Calibration and Reliability in Groundwater Modelling: Credibility of Modelling

(Proceedings of ModelCARE 2007 Conference, held in Denmark, September 2007). IAHS Publ. 320, 2008, 131-136.

 

Using stable isotope data to characterise flow systems in the Pannonian Basin, Hungary

 

T. SZOCS, GY. TOTH & I. HORVATH

Geological Institute of Hungary, Stefania ut 14, H-1143 Budapest, Hungary

szocst@mafi.hu

 

Abstract To characterise the flow systems, a finite-difference flow and transport model (Visual MODFLOW) was used. The flow systems, the path lines with their travel times, and the water budget were modelled. For the 25 000 years-long transport simulation, a natural tracer, δ18O, was used. The transposition of δ18O data of the GISP2 ice core made it possible to reconstruct the palaeorecharge conditions and to calibrate the transport model. The groundwater of the main drinking water aquifer was recharged mainly during the Pleistocene. Since the majority of groundwater bodies in Hungary have similar geological-hydrogeological characteristics as the studied one, this model helps to solve the tasks (river basin management) related to the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.

 

Key words  stable isotope; flow system; aquifer; Pannonian Basin; ice core