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GEOREF RECORD

Hydrogeological studies on the Rock of Gibraltar

E. P. Wright, E. P. F. Rose and M. Perez
Hydrogeological studies on the Rock of Gibraltar
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology (August 1994) 27, Suppl.: S15-S30

Abstract

The hydrogeology of an aquifer within the dolomite/limestone formation that dominates the Gibraltar peninsula has been studied with a view to the possible development of contained groundwater resources taht occur as a thin lens of fresh water overlying sea water. Recharge rates (calculated by soil moisture and chloride balance) could be of the order of 400 000 m (super 3) per year. This is significant in relation to the current demand for potable water of some 1 000 000 m (super 3) per year, 900f which is provided by desalination. Exploration drilling focused on fracture zones, but tested vertical boreholes generally demonstrated a rapid decline in water quality, even where drawdowns were very small. Exploration also revealed oil pollution of the groundwater within the Rock, most significantly near the Naval Dockyards to the soutwest and less so beneath the North Face. The greatest potential for sustained discharge was found to occur in shallowly inclined boreholes. Discharge quality was clearly sensitive to a range of factors including immediate rainfall events, tidal fluctuations, vertical permeability of the aquifer, borehole design and anthropogenic effects. Further studies are needed to determine the significance of these controls and to assess whether development of the likely resources is practicable.


ISSN: 1470-9236
Serial Title: Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
Serial Volume: 27, Suppl.
Title: Hydrogeological studies on the Rock of Gibraltar
Affiliation: The Baldons, Oxon, United Kingdom
Pages: S15-S30
Published: 199408
Text Language: English
Publisher: Geological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
References: 15
Accession Number: 2009-026556
Categories: HydrogeologyEnvironmental geology
Document Type: Serial
Bibliographic Level: Analytic
Illustration Description: illus. incl. sects., 8 tables, geol. sketch maps
N36°08'60" - N36°08'60", W05°20'60" - W05°20'60"
Secondary Affiliation: University of London, GBR, United KingdomLyonnaise des Eaux (Gibraltar), GIB, Gibraltar
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Secondary Affiliation: GeoRef, Copyright 2017, American Geosciences Institute.
Update Code: 200915
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