Applied Isotope Hydrogeology

In 1980, Nagra, the Swiss National Cooperative for the Storage of Radioactive Waste, began a comprehensive field investigation programme to assess the feasibility and safety of a repository for the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste in northern Switzerland. An international team of scientists has carried out a comprehensive study on the isotope hydrogeology of deep groundwaters. One of the major implications of this work pertains to the storage of radioactive waste. The study goes far beyond an in-depth regional study as it draws together the results of diverse techniques, many of which have been re-evaluated or further developed. This book presents in great detail the results of one of the most comprehensive isotope hydrology studies ever undertaken.

Within the discipline of environmental sciences, the stable-isotope methodology is being increasingly used, especially in the study of the water cycle and of paleo-climatology. This book reviews the natural variability of stable isotopes in the hydrosphere, describing the physico-chemical basis of isotope fractionalism, and applying this knowledge to natural waters as they move through the hydrologic cycle from the ocean to the atmosphere, the biosphere and the lithosphere. It focuses on the processes at the surface-atmosphere and land-biosphere-atmosphere interfaces, since these are the sites of major changes in isotope composition. In response to the increasing awareness of our changing climate, a discussion on the global view of the changing water cycle, in the past and future, concludes up the presentation.

This publication presents, in a simple, but scientifically rigorous manner, the consequences of natural processes to stable isotope concentrations and radioactivities, and discusses the implications of these processes.

This book represents a new "earth systems" approach to catchments that encompasses the physical and biogeochemical interactions that control the hydrology and biogeochemistry of the system. The text provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of catchment hydrology, principles of isotope geochemistry, and the isotope variability in the hydrologic cycle -- but the main focus of the book is on case studies in isotope hydrology and isotope geochemistry that explore the applications of isotope techniques for investigating modern environmental problems. Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology is the first synthesis of physical hydrology and isotope geochemistry with catchment focus, and is a valuable reference for professionals and students alike in the fields of hydrology, hydrochemistry, and environmental science. This important interdisciplinary text provides extensive guidelines for the application of isotope techniques for all investigatores facing the challenge of protecting precious water, soil, and ecological resources from the ever-increasing problems associated with population growth and environmental change, including those from urban development and agricultural land uses.

Groundwater is an increasingly important resource to human populations around the world, and the study and protection of groundwater is an essential part of hydrogeology - the subset of hydrology that concentrates on the subsurface. Environmental isotopes, naturally occurring nuclides in water and solutes, have become fundamental tools for tracing the recharge, history, and contamination of groundwater.

"This updated and expanded edition of Applied Chemical and Isotopic Groundwater Hydrochemistry provides researchers with a thorough understanding of the measurable properties of groundwater systems and the knowledge to apply hydrochemical, geological, chemical, isotopic, and dating approaches to their work." "Generously illustrated and containing key literature citations, Chemical and Isotopic Groundwater Hydrology, Second Edition serves as an essential reference for hydrologists; hydrochemists; agronomists; ecologists; environmental scientists; geologists and geophysicists; soil scientists; irrigation specialists; environmental regulators and government policymakers; and pollution control, environmental, chemical, agricultural, industrial, sanitary, and civil engineers; as well as a superb text for graduate-level students in these disciplines."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Environmental isotope and nuclear techniques provide unmatched insights into the processes governing the water cycle and its variability. This monograph presents state of the art applications and new developments of isotopes in hydrology, environmental disciplines and climate change studies. Coverage ranges from the assessment of groundwater resources in terms of recharge and flow regime to studies of the past and present global environmental and climate changes.