Hydrochemistry and Environmental Isotope Studies of the Deep Groundwater in the Munkyeong Area

문경지역 심부지하수의 수리화학 및 환경동위원소 연구

  • Published : 2000.12.01

Abstract

The hydrogeochemical and isotopic studies on deep groundwater (below a 550 m depth from the ground surface) in the Munkyeong area, Kyeongbuk province were carried out. Two types of deep groundwater (${CO_2}$-rich groundwater and alkali groundwater) occur together in the Munkywong area. ${CO_2}$-rich groundwater (Ca-${HCO_3}$ type) is characterized by low pH (5.8~6.5) and high TDS (up to 2,682 mg/L.), while alkali groundwater (Na-${HCO_3}$ type) shows a high pH (9.1~10.4) and relatively low TDS (72~116 mg/L). ${CO_2}$-rich water may have evolved by ${CO_2}$ added at depth during groundwater circulation. This process leads to the dissolution of surrounding rocks and Ca, Na, Mg, K and ${HCO_3}$ concentrations are eniched. The low $Pco_2$ ($10^{-6.4}$atm) of alkali groundwaters seems to result from the dissolution of silicate minerals without a supply of ${CO_2}$. The ${\delta}^{18}O$ and ${\delta}^D$values and tritium data indicate that two types of deep groundwater were both derived from pre-thermonuclear meteoric water and have evolved through prolonged water-rock interaction. The carbon isotope data show that dissolved carbon in the ${CO_2}$-rich water was possibly derived from deep-seated ${CO_2}$ gas, although further studies are needed. The ${\delta}^{34}S$ values of dissolved sulfate show that sulfate reduction occurred at great depths. The application of various chemical geothermometers on ${CO_2}$-rich groundwater shows that the calculated deep reservoir temperature is about 130~$l75^{\circ}C$. Based on the geological setting, water chemistry and environmental isotope data, each of the two types of deep groundwater represent distinct hydrologic and hydrogeochemical evolution at depth and their movement is controlled by the local fracture system.

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