Groundwater Chemistry and Hydrochemistry Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor influencing the chemical composition of shallow groundwater?

The type of geological materials the water interacts with on its journey to the water table (correct)

The rate of groundwater flow

The depth of the water table

The presence of dissolved gases in the water table

Which of the following is NOT a factor considered when interpreting groundwater chemistry?

The temperature of the water (correct)

The flow path and duration of the water's journey

Whether the water has mixed with other water sources

The origin of the water

What is the significance of hydrochemistry in the context of groundwater modeling?

Hydrochemistry helps predict future groundwater contamination.

Hydrochemistry provides insights into the flow paths of groundwater within the system. (correct)

Hydrochemistry determines the rate of groundwater recharge.

Hydrochemistry is used to identify the location of groundwater recharge zones.

What type of information is typically presented on a bedrock geology map?

The distribution of different rock types at the surface. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the chemical composition of groundwater typically change as it moves from the recharge zone to the discharge zone?

The dissolved material content generally increases, and the types of constituents may change. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'total dissolved solids' (TDS) represent?

The total weight of all dissolved minerals in a sample of water. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the "Water Table Recharge" interactive education tool on the Groundwater Project website?

Demonstrate how the recharge rate and direction influence the water table divide and flow. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the "Well Capture" interactive education tool?

To assess the potential for contamination of a well from nearby sources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is a knowledge of groundwater chemistry important for determining water suitability for different uses?

It helps determine the presence of dissolved minerals that may be undesirable or even harmful for drinking, agriculture, or industry. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors influence the flow rate and direction of groundwater?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main types of water-rock interactions that occur below the water table?

Mixing with other water sources, dissolution, and precipitation reactions all occur below the water table. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is the most accurate statement about groundwater hardness?

Hardness is a measure of the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following references focuses specifically on groundwater resources in the Edmonton–Calgary Corridor?

Barker, A.A., Riddell, J.T.F., Slattery, S.R., Andriashek, L.D., Moktan, H., Wallace, S., Lyster, S., Jean, G., Huff, G.F., Stewart, S.A.and Lemay, T.G., (2011): Edmonton–Calgary Corridor groundwater atlas. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a resource available on the Groundwater Project website?

Peer-reviewed scientific journal articles (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason for the pattern seen on the bedrock geology map?

The geological history of the area. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the strat chart contribute to the understanding of the bedrock geology map?

The strat chart shows the relative ages and relationships of different rock layers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between logging core, measuring outcrop, and groundwater sampling data sources on one hand, and airborne geophysical surveys on the other?

Logging core, outcrop, and groundwater sampling data sources are collected directly from the subsurface, while airborne geophysical surveys use remote sensing techniques. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of airborne resistivity or electromagnetic surveys in groundwater studies?

To map the distribution of sediment types and the characteristics of water within the sediments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bedrock topography mapping in groundwater studies?

To define boundaries for different groundwater flow patterns. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the most recent glacial period influence the bedrock topography?

It contributed to both erosion and deposition, altering the bedrock surface. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the bedrock surface and the boundaries of different groundwater flow patterns in the groundwater model?

The bedrock surface is a boundary between different groundwater flow patterns. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the bedrock geology of Alberta influence groundwater resources?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct contributing factor to the increasing strain on surface water resources?

Declining groundwater levels due to over-extraction. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driving force behind groundwater movement within aquifers?

Pressure differences created by variations in elevation of hydraulic heads. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided information, what is the primary reason for the increasing reliance on groundwater sources?

Surface water resources are becoming increasingly strained due to growing demand. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions "Cemented layer" in the context of the Paskapoo outcrop. What is the likely implication of this layer for groundwater movement?

The cemented layer acts as a barrier to groundwater movement. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the relationship between watersheds and aquifers?

Watersheds supply water to aquifers through recharge areas. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The text states that "watersheds are nested systems." How does this nesting relate to the movement of water within a watershed?

Nested watersheds create a system of interconnected channels for water to flow through. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'hydraulic heads' relate to the movement of groundwater in aquifers?

Differences in hydraulic heads create a pressure gradient that drives groundwater flow. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the context of the text, what is the main implication of the statement "More and more, we will need to turn to groundwater sources to meet growing water needs"?

Increased reliance on groundwater can lead to aquifer depletion and other environmental concerns. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a charge balance in water quality analysis?

It verifies the accuracy of the analysis by confirming the balance of cations and anions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the grain size of sediments affect groundwater chemistry?

Finer grain sizes restrict water flow, causing more interaction with geological materials and higher dissolved mineral concentrations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between water hardness and the geological materials it flows through?

Hardness is directly proportional to the presence of calcium and magnesium, which are commonly dissolved from geological materials. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is water balance defined in the context of the provided text?

The movement of water into, out of, and within a particular area. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the criterion used by the Alberta Government to classify groundwater as saline?

A high concentration of dissolved salts, exceeding a specific threshold. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical total dissolved solids concentrations found in groundwater, excluding specific areas?

Generally less than 1500 mg/L. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How is the geographical origin of water samples determined in the study?

By considering the depth of well screens and comparing them to geological unit maps. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between water’s contact time with geological materials and its chemical composition?

Longer contact time increases interaction with geological materials, leading to changes in both water and geological material compositions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the water-balance equation primarily assess?

The change in stored water in surface-water bodies and groundwater (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a water-neutral area, what is a key factor regarding precipitation and evapotranspiration?

Precipitation and evapotranspiration are approximately equal (D) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a pumping well is situated near a stream?

