Using trace element and halide isotopes to understand salinization mechanisms of groundwaters from an arid aquifer
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Date
2014-06-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Goldschmidt
Abstract
Saline groundwaters are common to inland Australia, yet many aspects of their hydrochemical evolution remain uncertain. The saline groundwaters in the alluvial aquifers of the Darling River have previously been found to exhibit broad similarity in traditional hydrochemical and isotopic tracers. By contrast, trace element isotopes (δ7Li, δ11B and 87Sr/86Sr) and halide isotopes (δ37Cl and δ81Br) provide evidence of more complex hydrogeochemical processes.Hydrochemical evolution was found to be dependent on proximity to theDarling River and depth even though all groundwaters from this aquifer were found to be saline. The differing signatures highlighted the discovery of adeeper palaeo-groundwater system containing heavier trace element and halide isotope values. The measurement of these isotopes has permitted delineation of groundwater end-members and salinization mechanisms that would have otherwise not been identified.
Description
Keywords
Trace amounts, Salinity, Ground water, Aquifers, Arid lands, Saline aquifers, Rivers, Australia, Isotopes
Citation
Meredith,. K, Hollins, S., Tomascak, P., Moriguti, T., Frape, S., & Nakamura, E., (2014). Using trace element and halide isotopes to understand salinization mechanisms of groundwaters from an arid aquifer. Paper presented at Goldschmidt California 2014, Sacramento, California, 8-13 June 2014.