Papers by N. Goldscheider
Advances in Research in Karst Media, 2010
Alpine glaciers store considerable amounts of freshwater contributing to groundwater recharge in ... more Alpine glaciers store considerable amounts of freshwater contributing to groundwater recharge in the warm season, but are rapidly retreating and many will disappear within 50 years. The Tsanfleuron-Sanetsch area in the Swiss Alps is an ideal site to study glacier-aquifer interactions; it consists of a vanishing glacier overlying a karst aquifer drained by a spring (Glarey) used for drinking water supply. Between the glacier and the moraine from 1855 (Little Ice Age), the karst surface is polished by ice flow; typical karrenfields are present below the moraine. Geologically, the area consists of folded Jurassic to Paleogene sedimentary rocks forming an anticlinorium limited by a narrow syncline. Relationships between stratigraphic and tectonic setting, recharge processes and aquifer drainage have been studied by means of tracer tests and hydrologic monitoring. The glacier's geometry was investigated by geophysical surveys, using radiomagnetotelluric (RMT): The estimated ice volume is 1:0 108 m 3 , corresponding to 0:92 108 m 3 freshwater. Meltwater production displays diurnal and seasonal variability influencing the shape of tracer breakthrough curves and, thus, flow and transport in the aquifer. A preliminary prognosis of water availability when the glacier will have disappeared has been established, predicting more available water in winter, but shortages in long dry summer and autumn periods, due to the absence of meltwater and less estival rainfall. Increased irrigation water demand will aggravate water shortage.
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Groundwater from karst aquifers is among the most important drinking water resource for humanity.... more Groundwater from karst aquifers is among the most important drinking water resource for humanity. About one quarter of the global population is supplied by karst waters. In some alpine countries, karst water contributes 50 % to the total drinking water supply and some cities in the alpine region are almost totally dependent on karst waters. At the same time, karst aquifers are particularly vulnerable to contamination. Contaminants can easily enter the underground and are transported rapidly over large distances in the aquifer. Processes of contaminant retardation and attenuation often do not work effectively in karst systems. Therefore, karst groundwater needs special protection. A detailed knowledge of the hydrogeology of karst systems is the precondition for the development of sustainable protection schemes. Any kind of generalisation is problematic and each karst system has to be investigated individually. This is particularly important for alpine karst systems which comprise a large variety of geologic, hydrologic, climatic and topographic settings.
Scientific Data, 2020
Karst aquifers provide drinking water for 10% of the world’s population, support agriculture, gro... more Karst aquifers provide drinking water for 10% of the world’s population, support agriculture, groundwater-dependent activities, and ecosystems. These aquifers are characterised by complex groundwater-flow systems, hence, they are extremely vulnerable and protecting them requires an in-depth understanding of the systems. Poor data accessibility has limited advances in karst research and realistic representation of karst processes in large-scale hydrological studies. In this study, we present World Karst Spring hydrograph (WoKaS) database, a community-wide effort to improve data accessibility. WoKaS is the first global karst springs discharge database with over 400 spring observations collected from articles, hydrological databases and researchers. The dataset’s coverage compares to the global distribution of carbonate rocks with some bias towards the latitudes of more developed countries. WoKaS database will ensure easy access to a large-sample of good quality datasets suitable for a...
