Geochemical and isotopic study of the multilayer aquifer system in the Moulares-Redayef basin, southern Tunisia

Major ion geochemistry, and water molecule isotopes ( super(18)O, super(2)H) and radiogenic carbon ( super(14)C) of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were used to investigate the hydrodynamic functioning of the multilayer aquifer system in the Moulares-Redayef basin, southern Tunisia. The groundwater...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrological sciences journal 2008-12, Vol.53 (6), p.1241-1252
Main Authors: HAMED, Younes, DASSI, Lassaad, AHMADI, Riadh, HAMED BEN DHIA
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Geochemistry
Hydrogeology
Hydrology. Hydrogeology
Mineralogy
Silicates
Water geochemistry
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Summary:Major ion geochemistry, and water molecule isotopes ( super(18)O, super(2)H) and radiogenic carbon ( super(14)C) of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were used to investigate the hydrodynamic functioning of the multilayer aquifer system in the Moulares-Redayef basin, southern Tunisia. The groundwater of different aquifer levels is characterized by sulphate to calcium sulphate water type. The major geochemical processes in the aquifer system are evaporite mineral dissolution and mixing. The isotopic study allows two groundwater types to be identified: an old palaeoclimatic groundwater, marked by low super(14)C activity and relatively depleted stable isotope ( super(18)O and super(2)H) content characterizes the shallowest aquifers of the Plio-Quaternary and Miocene formations; however, a recent groundwater, distinguished by relatively high super(14)C activity and slightly enriched super(18)O and super(2)H content, characterizes the deep Upper Cretaceous artesian aquifer. In addition to these two water groups, other groundwaters are identified, indicating a mixing effect.
ISSN:0262-6667
2150-3435
DOI:10.1623/hysj.53.6.1241