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Geostatistics-based regional characterization of groundwater chemistry in a sedimentary rock area with faulted setting

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Abstract

Sophisticated modeling of a hydrogeological structure and the environment are crucial for underground construction. This study characterizes hydrochemical properties of groundwater in a sedimentary rock area, clarifying their spatial distribution and correlation with geologic structure, and interpreting the groundwater source and chemical evolution. Water samples, geological columns, and well logs to 1-km depth were taken at 10 sites in Horonobe of northern Japan. Toward the objectives, a 3D model of Cl− concentration was produced in conjunction with resistivity logging data through kriging estimation and sequential Gaussian cosimulation. Variography shows that the dip of the main Omagari Fault is a control on the spatial correlation structure of Cl− concentration. The 3D model shows that this fault and its auxiliary constitute a clear boundary between high and low saline waters, and that Cl− concentrations tend to change in accord with sedimentary layer structures. The integration of stable isotope analysis suggests that deep saline water with heavy δD and δ18O originated from fossilized seawater, whereas shallow freshwater with light values is of meteoric water origin. Dilute saline water in the deep part of study area is partially attributable to dehydration of silica minerals. Vertical and lateral groundwater flows are estimated to prevail near the Omagari Fault and be general in other zones, respectively. Difference in the depth of transition zones may be caused by the dominant flow among downward, ascending, and lateral. Consequently, geostatistical techniques and data integration are useful to depict regional groundwater systems with a data set of water investigation limited by quantity and location.

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Acknowledgments

The authors sincerely thank the researchers of Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, JAEA, for providing data sets, valuable discussions and suggestions. Sincere thanks are extended to two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions that helped improve the clarity of the manuscript. This work was partially supported by JSPS KAKENHI grant number 26120519.

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  1. Department of Urban Management, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura C1-2-215, Kyoto, 615-8540, Japan

    Lei Lu, Koki Kashiwaya & Katsuaki Koike

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Lu, L., Kashiwaya, K. & Koike, K. Geostatistics-based regional characterization of groundwater chemistry in a sedimentary rock area with faulted setting. Environ Earth Sci 75, 829 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-5619-0

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