Study of moisture transfer through unsaturated zone and groundwater recharge at the emergency site of the Solikamsk-2 Mine (Verkhnekamskoye salt deposit, Russia)

摘要

The article provides the results of assessing groundwater recharge at the emergency site of the Solikamsk-2 Mine (Solikamsk, Russia). The assessment was performed using two separate approaches, including the study of the results of groundwater level observations and numerical modeling of soil moisture transfer through the unsaturated zone. The analysis of the groundwater level fluctuations in observation wells made it possible to estimate the recharge rate in natural and anthropogenic (after the accident) conditions. To study the soil moisture transfer in the upper part of the unsaturated zone two moisture sensors were installed at a depth of 0.4 and 0.65 m. To interpret sensors data the numerical model was developed using the HYDRUS 1D software. The modeling results allowed estimating the recharge rate at a depth of 0.65 m and the main water balance components (evaporation, transpiration, surface runoff). A comparison of the two methods showed similar results, allowing them to use for estimating and predicting groundwater recharge in the annual cycle.