Abstract
Stable isotopes of H2O are used to define the hyporheic-hypolentic boundary in Ledbetter Creek as it discharges to Kentucky Lake, a constructed reservoir in western Kentucky, USA. High-resolution (centimeter-scale) sample collection and analysis were utilized to determine one-dimensional variations in δ2H and δ18O of H2O and chloride (Cl-) across the boundary. During reservoir low stand in winter, the hyporheic-hypolentic zone contains water from Ledbetter Creek and groundwater separated by an interface at ∼10 cm below the channel bottom. Following reservoir-stage increase in spring and summer, water from Kentucky Lake infiltrates into the hyporheic-hypolentic zone to a depth of at least 18 cm below the channel bottom. Reservoir-stage decline in autumn causes source-water mixing, largely obscuring the hyporheic-hypolentic boundary. Stable isotopes provide an effective complement to conventional tracers for delineation of water masses within the hyporheic-hypolentic zone.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1688-1695 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Hydrogeology Journal |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2006 |
Keywords
- Groundwater/surface-water relations
- Hypolentic
- Hyporheic
- Reservoir
- Stable isotopes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Water Science and Technology
- Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)