Using hydrogeochemistry and geophysical techniques to determine the extent of connectivity between Langerban road and Elandsfontein aquifer system, West Coast, South Africa

Abstract

The heterogeneity in groundwater systems suggest that not all aquifers are connected in groundwater systems. This study is about the interaction between aquifers within groundwater system. Langebaan Road and Elandsfontein aquifers in the West Coast groundwater aquifer system were chosen as case studies. These units were chosen because the previous studies on groundwater excluded the aspect of connectivity between aquifers from methods perspective which is the focus on the current study. The second reason for the study area was the present of human activities and ecosystems which are proved to be groundwater dependents. Aquifer-aquifer interaction refers to hydraulic connection between two aquifers. The interaction is influenced by hydraulic pressure and lithology of geological strata, their integrity and spatial continuity. While factors for such connectivity are well known, appropriate techniques to establish the extent of connectivity remain poorly understood and hence the need to employ various techniques so that the extent of connectivity between the two aquifers is established. Understanding the connectivity between aquifers is important because such connectivity explains the pathways for the availability of groundwater in each aquifer unit and the associated groundwater quality in each unit that supports human activities and sustain ecological systems.