Acta Carsologica, 2010
Besides t�e possible future impacts of climate c�ange, t�ere are many ot�er urgent groundwater-re... more Besides t�e possible future impacts of climate c�ange, t�ere are many ot�er urgent groundwater-related environmental problems. Accessibility to safe drinking water in sufficient quantities for �uman needs is t�reatened by different types of contamination, overexploitation, saltwater intrusions, and inappropriate irrigation practices. Soil erosion, natural disasters, and t�e protection of ecosystems and biodiversity are ot�er important water-related issues. These problems exist today, but will get worse in many regions according to t�e current climate c�ange scenarios. All of t�ese issues are interrelated and are especially relevant in karst areas. For example, deforestation leads to ecosystem degradation and a loss of biodiversity, but also promotes soil erosion (Fig. 1), w�ic� increases t�e vulnerability of groundwater resources to contamination, alters rec�arge processes and reduces t�e water storage and buffering capacity of t�e �ydrogeologic system, t�us posing a t�reat to quality and quantity of drinking water and ultimately to public �ealt�. Furt�ermore, t�e degradation of soil and vegetation also releases CO 2 and reduces t�e efficiency of karst processes as a natural sink of t�is green�ouse gas (Liu & Z�ao 2000). Finding solutions to all of t�ese problems requires a multidisciplinary approac�, to w�ic� karst and groundwater researc�ers could and s�ould contribute more t�an t�ey currently do.
Acta Carsologica, 2010
Alpski ledeniki �ranijo velike količine vode, ki v toplejšem delu leta prispevajo k zalogam podze... more Alpski ledeniki �ranijo velike količine vode, ki v toplejšem delu leta prispevajo k zalogam podzemne vode, vendar je medsebojno vplivanje med ledeniki in vodonosniki le redko predmet podrobni� raziskav. Območje Tsanfleuron-Sanetsc� v švici je idealno za proučevanje vzajemnega vplivanja ledenikov na vodonosnike. Hitro umikajoč se ledenik (2,8 km 2) prekriva kraški vodonosnik, ki napaja izvir s srednjimi pretočnimi vrednostmi med 600 in 700 l/s. Izvirsko vodo izrabljajo za pitno vodo in namakanje. Geometrija in struktura ledenika sta bili določeni s pomočjo geofizični� raziskav, to je z uporabo radiomagnetotelurične metode (RMT). Izračunana prostornina ledenika je 10 8 m 3 (enakovredno 0,92 x 10 8 m 3 vode). Letno ledenik izgubi 1,5 m debeline. Terenska opazovanja, meritve toka in sledilni poskusi so omogočili proučevanje značilnosti odtekanja voda s talečega se ledenika ter napajanje vodonosnika. Ugotovljene so bile tri poti napajanja: 1) glavni ledeniški potok ponika v vodonosnik skozi ponore 3 km dolvodno pod ledeniškimi vrati, 2) številni manjši ledeniški potoki ponikajo neposredno pod čelom ledenika, 3) ledeniške vode ponikajo v ledenik skozi ledeniške razpoke in tečejo pod ledenikom ter napajajo vodonosnik skozi razpoke in ponore pod ledenikom. Napajanje in pretoki na izviru kažejo na izrazito vsakodnevno in sezonsko spremenljivost, z visokimi vrednostmi v času taljenja snega in ledu med pomladjo in jesenjo. Pred�odne napovedi o razpoložljivosti izvirske vode po tem, ko bo ledenik izginil, domnevajo, da se bodo pretoki zmanjšali za 20-30%. Skoraj vsa ta izguba bo izrazita poleti in jeseni. Domnevno bo zaradi tega pri�ajalo do občasnega pomanjkanja vode.
