Evolution of groundwater in volcanic aquifer of Axum, Ethiopia: Isotopic and hydrochemical evidence

T. Alemayehu, M. Dietzel, A. Leis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Hydrochemical and isotopic data are used to examine the decisive processes controlling groundwater chemistry and to reveal sources of groundwater. Groundwater from Axum area shows distinctive chemical and isotopic variation suggesting spatial diversity of the aquifer and different geochemical evolution. Individual compositions appear to be controlled by the type of host rock and intensity of water-rock interaction. Weathering of silicates and to lesser extent of calcite containing veins as well as ion-exchange explains most of the observed spatial variability in groundwater composition. The δ2HVSMOW and δ18OVSMOW values of the groundwaters indicate a meteoric origin. The δ13CVPDB values of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) range from −12 to +1‰ revealing magmatic CO2 and soil CO2 as predominant sources for DIC.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWater-Rock Interaction
PublisherCRC Press
Pages47-50
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781439862995
ISBN (Print)9780415604260
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science(all)
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)

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