Evidence for rapid groundwater flow and karst-type behaviour in the Chalk of southern England

MacDonald, A.M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6636-1499; Brewerton, L.J.; Allen, D.J.. 1998 Evidence for rapid groundwater flow and karst-type behaviour in the Chalk of southern England. In: Robins, N.S., (ed.) Groundwater pollution, aquifer recharge and vulnerability. Geological Society of London, 95-106. (Geological Society Special Publications, 130).

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Abstract/Summary

With the growing importance of groundwater protection, there is increasing concern about the possibility of rapid groundwater flow in the Chalk of southern England and therefore in the frequency and distribution of ‘karstic’ features. Pumping test data, although useful in quantifying groundwater resources and regional flow, give little information on groundwater flow at a local scale. Evidence for rapid groundwater flow is gathered from other, less quantifiable methods. Nine different strands of evidence are drawn together: tracer tests; observations from Chalk caves; Chalk boreholes that pump sand; descriptions of adits; the nature of water-level fluctuations; the Chichester flood; the nature of the surface drainage; geomorphological features; and the presence of indicator bacteria in Chalk boreholes. Although the evidence does not prove the widespread existence of karstic features, it does suggest that rapid groundwater flow should be considered seriously throughout the Chalk. Rapid groundwater flow is generally more frequent close to Palaeogene cover and may also be associated with other forms of cover and valley bottoms.

Item Type:	Publication - Book Section
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1998.130.01.09
Programmes:	BGS Programmes > Groundwater Management
Additional Keywords:	GroundwaterBGS, Groundwater, Aquifer characterisation, Major aquifers, Groundwater protection
Related URLs:	http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwate...
Date made live:	11 Jan 2012 15:25 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/16335

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