Use of Stable Isotopes in the Determination of Groundwater Flow Direction and Case Studies

Authors: ABDULLAH DİRİCAN, VEHBİ ÖZAYDIN

Abstract: Groundwater in the hydrological cycle, a valuable resource, is the main source of water for domestic consumption, agriculture and industry in many parts of the world. In this study, different from the classical hydrological methods, stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen elements in water $^{18}$O (oxygen-18) and $^2$H (deuterium) are used. Groundwater flow directions are determined more precisely in three different basins in Turkey (Edremit Plane, Konya Closed Basin and Ni¤de Misli Plane) which have been studied already by the classical methods. The present results confirmed the findings of the classical hydrological methods.

Keywords: Groundwater Flow Direction, Groundwater, Oxygen-18, Deuterium

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