Defining the Bounds of Using Radioactive Isotope Tracers to Sense Past Groundwater Recharge Under Transient State Conditions

M. Chmielarski, S. Dogramaci, P. G. Cook, J. L. McCallum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Analyzing groundwater systems in transient state is essential for understanding the response of groundwater recharge to changing environments. Radioactive isotopes have long been used to track recharge behavior, typically under steady state conditions. This study tests the limitations of using radioactive isotopes in confined aquifers and under transient conditions to sense changes in groundwater recharge rates over time. Four system parameters determine the bounds of this approach: the isotope half-life, the Péclet number (Pe), and mobile-immobile zone interactions. This study revealed that in confined groundwater systems where Pe ≥ 10, isotopes reflect transience when the half-life matches the water travel time down the flow path or the time elapsed from the change in velocity. This response is evident regardless of mobile-immobile interaction, suggesting that appropriate isotope selection is key to establishing past recharge regardless of aquifer lithology or geometry.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2021GL096570
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume49
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Dec 2022

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