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Titel |
Mixing and transport of water in a karst catchment: a case study from precipitation via seepage to the spring |
VerfasserIn |
K. Schwarz, J. A. C. Barth, C. Postigo-Rebollo, P. Grathwohl |
Medientyp |
Artikel
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Sprache |
Englisch
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ISSN |
1027-5606
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Digitales Dokument |
URL |
Erschienen |
In: Hydrology and Earth System Sciences ; 13, no. 3 ; Nr. 13, no. 3 (2009-03-02), S.285-292 |
Datensatznummer |
250011794
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Publikation (Nr.) |
copernicus.org/hess-13-285-2009.pdf |
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Zusammenfassung |
One of the best-known and largest karst areas in Germany, the Blautopf
Catchment, offers unique access to waters of the unsaturated zone through a
large cave system. It was investigated with stable isotopes
(18O/16O and D/H ratios expressed in permille = ‰) in
precipitation, seepage- and groundwater as tracers for water flow, mixing,
and storage. The precipitation showed a distinct seasonality with δ18O values between −2.9 and −24.6‰ during summer and winter,
respectively. However, the isotope signals in seepage water in the caves as
well as the discharge were almost completely buffered and ranged around an
average δ18O value of −10‰. This value was also close to the
long-term average value of local precipitation, −9.3‰. The homogeneous
isotopic composition of the Blautopf Spring was unexpected, as its highly
variable discharge (0.3 to 32 m3 s−1) is typical for a fast
responsive karst system. These isotopic similarities could be explained by
nearly complete mixing of the water already in the vadose zone. The data set
therefore presents a case study to narrow down zones of mixing in karst
catchments. It also confirms the minor role of the fast conduit system in
the water balance of the Blautopf Catchment. |
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