Karst aquifer characterization using physico-chemical spring data, Gran Sasso, Central Italy

摘要

During the hydrogeological study of the Gran Sasso karst aquifer, typical of the Mediterranean area, new insights were gained on regional groundwater circulation through statistical analysis of physico-chemical data sets. The Gran Sasso carbonate aquifer, laterally confined by impermeable sediments, has a high recharge, due to tectonic pattern, climate and karst features. The springs of the Gran Sasso may be divided into 6 groups. These springs, which drain the massif, have an average discharge of about 18 m~3/s. The construction of two highway tunnels obviously interfered with and involved many changes in this hydrogeological setting. The processing of temperature and resistivity/conductivity data sets showed significant differences between the springs. These fidnings suggest that the conceptual model of the aquifer, developed on the basis of hydrogeological and discharge data, should be redefined and that new chemical studies should be planned.