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Summary: Hydrochemical and stable isotopic (2H, 18O) data were used to characterize the groundwater flow and major chemical features within a complex fractured volcanic aquifer system, the Argnat basin, which is located in the Chaîne des Puys (French Massif Central). From 10 sampling points, the study of the transfer into the saturated zone from upstream to downstream, given the geological context and topography, allows to estimate the role of supply from high and low altitudes to the recharge processes. This work shows the existence of different types of supply between pahoehoe and a’a flows. Therefore, the morphology of volcanic flows impacts the chemical and isotopic signatures of groundwater, enhancing or reducing the influence of the unsaturated zone on the pathways of infiltrated water. Pahoehoe flows imply horizontal water flows of low discharge at the top of the lava whereas a’a flows seems to be much more heterogeneous and locally able to promote the existence of perched water bodies and further vertical circulations. Taking into account these two types of behaviour, a conceptual scheme of the functioning of this heterogeneous environment is proposed, which will help towards a sustainable management of volcanic aquifers in relation with the . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Lorraine Triassic Sandstone Aquifer (LTSA), which has already been the subject of a chemical and radioisotopic study (1979), is used to investigate the impacts of 20a of large scale pumping on baseline water quality. In parallel, new sampling of the aquifer (2001) provides new inorganic geochemical data (including trace elements) that allow improving the knowledge of baseline conditions and hydrochemical functioning of a major sandstone aquifer. The good correlation between 14C activities, temperature and depth along the main flow line indicate regular downgradient trends and possible water stratification. Unreactive tracers, mainly stable isotope ratios 18O and 2H, as well as C isotopes are used to define a timescale for the aquifer, showing two groups of groundwater, namely of modern and Holocene age, and late Pleistocene age, with a mixing zone. Baseline quality is then represented by a wide range of concentrations, mainly the result of time-dependent water–rock interaction, as already observed elsewhere in Triassic sandstone aquifers. Some trace elements such as Li, Rb, Cs, which are not limited by solubility constraints, show linear trends. During saturated flow downgradient, the chemistry is also specifically characterised by a regular increase in Na and Cl (and locally SO4) as a result of evaporite dissolution related to overlying or basement limits. The aquifer is mostly oxidising with a redox boundary marked by U decrease, some 40km from outcrop. Groundwater abstraction since the 1970s has created a strong lowering (10–150m) of the water table, especially from 1970 to 1980. Based on nine boreholes, previously sampled in 1979, a decreasing evolution in radiocarbon content of the TDIC, together with significant evolution of 18O content, indicate that old groundwater has moved upgradient. The major difference in terms of baseline evolution is observed using Cl and Na concentration and, locally, SO4, indicating an increasing influence of water circulation involving overlying or basement formations, or of mixing with Permian waters. From the point of view of aquifer management, the perceptible NO3 increase could provide information on the progress of any contamination under the aerobic conditions. In addition, the few key elements, indicators of disequilibrium, related to overlying or deep waters, should be included in regular monitoring programmes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The study was carried out in the northern part of the Aquitaine Basin extending in Southwest France. The basin has been intensively exploited for various purposes for many years. Although the geological context is well known, there are still some gaps in the knowledge about the hydrogeochemical regime, groundwater average residence time and the palaeohydrological conditions prevailing during the recharge period which would help to secure sustainable exploitation of the resources. Environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, 3H, 13C) together with radiocarbon were used to evaluate hydrochemical evolution, residence time and palaeorecharge conditions for Jurassic, Cretaceous and Eocene aquifers. Radiocarbon activity in the aquifers varies widely between 0 and 94pmc. After radiocarbon corrections the ages indicate both modern and old waters sometimes exceeding the limit for 14C dating. The Fontes and Garnier model is best adapted to the specificity of the carbonate system. The content in stable isotopes of water is varying between −7.7‰ and −4.9‰ for δ18O and −52.3‰ to −29.6‰ for δ2H. The wide ranges of stable isotopic values imply variable climatic conditions. A group of isotopically depleted samples was detected, indicating colder climatic conditions during the recharge. Radiocarbon ages calculation, together with isotopic signature, point out that the depletion in stable isotopic values fits the period between 20 and 15ka B.P. and therefore indicate the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). According to the correction model, the transition from Pleistocene to Holocene would occur between 15 and 12ka B.P. Palaeohydrological data from the Northern Aquitaine Basin does not confirm a significant hiatus in the recharge history. The recharge conditions in South Europe seem to have occurred under discontinuous permafrost conditions as documented by many palaeoclimatological archives. This is in favour of an uninterrupted recharge of the confined aquifers of Northern Aquitaine Basin. Such information should be considered by modellers in their attempts to simulate the hydrogeological functioning of large confined aquifers on the very long time range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]