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Characterization of a Regional Aquifer System in the Maritimes Basin, Eastern Canada

Author

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  • Christine Rivard
  • Yves Michaud
  • René Lefebvre
  • Christine Deblonde
  • Alfonso Rivera

Abstract

A regional hydrogeological study was carried out in the Maritimes provinces, in one of the main aquifer systems in Canada. The study area covers a land surface of 10,500 km 2 , of which 9,400 km 2 is over Carboniferous and younger rocks. The sedimentary fractured bedrock is composed of a sequence of discontinuous strata of highly variable hydraulic properties, and is overlain by a thin layer of glacial till (mostly 4 to 8 m). Depending on areas, 46 to 100% of the population relies on groundwater for water supply. Almost all residential wells are shallow (28 m on average) open holes that are cased only through the surficial sediments. This paper describes a regional hydrogeological investigation based on targeted fieldwork, the integration of a wide variety of existing multisource datasets and groundwater flow numerical modelling. The aim of this paper is to present the current state of understanding of the aquifer system in a representative area of the Maritimes Basin, along with the methodology used to characterize and analyze its distinct behaviour at the regional, local and point scales. This regional hydrogeological system contains confined and unconfined zones, and its aquifer lenticular strata extend only a few kilometers. Preferential groundwater recharge occurs where sandy tills are present. The estimated mean annual recharge rate to the bedrock aquifers ranges between 130 and 165 mm/year. Several geological formations of this Basin provide good aquifers, with hydraulic conductivity in the range of 5 × 10 −6 to 10 −4 m/s. Based on numerical flow modelling, faults were interpreted to play a key role in the regional flow. Pumping test results revealed that the aquifers can locally be very heterogeneous and anisotropic, but behave similarly to porous media. Work performed at the local scale indicated that most water-producing fractures generally have a sub-horizontal dip along a north-east (45°) strike. Copyright Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2008

Suggested Citation

  • Christine Rivard & Yves Michaud & René Lefebvre & Christine Deblonde & Alfonso Rivera, 2008. "Characterization of a Regional Aquifer System in the Maritimes Basin, Eastern Canada," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 22(11), pages 1649-1675, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:22:y:2008:i:11:p:1649-1675
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-008-9247-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hatem El Rahman, 2001. "Evaluation of Groundwater Resources in Lower Cretaceous Aquifer System in Sinai," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 15(3), pages 187-202, June.
    2. M. Nastev & R. Lefebvre & A. Rivera & R. Martel, 2006. "Quantitative Assessment of Regional Rock Aquifers, South-Western Quebec, Canada," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 20(1), pages 1-18, February.
    3. N. Robins & H. Jones & J. Ellis, 1999. "An Aquifer Management Case Study – The Chalk of the English South Downs," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 13(3), pages 205-218, June.
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