This paper draws attention to the potential risk this site poses for the conservation of biodiversity over the extended area.

Karstological study of the new Kunming airport building area (Yunnan, China)

In Kunming area (6.8 mio population), two big interventions are in progress: construction of a new airport, the 23 km2 area of which will extend across karst terrain northeast of the city, and extensive uptake of water from karst aquifers for drinking and agricultural use. In the study, an interdisciplinary approach was utilized to demonstrate the need for holistic karstology studies prior to performing extensive interferences in the karst environment. This study included survey of surface karst features and microscopic analyses of rock samples in the area of the new airport location, accompanied by hydrogeological studies and microbiological analyses of two karst drinking water sources in its vicinity (Qinglongdong, Huanglongdong). Results showed the specific characteristics of the subsoil stone forest that indicated a high level of karstification. The direction and characteristics of groundwater flow from the sinking Qiaotou Stream at the margin of the new airport area toward the Huanglongdong Spring were defined with a single tracer test. Additional information about hydrogeological characteristics of the karst aquifer was obtained by individual measurements of physical and chemical parameters of the springs and sinking stream. Selected chemical and bacteriological parameters showed substantial pollution of both springs due to various types of human activities in the catchments. The results of the study pointed to the necessity of taking immediate measures for the springs’ protection and showed the importance of interdisciplinary research when planning anthropogenic activities in the karst.