Markierungsversuche und Modellierung zur Bewertung der Gefährdung eines Trinkwasserbrunnens
Grundwasser, 2008
Influence of Eco-hydrological Changes on Flow Velocities in a Shallow Alluvial Aquifer-Findings From Tracer Tests at the Merdingen Test Site, Germany
ABSTRACT Since 1979, the Merdingen test site, located in the alluvial deposits of the Upper Rhine... more ABSTRACT Since 1979, the Merdingen test site, located in the alluvial deposits of the Upper Rhine Graben, has been used for tracer tests using fluorescent dyes, heavy metals, microorganisms, microspheres and other tracers. In 1999, the storm Lothar badly affected the test site and significantly changed the vegetation cover. The previously forested area is now predominantly covered by bushes and a few remaining trees. 13 wells can be used for tracer experiments over a distance of up to 200 meters. Before the storm (1988), uranine gave a maximum flow velocity (vmax) of 1.08 m/h and a peak flow velocity (vpeak) of 0.07 m/h over a distance of 25 meters. Vmax was not influenced by rainfall, whereas the peak might have been accelerated by rainfall events. In 2005, uranine gave a vmax of 2.55 m/h and a vpeak of 0.07 m/h, during a period of falling water table and no rainfalls. This means that vmax increased by a factor of 2.3, whereas vpeak remained stable. The vmax for 1 mum microspheres increased by a factor of 4.6 between 1988 and 2005, the vmax for the Serratia marcescens bacterium increased by the same factor, while vpeak remained stable. This behavior can, at least partly, be explained by the change in vegetation caused by the storm, particularly by the impact of uprooted trees and intensively rooting bushes on the shallow aquifer, which obviously created additional preferential flowpaths that allow for higher maximum velocities. The even higher observed increase of the maximum velocities for bacteria and microspheres can be explained by the fact that particle transport is known to be even more influenced by preferential flowpaths than solute transport (pore exclusion). Our findings suggest that vegetation changes, particularly trees being overthrown and uprooted, can actually influence groundwater flow velocities in shallow alluvial aquifers, which can result in higher maximum transport velocities of microorganisms along preferential flowpaths.
Consideraciones sobre el funcionamiento hidrogeológico y la vulnerabilidad a la contaminación de ... more Consideraciones sobre el funcionamiento hidrogeológico y la vulnerabilidad a la contaminación de la Sierra de las Nieves (Málaga) a partir de un ensayo de trazador en condiciones de estiaje Considerations on the hydrogeological functioning and on the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination in Sierra de las Nieves (Málaga) during a dry-period tracer test B. Andreo (1) , I. Vadillo (1) , F. Carrasco (1) , C. Neukum (2) , P. Jiménez (1) , C. Liñán (1) , N. Goldscheider (3) , H. Hötzl (2) , R. Ferrer (4) , L. del Campo (4) , N. Göppert (2) , J.M. Vías (1) , I. Pérez (1) , D. Sánchez (1) y A. Cobos (1)
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions, 2014
Two different in-situ spectrophotometers are compared that were used in the field to determine ni... more Two different in-situ spectrophotometers are compared that were used in the field to determine nitrate-nitrogen (NO<sub>3</sub>-N) concentrations at two distinct spring discharge sites. One sensor was a double wavelength spectrophotometer (DWS) and the other a multiple wavelength spectrophotometer (MWS). The objective of the study was to review the hardware options, determine ease of calibration, accuracy, influence of additional substances and to assess positive and negative aspects of the two sensors as well as troubleshooting and trade-offs. Both sensors are sufficient to monitor highly time-resolved NO<sub>3</sub>-N concentrations in emergent groundwater. However, the chosen path length of the sensors had a significant influence on the sensitivity and the range of detectable NO<sub>3</sub>-N. The accuracy of the calculated NO<sub>3</sub>-N concentrations of the sensors can be affected, if the content of additional substances such a...
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions, 2014
Nitrate (NO 3 −) contamination of groundwater associated with agronomic activity is of major conc... more Nitrate (NO 3 −) contamination of groundwater associated with agronomic activity is of major concern in many countries. Where agriculture, thin free draining soils and karst aquifers coincide, groundwater is highly vulnerable to nitrate contamination. As residence times and denitrification potential in such systems are typically low, nitrate HESSD 11, 4131-4161, 2014 Nitrate response of karst springs to high rainfall events M. Huebsch et al.
Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae, 2005
This paper summarises seven years of hydrogeological research in the alpine karst system Hochifen... more This paper summarises seven years of hydrogeological research in the alpine karst system Hochifen-Gottesacker (Germany/Austria). Geologically, the site belongs to the Helvetic nappes and consists of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. The Schrattenkalk limestone forms a relatively thin karst aquifer above or between thick marl aquicludes, forcing groundwater to flow parallel to the strata. The limestone is intensively cut by faults and fractures favouring karstification. The fault offsets are relatively small, so that their influence on the large-scale groundwater flow paths is limited. The site is thus ideal to study the influence of fold structures on the drainage pattern. Multi-tracer tests with a total of 16 injections demonstrated that troughs of plunging synclines form the main underground flow paths, while crests of anticlines act as local groundwater divides in the higher karst zones where the base of the aquifer is above the level of the surrounding valleys. In an adjacent valley that receives inflow from several synclines, tracer tests confirmed a major underground drainage system running across the folds. An axial culmination in the area is part of the continental water divide Rhine-Danube; an axial depression acts as a zone of confluence. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Dieser Artikel fasst die Ergebnisse von sieben Jahren hydrogeologischer Forschung im alpinen Karstsystem Hochifen-Gottesacker zusammen (Deutschland/Österreich). Das Gebiet gehört zu den Helvetischen Decken und besteht aus Sedimentgesteinen der Kreide. Der Schrattenkalk bildet einen geringmächtigen Karstaquifer oberhalb bzw. zwischen mächtigen Mergelformationen. Der unterirdische Abfluss erfolgt überwiegend schichtparallel. Der Kalkstein ist stark geklüftet und von Störungen durchzogen, was die Verkarstung begünstigt. Der Versatz der Störungen und somit auch ihr Einfluss auf die grossräumigen Fliesswege ist aber recht gering. Das Gebiet ist deshalb ideal, um den Einfluss der Faltenstrukturen auf das Entwässerungsmuster zu studieren. Durch Markierungsversuche mit insgesamt 16 Eingaben konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Troglinien der abtauchenden Synklinalen unterirdische Abflussbahnen bilden, während die Scheitellinien der Antiklinalen als lokale Wasserscheiden wirken, zumindest in den Hochlagen, wo sich die Aquiferbasis oberhalb des Talniveaus befindet (seichter Karst). In einem angrenzenden Tal, das die unterirdischen Zuflüsse aus mehreren Synklinalen sammelt, konnte ein Entwässerungssystem quer zum Faltenbau belegt werden. Eine Achsenkulmination im Gebiet ist Teil der kontinentalen Wasserscheide Rhein-Donau; eine Achsendepression bildet eine hydrologische Sammelstruktur. troalpine and Helvetic nappes. Their underground drainage pattern is controlled by various climatic, hydrologic and geologic factors, and landscape history. Many karst systems in the South Alpine and Austroalpine zones consist of Triassic carbonate sequences with up to 4 km total thickness. Their drainage pattern is mainly controlled by the hydrologic base-level conditions, the faults and, if present, the dip of the underlying aquiclude, while folds are less important (Zötl 1961, Hötzl 1998). The Dachstein (Bauer 1989), the Tennengebirge (Toussaint 1971, Audra 1994) and the Schneebergalpen (Maurin & Zötl 1959) in Austria are well known examples for this type of deeply karstified plateaux. Most karst areas in the Helvetic zone of the Swiss Alps consist of a sequence of Jurassic and Cretaceous karst aquifers 1 Introduction About one third of the Alps are formed of carbonate rocks, most of which are karstified (Fig. 1). Karst aquifers hold important groundwater resources that are important for the drinking water supplies of the alpine countries, e.g. 50 % in Austria. Many cities in the alpine region, e.g. Vienna and Grenoble, depend on such resources (Trimmel 1998). At the same time, karst aquifers are vulnerable to contamination. Contaminants may easily enter the subsurface and rapidly spread in the conduit system without effective attenuation. Therefore, these resources need special protection (Drew & Hötzl 1999, Zwahlen 2004). Karst aquifer systems are present in almost all major tectonic units of the Alps, mainly in the South Alpine, Aus
Differential Hydrogeological Effects of Draining Tunnels Through the Northern Apennines, Italy
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2013
