Chemistry and flow patterns in some groundwaters of southeastern Norway.

Abstract

Groundwaters in Quaternary deposits and in bedrock of southeastern Norway down to 120 m below surface range in chemical composition from very dilute waters to brackish waters. The total contents of dissolved solids (Ca2+ + Mg2+ + Na+ + K+ + HCO3- + (SO4)2- + Cl-) are usually lower in recharge areas than in deep circulating groundwaters and in springs. Chemical differences are explained by two main modes of groundwater flow patterns: (a) flow through shallow aquifers with active flushing, and ending up in springs; (b) long and deep flow, from Quaternary deposits through deep ciculating groundwaters in bedrock, and ending up in spring rivers. The highest pH and concentration values along any one flow path usually occur in the spring waters. Acidification due to acid precipitation does not seem to have occurred because of the high buffer capacity of the deep groundwaters investigated, deeper than 15-25 m below suface