Hydrogeochemical Characteristics Refine the Conceptual Model of Groundwater Flow in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada

Groundwater and surface water hydrochemical characteristics in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), Canada, reveal distinct water types that refine the conceptual model of groundwater flow. Four primary water groups—Ca-SO4-type, Na-Cl-type, Ca-HCO3-type, and mixed waters—were identified, each linked to specific geological formations and processes such as halite dissolution, sulfate mineral dissolution, and carbonate dissolution. Spatial patterns in these water types correlate with hypothesized groundwater flow systems, with Ca-SO4 and Na-Cl-type waters associated with discharge areas of intermediate to regional flow paths, while Ca-HCO3-type waters dominate recharge zones. This study advances understanding of the hydrochemical dynamics in this remote and highly protected region, providing critical insights for comprehensive assessments of natural water conditions.

Déri-Takács, J., Rostron, B., Mendoza, C., & Mádl-Szőnyi, J. (2022). Hydrogeochemical Characteristics Refine the Conceptual Model of Groundwater Flow in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada. Water, 14(6), 965. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14060965