Recharge processes: piston flow vs preferential flow in semi-arid aquifers of India |
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| Authors: | B S Sukhija D V Reddy P Nagabhushanam Syed Hussain |
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| Institution: | (1) , National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India, |
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| Abstract: | Study of groundwater recharge processes is vital for quantification of total natural recharge to the aquifers. One of the
recharge processes demonstrated earlier by tracer experiments in the unsaturated zone is that of piston flow movement of soil
moisture. Based on this recharge process, environmental tritium, chloride and injected tritium studies have been carried out
extensively in various geological environs of India. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the validity of the piston flow
concept in different geological environs viz. consolidated fractured and weathered granites, semi-consolidated sandstones
and unconsolidated alluvial tracts, and quantify the contribution from this process as well as that from the preferential
flow mechanism using different tracers. Analysis of tracer data demonstrates that the preferential flow recharge process contributes
very significantly (an average of 75% of total recharge) in the case of fractured granites and is important (an average of
33% of total recharge) for semi-consolidated sandstones, whereas the preferential flow recharge component is minimal in unconsolidated
alluvial tracts (piston flow model is applicable). These findings necessitate re-evaluation of the total natural recharge
potential of the above mentioned geological environs in view of the significant preferential flow recharge that is evidenced
and estimated.
Electronic Publication |
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| Keywords: | Alluvial deposits Groundwater Piston flow Recharge processes Tracers |
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