engleski

Guidelines on flowpath characterization, dynamics and GW renewal

Aim of this work is to present conceptual framework and operational tools for characterisation of flow in groundwater systems as related to surface waters and dependent ecosystems within the context of assessing and preventing threats to groundwater quantity and quality. The coherence of this integrative, multidisciplinary effort is achieved by placing different processes and parts of groundwater systems in the framework of conceptual models development and putting emphasis on the tracer - based techniques. These Guidelines are meant to be an aid to groundwater managers, researchers and educators but also to policy makers and stakeholders concerned with understanding and quantitative characterisation of groundwater systems. After presenting an overview of conceptual models the Guidelines consider issues that need to be addressed for a comprehensive characterization of groundwater flow system. They are related to spatially complex and transient patterns of water flow and contaminant transport that are expressed at a wide range of scales. Environmental and artificial tracers are presented as tools in integrated characterization of groundwater systems. Tracers methods provide information integrated over different spatial and temporal scales and are well suited for development of the conceptual models. Use of tracers in quantification of timescales of contaminant transport is demonstrated. Following chapters provide conceptual framework and present methods for characterization of groundwater flow through the linked compartments of groundwater systems, from infiltration to surface waters. Groundwater renewal and its importance for sustainability of groundwater resources is treated in a separate chapter. Finally, impacts of climate and land - use changes on flowpath structure and transport are considered. An example of artificial tracer application in the unconfined, highly heterogeneous alluvial Zagreb aquifer performed in the GENESIS project is presented in an Annex.

Groundwater; Flow; Transport; Environmental tracers

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