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Multivariate Analysis and Interpretation of the Hydrochemistry of a Dolomitic Reef Aquifer, Northern Italy
Author(s) -
Seyhan E.,
Van De Griend A. A.,
Engelen G. B.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr021i007p01010
Subject(s) - hydrogeology , dolomite , geology , groundwater , aquifer , hydrology (agriculture) , reef , geochemistry , oceanography , geotechnical engineering
Regionalization based on multivariate statistical analyses of hydrochemical data and environmental isotopes proved most successful in differentiating groundwater of different hydrogeological origins within the Sasso Lungo dolomitic mountain stock, Northern Italy. The approach used chemical and isotopic data to evaluate hydrologic properties normally determined by more traditional techniques. From field and laboratory studies of 19 hydrochemical variables measured at 46 sampling points, three distinct groups of water types were differentiated, in close agreement with hydrogeological evidence, namely, (1) pure Sciliar dolomite water, (2) water from volcanic deposits, and (3) mixed water from Sciliar dolomite and volcanic deposits. Environmental isotopes are used to support hydrogeological observations arid the hydrochemical analyses and also to provide valuable additional information for further distinction between hydrogeological subsystems. The data show that the dolomite aquifer discharges from two main subsystems: (1) relatively young, shallow to moderately deep waters in the central part of the reef stock and (2) older groundwater discharging at the rims of the reef.