Abstract
Local meteoric water lines (LMWL) and corresponding relationships between δ2H and δ18O values in precipitation and elevation are useful tools for assessing groundwater recharge areas and flow paths. The LMWL and relationship between δ18O values in precipitation and elevation for the West Hawai‘i region of Hawai‘i (USA) were determined utilizing a network of eight cumulative precipitation collectors sampled at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. Additionally, δ2H and δ18O values for groundwater samples across the study area were determined. These data were then utilized to develop new conceptual models of groundwater flow and characterize groundwater flow paths in this complex and poorly understood hydrogeologic setting. The West Hawai‘i LMWL indicates a primary source of oceanic moisture from the lee of the island, while the δ18O–elevation relationship resembles that determined for the trade-wind portion of the Hawai‘i Volcano region. Conceptual models incorporating the effects of subsurface geological features on groundwater occurrence and flow in the West Hawai‘i region were developed and subsequently utilized in conjunction with δ18O values for groundwater samples to determine that groundwater flow paths in the West Hawai‘i region generally originate at high elevations located far within the island’s interior. This study demonstrates the utility of considering subsurface structural characteristics in conjunction with H and O isotopic content of precipitation and groundwater to better understand groundwater flow in regions with poorly characterized hydrogeology and has important implications for future development and scientific investigation of water resources in West Hawai‘i.
Résumé
Les lignes d’eau météoriques locales (LEML) et les relations correspondantes entre les valeurs de δ2H et δ18O dans les précipitations et l’altitude sont des outils utiles pour évaluer les zones de recharge des eaux souterraines et les trajectoires d’écoulement. Les LEML et la relation entre les valeurs de δ18O dans les précipitations et l’altitude pour la région occidentale d’Hawai‘i (Etats-Unis d’Amérique) ont été déterminées à l’aide d’un réseau de huit collecteurs cumulatifs de précipitations échantillonnées à intervalles de 6 mois sur une période de deux ans. De plus, les valeurs de δ2H et δ18O pour les échantillons d’eau souterraine dans l’ensemble de la zone d’étude ont été déterminées. Ces données ont ensuite été utilisées pour élaborer de nouveaux modèles conceptuels de l’écoulement d’eaux souterraines et caractériser les voies d’écoulement des eaux souterraines dans ce milieu hydrogéologique complexe et mal compris. La LEML de l’Ouest d’Hawai‘i indique une source primaire d’humidité océanique provenant de la zone abritée de l’île, tandis que la relation entre δ18O et l’altitude est. similaire à celle déterminée pour la région du volcan Hawai‘i sous les vents alisés. Des modèles conceptuels incorporant les effets des caractéristiques géologiques souterraines sur l’occurrence et l’écoulement des eaux souterraines dans la région Ouest d’Hawai‘i ont été élaborés et utilisés par la suite en conjonction avec des valeurs de δ18O pour les échantillons d’eau souterraine afin de déterminer que les voies d’écoulement des eaux souterraines dans la région de L’Hawaii occidental proviennent généralement des zones d’hautes altitudes situées loin à l’intérieur de l’île. Cette étude démontre l’utilité d’examiner les caractéristiques structurales du sous-sol en conjonction avec la teneur en isotopes H et O des précipitations et des eaux souterraines afin de mieux comprendre l’écoulement des eaux souterraines dans les régions où l’hydrogéologie est. mal caractérisée et a des conséquences importantes pour le développement et des investigations scientifiques futurs des ressources en eau dans l’ouest de Hawai‘i.
Resumen
Las líneas de agua meteórica local (LMWL) y las relaciones correspondientes entre los valores de δ2H y δ18O en precipitación y altura son herramientas útiles para evaluar las áreas de recarga de aguas subterráneas y las trayectorias de flujo. Las LMWL y la relación entre los valores de δ18O en precipitación y altura para la región occidental de Hawai‘i (EE.UU.) se determinaron utilizando una red de ocho colectores de precipitación acumulada muestreados a intervalos de 6 meses durante un período de 2 años. Además, se determinaron los valores de δ2H y δ18O para las muestras de aguas subterráneas en toda la zona de estudio. Esos datos se utilizaron luego para elaborar nuevos modelos conceptuales de flujo subterráneo y caracterizar las trayectorias de flujo de las aguas subterráneas en este complejo y poco conocido entorno hidrogeológico. El LMWL del Oeste Hawai‘i indica una fuente primaria de humedad oceánica del sotobosque de la isla, mientras que la relación δ18O -altura se asemeja a la determinada para la porción de vientos alisios de la región del volcán Hawai‘i. Se elaboraron modelos conceptuales que incorporan los efectos de las características geológicas del subsuelo en la ocurrencia y el flujo de las aguas subterráneas en la región occidental de Hawai‘i y posteriormente se utilizaron junto con los valores de δ18O para las muestras de aguas subterráneas a fin de determinar que las trayectorias de los flujos subterráneos en la región occidental de Hawai‘i se originan generalmente en altas elevaciones situadas lejos en el interior de la isla. Este estudio demuestra la utilidad de considerar las características estructurales del subsuelo en conjunción con el contenido isotópico de H y O de las precipitaciones y las aguas subterráneas para comprender mejor el flujo de las aguas subterráneas en regiones con una hidrogeología poco caracterizada y que tiene importantes repercusiones para el desarrollo futuro y la investigación científica de los recursos hídricos en la región occidental Hawai‘i.
