Identifying groundwater-surface water interactions and groundwater geochemistry in the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment using surface water surveys

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dc.contributor.authorGray, SSen_AU
dc.contributor.authorMoore, CLen_AU
dc.contributor.authorOpdyke, BNen_AU
dc.contributor.authorHughes, CEen_AU
dc.date.accessioned2021-08-30T06:52:39Zen_AU
dc.date.available2021-08-30T06:52:39Zen_AU
dc.date.issued2019-11-24en_AU
dc.date.statistics2921-08-16en_AU
dc.description.abstractEvidence suggests that potable groundwater occurs within the fractured crystalline rock of the Upper Murrumbidgee catchment, with anecdotal reports that bore yields and fracture networks could form aquifers capable of sustaining regional population growth and agricultural development. However, little knowledge relating to groundwater flow or recharge and discharge mechanisms exists. Hydrogeochemical methods are particularly useful in studying groundwater in complex geological environments. Unfortunately, limited information regarding groundwater geochemistry exists in this catchment. Surface water surveys provide an opportunity to quickly obtain preliminary information regarding groundwater-surface water interactions and likely groundwater geochemistry. Four surface water surveys were conducted at up to 285 sites during wet and dry conditions from September 2017 to April 2019. Physicochemical parameters were collected at each site where water was present, along with samples for stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) and dissolved ion analysis. Surface water geochemistry is influenced by interactions between altitude, rainfall, and outcropping geology. Stream electrical conductivity (EC) is positively correlated with altitude and negatively correlated with rainfall in all sub-catchments except the Yass River catchment. Outcrop geology also influenced stream EC, with the EC lowest over Paleozoic granite and granodiorites; moderate over Paleozoic felsic volcanic, Cenozoic mafic volcanic, and Cenozoic alluviums; and highest over Ordovician metasediments. Dissolved ion chemistry is similarly influenced by outcrop geology, and is reflected in preliminary groundwater surveys. The cations Na+ and K+ dominate Paleozoic granite and granodiorite waters while Ca2+ and Mg2+ dominate Cenozoic mafic volcanic waters. Bicarbonate (as HCO3-) is the dominant anion, with elevated HCO3-/Cl- associated with Cenozoic mafic volcanics. This suggests that mineral weathering dominates hydrogeochemical processes. Spatial distributions of stream water δ18O and δ2H highlight potential baseflow areas. Results suggest that potable water is highly probable within Paleozoic granite and granodiorites, with water Na+-K+-HCO3- dominated. Potable water is possible within Paleozoic felsic volcanic, Cenozoic mafic volcanic, and Cenozoic alluviums, with water potentially more suitable for agricultural use due to the higher Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3- content. Ordovician metasediment water is more suitable for agricultural use. Surface water survey data will be used in this study to optimise groundwater survey design and develop improved conceptual models to describe groundwater flow and recharge and discharge mechanisms in fractured rock environments in the Upper Murrumbidgee catchment. This will increase our understanding on how water resources may be utilised to support regional population growth and agricultural development, providing future water security for the region. © The Authorsen_AU
dc.identifier.citationGray, S. S., Moore, C. L., Opdkye, B. N., & Hughes, C. E. (2019). Identifying groundwater-surface water interactions and groundwater geochemistry in the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment using surface water surveys. Paper presented to the Australasian Groundwater Conference, "Groundwater in a Changing World", 24 - 27 November 2019, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland. Retrieved from: http://www.groundwater.com.au/documents/agc2019-book-of-abstracts-updated.pdfen_AU
dc.identifier.conferenceenddate27 November 2019en_AU
dc.identifier.conferencenameAustralasian Groundwater Conference, 'Groundwater in a Changing World'en_AU
dc.identifier.conferenceplaceBrisbane, Queenslanden_AU
dc.identifier.conferencestartdate24 November 2019en_AU
dc.identifier.isbn978-1-925562-35-4en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttps://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/11554en_AU
dc.language.isoenen_AU
dc.publisherNational Centre for Groundwater Research And Training, & Australian Chapter International Association Of Hydrogeologistsen_AU
dc.relation.ispartofserieshttp://www.groundwater.com.au/documents/agc2019-book-of-abstracts-updated.pdf;en_AU
dc.subjectGround wateren_AU
dc.subjectNew South Walesen_AU
dc.subjectAustraliaen_AU
dc.subjectRiversen_AU
dc.subjectIgneous rocksen_AU
dc.subjectRocksen_AU
dc.subjectAquifersen_AU
dc.subjectWater chemistryen_AU
dc.subjectWatershedsen_AU
dc.subjectAgricultureen_AU
dc.subjectSurface watersen_AU
dc.subjectVolcanic rocksen_AU
dc.titleIdentifying groundwater-surface water interactions and groundwater geochemistry in the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment using surface water surveysen_AU
dc.typeConference Abstracten_AU
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