Estimation of spatial recharge distribution using environmental isotopes and hydrochemical data, II. Application to Aravaipa Valley in Southern Arizona, U.S.A.

摘要: Abstract In Part I ∗ a mathematical model was developed to estimate the spatial distribution of annual recharge rates into an aquifer using environmental isotopes and hydrochemical data. II is applied real data from Aravaipa Valley in southern Arizona. These suffer paucity hydrologic information but contain numerous isotopic analyses. The able extract available both qualitative quantitative about into, flow through shallow unconfined valley. shows that this replenished primarily by lateral pediments tributary Stowe Gulch Basin, as well upward leakage underlying confined aquifer. Recharge Creek relatively minor. Lateral eastern exceeds western factor two. are major source for results tentative because independent means verify them currently lacking. We encouraged, however, mass balance errors water dissolved constituents do not exceed 4%, rate obtained Darcy's law at one location within which transmissivity known, agrees with prediction. While chemical reactions ignored model, some species show sufficient variability due mixing justify approach. This supported analyses equilibrium water-mineral interactions conducted WATEQF.