摘要
局部大气水线(LMWL)以及降水中δ2H和δ18O值与高程之间的对应关系是评估地下水补给区和流动路径的有用工具。夏威夷(美国)夏威夷地区西部的LMWL和降水中的δ18O值与海拔之间的关系是通过使用8个累积降水收集器在两年每6个月取样分析而得到。此外,确定了研究区地下水样品的δ2H和δ18O值。然后,这些数据被用于开发新的地下水流概念模型,并表征复杂和没弄清的水文地质条件的地下水流动路径。夏威夷西部的LMWL表明了该岛背风的海洋水分是主要来源,而δ18O与高程关系类似,因此确定了夏威夷火山地区信风部分。建立了包含地下地质特征对西夏威夷地区地下水来源和流动影响的概念模型,随后结合地下水样品中δ18O值,以此来确定夏威夷西部地区的地下水流动路径,该区域一般源于远离岛内部的高海拔区。本研究表明,结合降水和地下水的H和O同位素含量来考虑地下结构特征,可以更好地了解水文地质特征认识较弱地区的地下水流,并且对夏威夷西部水资源未来开发利用和科学研究具有重要意义。
Resumo
Linhas de água meteórica locais (LAML) e relações correspondentes entre valores de δ2H e δ18O na precipitação e elevação são ferramentas uteis para avaliação de áreas de recarga de águas subterrâneas e caminhos de fluxo. As LAML e a relação entre valores de δ2H e δ18O na precipitação e elevação para a região do Havaí Ocidental no Havaí (EUA) foram determinados utilizando uma rede de oito coletores acumulativos de precipitação amostrados em intervalos de 6 meses por um período de 2 anos. Adicionalmente, os valores de δ2H e δ18O para amostras de águas subterrâneas ao longo da área de estudos foram determinadas. Esses dados foram então utilizados para desenvolver novos modelos conceituais para o fluxo das águas subterrâneas e caracterizar os caminhos de fluxo das águas subterrâneas nessa configuração hidrogeológica complexa e pouco estudada. As LAML do Havaí Ocidental indicam uma fonte primária de mistura oceânica à sotavento da ilha, enquanto a relação de elevação de δ18O se assemelha àquela determinada pela porção de ventos alísios para a região vulcânica do Havaí. Modelos conceituais incorporando os efeitos das características geológicas em subsuperfície na ocorrência e fluxo das águas subterrâneas na região do Havaí Ocidental foram desenvolvidos e subsequentemente utilizados na conjunção com os valores de δ18O nas amostras de águas subterrâneas para determinar que os caminhos do fluxo das águas subterrâneas na região do Havaí Ocidental geralmente se originam em maiores elevações distantes em direção ao interior da ilha. Esse estudo demonstra a utilidade de considerar as características estruturais subsuperficiais em conjunção com os isótopos H e O contidos na precipitação e águas subterrâneas para melhor entender os fluxos das águas subterrâneas em regiões com hidrogeologia pouco caracterizada e tem implicações importantes para o desenvolvimento futuro e investigações cientificas para os recursos hídricos no Havaí Ocidental.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Kīholo community, Justin Lottig, David Chai, Charles Dawrs, Mary Metcalf, Steve Patterson, Keith Olson, Justin Rose, and Bob Ravenscraft for providing access and support for groundwater sampling as well as George Wilkins, Britt Craven, Joshua Vandemark, Adam Sibley, and Jeremy Kimura for providing access to precipitation collector locations. The authors additionally thank Jacque Kelly, Christine Waters, George Bugarin, James Bishop, Joseph Kennedy, Christopher Shuler, and Christina Richardson for their assistance with sampling and analysis. The authors also thank Aly El-Kadi and Henrietta Dulai for reviewing earlier versions of the manuscript. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of any of the agencies listed. This is SOEST contribution number 10911.
Funding
This project has been funded by grants from the NSF Hawai‘i EPSCoR Program through the National Science Foundation under award number EPS-0903833 and US Geological Survey State Water Resources Research Institutes Program (WRRIP) grant numbers 2014HI434B and 2015HI442B.
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Fackrell, J.K., Glenn, C.R., Thomas, D. et al. Stable isotopes of precipitation and groundwater provide new insight into groundwater recharge and flow in a structurally complex hydrogeologic system: West Hawai‘i, USA. Hydrogeol J 28, 1191–1207 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-020-02143-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-020-02143-9