Geochemistry of Regional Groundwater Flow In the Aladag Karstic Aquifer, Eastern Taurids-Turkey: Effect of Flow Conditions

Abstract

The geochemistry of regional groundwater flow along the Aladag karstic aquifer indicates a remarkable correlation between the hydraulic and geochemical conditions. The Aladag karstic aquifer. in between the recharge area and the regional ero­ sion base. comprises unconfined and confined sections. A transition zone along which semi-comfined flow conditions dominate also occurs between these sections. The parts of the aquifer in which unconfined and confined flow conditions dominate seem to be anal· ogous of geochemically open and closed systems of carbonate dissolution. respectively. The varition of physical and chemial proper­ ties of the karstic effluents implies that although the carbonate dissolution is perpetual along the flow system. dissolution rates decrease where confined flow conditions start to prevail. However. gypsum dissolution allong the regional flow path seems to be independent of hydraulic conditions.