It creates a groundwater divide and can reduce stream discharge (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the overall water-balance equation state about the change in water amount?

It must equal the precipitation minus all forms of water outflow (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of groundwater contamination from point sources?

It may lead to toxicity issues in the river system (A) Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is made regarding the total volume of stored water in the ECC each year?

It is assumed to remain constant from year to year (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do we calculate the change in water storage in an area?

By subtracting the total outflow from the total inflow of water (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in understanding hydrological conditions within the ECC?

The balance between precipitation and evapotranspiration rates (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

GEOL 350 Hydrology and Hydrogeology

Course offered at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)
Course title: Hydrology and Hydrogeology
Course code: GEOL 350
Winter 2025 session

Aquifers

Aquifers are underground geological formations that hold groundwater.
Groundwater flow paths vary in length, depth, and time.
Flow paths can be localized (shallow, shorter), intermediate, or regional (deeper, longer).
Flow paths through different geological layers affect groundwater chemistry.

Groundwater Flow Paths

Recharge areas are where water enters the aquifer.
Discharge areas are where water exits the aquifer.
Groundwater flow paths vary greatly in length, depth, and travel time.
Flow paths take groundwater through different geological layers.
This influences groundwater chemistry.

Groundwater Flow (Local and Regional)

Local flow takes place over short distances and time spans.
Regional flow takes place over long distances and time spans, and is deeper.

Water Table

The water table is the upper surface of the saturated zone, where groundwater occurs.
It is connected to surface water bodies (ponds, lakes, streams).
The water table elevation and surface water elevation are dynamic.

Types of Streams

Gaining streams receive water from groundwater.
Losing streams lose water to groundwater.
Flow direction affects groundwater levels and chemistry.

Interactions between Stream and GW

Stream stage increases can cause continuous re-adjustment between streams and adjacent shallow aquifers.
Bank storage influences water exchange between streams and aquifers.
Groundwater pumping near streams can alter water exchange and possibly deplete streamflow.

Importance of the Hyporheic Zone

The hyporheic zone is an interface environment where groundwater and surface water interact.
This zone has enhanced microbial activity and chemical transformations.
High oxygen concentrations in the hyporheic zone support diverse aquatic life.

GW Contribution to Streamflow

Baseflow is the groundwater contribution to streamflow.
Baseflow is relatively stable compared to surface runoff.
Baseflow fluctuates based on precipitation.

Measuring Baseflow in Streams

Measuring data from stream-gauging stations is used.
Data is plotted on a hydrograph (flow volume vs. time).
Baseflow is typically 30% of total surface drainage.
Runoff is the rest of the surface drainage.

Groundwater and Aquifers

Overview of groundwater resources.

The Energy Resources Conservation Board/Alberta Geological Survey (ERCB/AGS)

Organisation that provides information on groundwater.

Major River Basins (Watersheds)

Alberta's river basins are nested systems, from small to larger ones.
Major rivers and their associated drainage basins are defined and mapped.

Paskapoo Outcrop

Outcrop of Paskapoo Formation displays differences between sandstone types due to cementation.
Uncemented sandstone has high groundwater potential.

Groundwater Movement in Aquifers

Groundwater movement is driven by changes in hydraulic head.
Groundwater flows from higher to lower hydraulic head areas to equalize pressure.
Factors like drought, flooding, pumping or land alterations influence this flow.

Xsection

Diagram illustrating groundwater flow directions and layers.
This section defines various aquifers (confined and unconfined),
and how groundwater flows vertically and horizontally.

Geo Data Sources

Logging core, measuring outcrop and groundwater sampling provide valuable data.
Groundwater Atlas provides valuable information.

Data from Airborne Geophysical Surveys

Airborne resistivity and electromagnetic surveys are used to map sediment types and water characteristics and water properties in subsurface.
Interpretation of data helps map underground sediment types, characterization of water, and groundwater flow.

Bedrock Geology of Alberta

Detailed map of the bedrock geology of Alberta is provided.

Permeability of Sediments

Permeability of sediments above bedrock is illustrated and characterized by hydraulic conductivity.
Aquifers and aquitards are illustrated based on high and low permeability.

Bedrock Topography map

Bedrock topography shows the boundary between bedrock and unconsolidated sediments.
Chemical weathering and glacial periods impact bedrock topography.

Buried Valley Aquifers

Map showing the area of high sediment permeability related to buried valleys.
Geophysics helps identify and map coarse-grained materials.

Great Online Resource

The Groundwater Project website (https://gw-project.org/) is a valuable online resource.
Ebooks, exercises, videos, animations, and models are available.
Interactive tools for water table recharge, GW divide, well capture are described.

References

List of sources (articles, reports, etc.) consulted for the information.

Extra Slides

Additional slides related to the course content.

Contamination of GW

Groundwater can transport contamination originating from point sources (e.g., waste sites) into the river system.
Contaminant plume movement from a waste site is illustrated.

Types of Springs

Groundwater springs are characterized by preferred paths of flow in highly permeable sediments.
Diagram illustrating subsurface water flow leading to spring formation.

Effect of a Pumping Well near a Stream

Effects of pumping wells on groundwater divide. Impacts on the stream's discharge from aquifer.
Diagram showing groundwater movement modifications near the vicinity of pumping wells.

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Description

Test your knowledge on groundwater chemistry, hydrochemistry, and the factors influencing shallow groundwater composition. This quiz covers important concepts, tools, and interactions relevant to groundwater modeling and water suitability. Explore the dynamics of groundwater as it moves through various zones.