Present uplift rates and groundwater potential in Norwegian hard rocks

Abstract

The postglacial isostatic uplift of Fennoscandia is here regarded as the most important factor in keeping fractures open for groundwater flow in Norwegian hard rock aquifer. The present rate of uplift is assumed to represent a measure of the total uplift of an area. The greater the uplift, the more tectonic disturbance is created, and the more open are the fractures. To test the theory, five areas in the Precambrian of southern Norway with different yearly uplifts, and containing a total of 1278 drilled wells have been consi- dered. A linear relationship is found between depth and water yield in the wells and the yearly isostatic uplift. This is hardly coincidental, and it is proposed that further work should be performed as a joint project between the Scandinavian countries.