Work

Estimating Flow and Recharge Rates of Groundwater in Western Taiwan Using Radiocarbon and Tritium

Year: 1995

Type: article

Abstract: The Choushuichi alluvial-fan delta is the largest groundwater system in Taiwan. The coastal area of this fan delta has recently suffered severe land subsidence and sea-water intrusion due to overpumping of groundwater. To study the hydrogeological character of proper water-resource management, an intensive program of geological and water monitoring through well drilling and sampling has been undertaken. At present, radiocarbon dating and/or tritium analysis for samples from >70 boreholes has been completed. The clearly defined position of “bomb-tritium front” allows the groundwater flow and recharge rates of the confined aquifer to be calculated with confidence at <10 m yr−1 and 9.0 × 108 m3 yr−1, respectively. The flow velocities of the confined aquifer have also accelerated remarkably due to much pumping during the last decades.

Source: Radiocarbon

DOI: 10.1017/s0033822200031027

Author: Tsung-Kwei Liu

Institution: National Taiwan University

Language: English

Topic: Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry

Subfield: Geochemistry and Petrology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Science Council, Central Geological Survey, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs