Abstract The isotopic compositions of oxygen ( δ 18 O) and hydrogen ( δ 2 H) are widely used to locate the geographical origin of biological remains or manufactured products. In this paper, we analyse the distributions of δ 18 O and δ 2 H in tap waters sampled across France, and in precipitation interpolated with the Online Isotopes in Precipitation Calculator and modelled with the isotope-enabled ECHAM6-wiso model. Our aim is to provide isoscapes usable in archaeology and forensics and evaluate whether the modelled data could be surrogates for measured ones. The δ 18 O and δ 2 H in the 396 tap waters sampled varied spatially within a range of 10‰ and 77‰, respectively. Their consistent distributions followed rules summarized by the effects of altitude and distance from the coast. Their variations along the year were small. Therefore, the database provides a solid reference for δ 18 O and δ 2 H of the water supply system at the regional scale. The areas with the most uncommon oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions (Atlantic coast south of Brittany and the highest elevations in the Alps) are the most accurately traceable areas in provenancing studies. The isotopic compositions of modelled precipitation have the same spatial distributions but different absolute values from those of tap waters. Therefore, our results favour the use of statistical isoscapes rather than general circulation model-based isoscapes in provenancing studies.

Abstract A groundwater geochemistry study was carried out on 24 samples collected from different springs and wells situated in a plateau area at an elevation of 200–300 m in the Mehedinţi County, southwestern Romania. The study was motivated by the fact that springs have represented the only source of potable water in the region, only recently completed by tens of metres-deep well drillings. Spring distributions and geological data reveal the presence of a multilayered system situated in the Lower Quaternary deposits. The mean δ 18 O and δ D values of groundwater, −9.8 and −67.8‰, respectively, reflect the yearly weighted mean of the isotopic composition of precipitation, demonstrating locally derived recharge. The Piper ternary diagrams indicate that the dominant hydrochemical type is HCO 3 − –Ca 2+ –Mg 2+ with transition towards higher SO 4 2− and Mg 2+ contents to the deeper aquifer. The anions vary from HCO 3 − with transition to no dominant type and with Cl − contents higher for the shallower aquifer. The sequence of abundance of cations is generally Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > K + > Na + and for anions: HCO 3 − > SO 4 2− > Cl − > NO 3 − > F − . Radiocarbon dating of dissolved inorganic carbon indicates a subrecent recharge of the aquifers. The vertical and lateral variations in groundwater chemistry may vary, and are influenced by lateral lithologic variation of the Quaternary clastic deposits. This is an unpredictable quality factor when taking the decision for the drinking water drill locations.

Abstract Changes in society coupled with more ambitious environmental goals increase the need to make the benefits of geological knowledge visible. The Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) is therefore evolving from its historical role as a ‘knowledge bank’ to become part of the integrated flow of public information. Three examples of the ongoing digital transformation, and how this will enable the SGU to contribute digital geological data for sustainable development, are: more automated data collection to monitor drinking water to be able to foresee water shortages; several new non-traditional marine projects, producing new information and recommendations for innovative measures to support Blue Growth, management and planning; an online virtual archive containing new data adding to our understanding of bedrock and mineral deposits, in turn leading to more efficient use of Sweden's mineral resources.