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 2014
Artificial tracers are powerful tools for investigating karst systems. Tracers are commonly injec... more Artificial tracers are powerful tools for investigating karst systems. Tracers are commonly injected into sinking streams or dolines, while springs serve as monitoring sites. The obtained flow and transport parameters represent mixed information from the vadose, epiphreatic and phreatic zones (that is, the aquifer remains a black box). Accessible active caves constitute valuable but underexploited natural laboratories to gain detailed insights into the hydrologic functioning of the aquifer. Two multi-tracer tests in the catchment of a major karst spring (Blautopf, Germany) with injections and monitoring in two associated water caves aimed at obtaining spatially and temporally resolved information on groundwater flow in different compartments of the system. Two tracers were injected into the caves to characterize the hydraulic connections between them and with the spring. Two injections at the land surface, far from the spring, aimed at resolving the aquifer's internal drainage structure. Tracer breakthrough curves were monitored by field fluorimeters in caves and at the spring. Results demonstrate the dendritic drainage structure of the aquifer. It was possible to obtain relevant flow and transport parameters for different sections of this system. The highest mean flow velocities (275 m h −1) were observed in the near-spring epiphreatic section (openchannel flow), while velocities in the phreatic zone (pressurized flow) were one order of magnitude lower. Determined conduit water volumes confirm results of water balances and hydrograph analyses. In conclusion, experiments and monitoring in caves can deliver spatially resolved information on karst aquifer heterogeneity and dynamics that cannot be obtained by traditional investigative methods.
Hydrogeology Journal, 2011
Aquifers provide water, nutrients and energy with various patterns for many aquatic and terrestri... more Aquifers provide water, nutrients and energy with various patterns for many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) are increasingly recognized for their ecological and socioeconomic values. The current knowledge of the processes governing the ecohydrological functioning of inland GDEs is reviewed, in order to assess the key drivers constraining their viability. These processes occur both at the watershed and emergence scale. Recharge patterns, geomorphology, internal geometry and geochemistry of aquifers control water availability and nutritive status of groundwater. The interface structure between the groundwater system and the biocenoses may modify the groundwater features by physicochemical or biological processes, for which biocenoses need to adapt. Four major types of aquifer-GDE interface have been described: springs, surface waters, peatlands and terrestrial ecosystems. The ecological roles of groundwater are conditioned by morphological characteristics for spring GDEs, by the hyporheic zone structure for surface waters, by the organic soil structure and volume for peatland GDEs, and by water-table fluctuation and surface floods in terrestrial GDEs. Based on these considerations, an ecohydrological classification system for GDEs is proposed and applied to Central and Western-Central Europe, as a basis for modeling approaches for GDEs and as a tool for groundwater and landscape management.
Hydrogeology Journal, 2002
COST 620. Actualmente, se está desarrollando las fases siguientes con el fin de evaluar el enfoqu... more COST 620. Actualmente, se está desarrollando las fases siguientes con el fin de evaluar el enfoque y aplicarlo en distintas áreas piloto de Europa.
A new quantitative interpretation of the long-tail and plateau-like breakthrough curves from tracer tests in the artesian karst aquifer of Stuttgart, Germany
Hydrogeology Journal, 2008
Using tracer tests and hydrological observations to evaluate effects of tunnel drainage on groundwater and surface waters in the Northern Apennines (Italy)
Hydrogeology Journal, 2008
Review: Microbial biocenoses in pristine aquifers and an assessment of investigative methods
Hydrogeology Journal, 2006
William B. White and Elizabeth L. White (USA): their contributions to karst hydrogeology discussed in an interview
Hydrogeology Journal, 2008
Revisión: Recursos de aguas termales en acuíferos de rocas carbonáticas
Hydrogeology Journal, 2010
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Papers by N. Goldscheider