Applications of the transient tracers tritium/helium-3, and chlorofluorocarbons for tracing and age-dating yound ground water: Field examples from the USA and Germany

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Abstract

The transient tracers tritium/helium-3 (3H/3He) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113) are well suited for tracing and age-dating young ground water. Their detection in ground water indicates waters recharged within the past 30 (3H/3He, CFC-113) to 50 (CFC-11, CFC-12) years, or ground water mixtures that contain at least a portion of young water. The ground water age can be determined independently from measurements of 3H/3He, CFC-11, CFC-12, and CFC-113, and in each case refers to the time elapsed since the recharge water was isolated from the soil air. Ground water age can be used to define recharge rates and refine numerical models of ground water flow. Transient tracers are particularly useful in characterising ground water flow in hydrologic systems where, because of insufficient geologic and hydro-logic data, numerical simulation may be difficult. Transient tracers are also useful in defining movement of ground water contaminants in studies aimed, for example, at the design of strategies to safeguard drinking water supplies.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Applications of the transient tracers tritium/helium-3, and chlorofluorocarbons for tracing and age-dating yound ground water: Field examples from the USA and Germany
DOI 10.1007/978-94-011-0415-9_33
Year Published 1995
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 2 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Title Contaminated soil '95: Soils & environment
First page 195
Last page 196
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