Authors / CoAuthors
Somerville, P. | Brodie, R.S. | Lawrie, K. | Hostetler, S. | Spulak, R.
Abstract
Surface-groundwater connectivity in many of Australia's major river systems is poorly understood, often due to a paucity of relevant spatial and temporal data. The Broken Hill Managed Aquifer Recharge (BHMAR) study in the Darling Floodplain involved identification and assessment of potential MAR targets and groundwater resources over a large area (>7,500 km2) of the Darling Floodplain. In addition to the acquisition of new geoscientific datasets (airborne, ground and borehole geophysics), and complementary hydrogeological and hydrochemical studies, a bore monitoring network was established to monitor the groundwater response to river leakage. Pressure loggers were installed in 40 bores to monitor groundwater levels in the shallow unconfined Quaternary aquifers, deeper semi-confined Calivil Formation and confined Renmark Group aquifers. Pressure monitoring of bore responses was complemented by periodic hydrochemical sampling of the groundwater in the monitoring bores and by analysis of temperature data collected from data loggers. In 2010-11, the network provided the opportunity to monitor the groundwater response to flooding of the Darling River and the replenishment of the Menindee Lakes storages, following a period of prolonged drought. The Darling River at Menindee (Weir 32) rose from 1.59m in October 2010 and peaked at 7.16m in March 2011. A synchronous rise in groundwater levels varying between 0.5-3.4m was observed in the shallow unconfined aquifer near the river. Shallow groundwater levels declined following the flood peak. Near-river groundwater levels in the Calivil aquifer rose between 0.2-1.3m and also by 4.0 m at a site north of Lake Menindee which confirms lake leakage to the aquifer at this site, as previously inferred from AEM data. A pressure response of 0.1-0.9m was evident in certain Renmark aquifer bores which may relate to both connectivity and transient hydraulic loading associated with the flood. The monitoring confirms the importance of episodic flood events to the recharge of the alluvial aquifers, as supported by groundwater major ion chemistry and stable isotope data. In places, there is a degree of hydraulic connectivity between the aquifers and understanding surface water-groundwater dynamics is essential in assessing water resources in the Darling floodplain system.
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nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
75761
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
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- External PublicationAbstract
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Geology
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2013-01-01T00:00:00
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Abstract prepared for submission to the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH).
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