Application of Stable Water Isotopes to Improve Conceptual Model of Alluvial Aquifer in the Varazdin Area

To understand groundwater flow and geochemical processes within an aquifer, it is necessary to set up a conceptual model of the aquifer. To accomplish this, different methods are used, and one of them is an isotopic technique. The study area is located in the Varazdin area (NW Croatia). The aquifer represents the main source of potable water for the town of Varazdin and the surrounding settlements. The conceptual model of the alluvial aquifer has to be set up prior to creating a groundwater flow and transport model. Measurements of ratios delta O-18 and delta H-2 in ground- and surface waters and precipitation samples were carried out. The relationship between ratios delta O-18, delta H-2, and d-excess for local precipitation in the study area showed that precipitation originates from the Atlantic air masses, although during the colder periods of the year, influence of the Mediterranean air masses was not negligible. The monitored period was warmer and wetter than average. Evaporation was observed at all monitored surface waters, but the largest rate was at the location of a gravel pit in Sijanec. The isotopic composition of the precipitation and groundwater showed a good correlation due to the isotopic homogenization of groundwater along the flow path.