Hydrogeological, chemical and water isotopes survey to characterize the groundwater flow system of Moresco springs (Apuan Alps – NW Tuscany)

Stefano Natali (1), Linda Franceschi (1), Marco Doveri (2) & Roberto Giannecchini (1)
(1) Earth Science Department, University of Pisa, Via Santa Maria, 53, 56126, Pisa, Italy. (2) Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council (CNR), Via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy. Corresponding author e-mail: natali.stefano@hotmail.com

This study focuses on three springs located within the Baccatoio Stream basin (Southern Apuan Alps) that are fed by a carbonate aquifer system. This area is characterized by intense mineralization, mostly formed of barite-pyrite-iron oxides, which was mined until the early 90s. The springs were investigated with a multidisciplinary approach based on hydrogeological, chemical and stable isotope techniques. Groundwater hydrochemistry, aquifer hydrodynamic conditions and springs-stream relations were preliminarily studied. The achieved results suggest the existence of two different groundwater flow systems: the first one shallower feeding two of the three springs (VSMOA and VSMOS), and the second one deeper feeding the third one (VSMOG). In addition, the results seem to point out the presence of a connection between the Baccatoio Stream and the springs VSMOA and VSMOS.

springs, groundwater, monitoring, carbonate aquifer, Baccatoio Stream basin, hydrochemistry, water stable isotope.