Geosciences Dept. Seminar: Use of radiocarbon to delineate characteristic of the Yarkon-Taninim aquifer (Judea Group Israel): rate of flow, upper and lower aquifers in the springs

Abstract:

Radiocarbon analysis conclusively demonstrates that the very important Yarkon-Tanininm aquifer, named after the two springs where the drainage presumably occurs, is in actuality two independent aquifers whose groundwater flows at distinctly different velocities; though, both have recharge in the Judea Hills. The discharge springs, in both cases, exhibit higher radiocarbon activities than the exploitation wells (all drilled into the Upper aquifer) that surround them. Both springs are situated at faults that allow water from the Lower aquifer to rise, due to their higher pieziometric pressure. The flow velocity in the Lower aquifer is relatively rapid along a path that includes a karstic system. The Upper aquifer flows more slowly, primarily through a system of cracks in the carbonate aquifer.  The groundwater in the Upper aquifer of Beersheba extension flows northwards at approximately 3.0±1.6 meters per year. This is similar to a calculated flow velocity by the Darcy Law, for the entire south to north length of the aquifer that is in the range of 4 to 8.5 m/year rate. The Lower aquifer flows at approximately two orders of magnitude faster. 

Seminar Organizer: Prof. Eyal Haifetz