Abstract
Assumptions of simple geometries for alluvial deposits (related to main rivers) can preclude determination of complexities that are revealed as fundamental controls in underground flow. Although subhorizontal contacts between alluvial and substratum materials are expected, previous sedimentary or erosional processes can result in irregular geometries, only accessible through detailed analysis. The studied case presents the 3D reconstruction of a Quaternary terrace in the proximities of Sabiñánigo (Southern Pyrenees, Northeastern Spain), lying on homogeneous Eocene marls. The studied area is located in an industrialized area supporting strongly pollutant chemical industry (chlorinated pesticides) for the past 50 years. The objective of the study was to constrain the groundwater pathway along the area to subsequently analyze leakage of chemicals to the water table. In order to reveal preferred flow paths, a detailed characterization of the internal structure of the alluvial deposits (0.5–13 m thick) and their relations with the Tertiary substratum was carried out by means of ground penetrating radar (GPR, 50 and 100 MHz antennas). The obtained models permit identifying several topographic highs in the alluvial/substratum contact, determining preferred pathways in water flow, favoring particular conditions associated with low levels of the water table. The presented results support the interest of application of GPR surveys in order to characterize the groundwater pathways in expected homogeneous areas and their importance in order to establish the contaminant surveillance network.
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Acknowledgments
This research has been supported by Grupo de Investigación Geotransfer (Universidad de Zaragoza), Tubkal Ingeniería S.L. and Departamento de Medio Ambiente del Gobierno de Aragón. Authors want to acknowledge the contributions from two anonymous reviewers and Gunter Doerhoefer as editor that have permitted to improve previous versions from the manuscript.
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Pueyo Anchuela, Ó., Ipas-Lloréns, J.F., Gil Garbí, H. et al. 3D alluvial aquifer reconstruction in polluted areas by means of GPR (Sabiñánigo, N Spain). Environ Earth Sci 72, 4291–4302 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3326-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3326-2