Rainwater contains acid that alters the groundwater. As it infiltrates the subsoil, the acid transforms into ions. These ions have specific physical and chemical properties that provide information about the groundwater table in relation to its geological zone. If you are searching for groundwater, it is important to know its composition. Its nature changes as it encounters different rocks, consequently altering its properties.
Groundwater Exploration: Water Composition
Major ions found in groundwater include:
- Calcium is one of the most important basic ions in groundwater.There are several sources of calcium ions, such as non-silicate metals, silicates,fluorine, anhydrite, gypsum, dolomite, aragonite, and finally calcite. Thesolubility of metals discovered in water, such as alpate, inorbit, pyroxene, and amphibole, also contributes.
- Next, magnesium is the second most important positive basic ionpresent in groundwater.
A chemical transformation and biological purification will occur at great depths relative to the Earth’s surface. Filtration of water through the different layers of earth will result in purified water and certainly a flocculation of colloids. Indeed, water will circulate at significant depths, hundreds of meters down. When the water begins to interact with rocks in the subsoil, changes in water composition will occur.
Water that comes into contact with sulfuric acid from the oxidation of pyrites will become enriched in sodium sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous bicarbonate. Therefore, we can say that groundwater will contain a lot of iron.
Certain rocks, such as zeolites, possess ion-exchange properties. Water that is rich in calcium salts will change after interacting with certain rocks like zeolites. It will then be composed of sodium. Indeed, calcium ions will become sodium ions.
Gerdetect assists you in your groundwater search
If geology fascinates you and you want to learn more about this topic, discover our groundwater detectors. You can learn more about the changes in water composition. Depending on the water’s path through the subsoil, its nature changes completely. It is therefore possible to find water sources of different compositions in the same location. Take action and discover groundwater tables with our detectors. Compare our different Gerdetect models on our site.
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