A multi-method study of regional groundwater circulation in the Ordos Plateau, NW China

摘要: The Ordos Basin is one of the most intensively studied groundwater basins in China. Plateau, located north part Basin, ideal to study pattern regional circulation induced by water-table undulations due wavy topography and relatively simple aquifer systems with macroscopically homogeneous sandstone. In catchments near first-order divide, water table found be a subdued replica topography, nonclosed contours topographic highs catchment are indicative outflow other catchments. lows, groundwater-fed lakes/rivers, topography-driven flowing wells, water-loving and/or salt-tolerant vegetation, soap holes all discharge areas. areas, although inflow from recharge areas stable, seasonal variations evapotranspiration lead significant fluctuations table, which can used estimate rates based on balance at different stages change. lowest reaches complex basin, superposition local flow has been identified samples collected wells depths geophysical measurements apparent resistivity, both for characterizing systems. This enhances understanding also tests the  effectiveness methods flow-system characterization.