Assessing the impact of large-scale dewatering on fault-controlled aquifer systems: a case study in the Acque Albule basin (Tivoli, central Italy)

Assessing the impact of large-scale dewatering on fault-controlled aquifer systems: a case study in the Acque Albule basin (Tivoli, central Italy)

The development of large-scale bedrock quarry operations often requires high-volume and long-term groundwater extraction to maintain a sustainable working environment. These dewatering activities often influence groundwater levels and flow patterns regionally. In the present study, the influence of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrogeology journal Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 401 - 423
Main Authors: Brunetti, Elio, Jones, Jon P., Petitta, Marco, Rudolph, David L.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01-03-2013
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects:
Aquatic Pollution
Aquifer systems
Aquifers
Basins
Dewatering
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Flow distribution
Flow pattern
Flow system
Geology
Geophysics/Geodesy
Groundwater
Groundwater flow
Groundwater levels
Groundwater mining
Hot springs
Hydrogeology
Hydrology
Hydrology/Water Resources
Land
Land subsidence
Mathematical models
Mining industry
Numerical models
Plate tectonics
Quarries
Regional analysis
Regional development
Subsidence
Travertine
Waste Water Technology
Water Management
Water Pollution Control
Water Quality/Water Pollution
Working conditions
Italy
Italy, Roma
MED, Italy
Quarries
Numerical modeling
Groundwater management
Italy
Dewatering
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Summary:The development of large-scale bedrock quarry operations often requires high-volume and long-term groundwater extraction to maintain a sustainable working environment. These dewatering activities often influence groundwater levels and flow patterns regionally. In the present study, the influence of the dewatering of the travertine quarry operations near the city of Tivoli, Italy, are quantitatively investigated through an integrated analysis of field data and numerical modeling. Lowering of regional groundwater levels in the vicinity of the quarry has led to destructive land subsidence and alterations to the flow system sustaining a hot-spring area. The study employs a finite element numerical model (FEFLOW) to evaluate and quantify the impact of the extensive dewatering on fault-controlled regional groundwater flow in the Acque Albule basin. By incorporating the physical field data and historical hydrologic information, the numerical model was calibrated against three groundwater scenarios, reproducing the effects of different exploitation activities, coupled with natural changes over the course of the quarry operation. The results indicate that groundwater withdrawals by the mining industry and by “Terme di Roma” spa resulted in the cessation of flow from the primary thermal spring and a drop in the phreatic level in the area consequently affected by land subsidence.
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ISSN:1431-2174
1435-0157
DOI:10.1007/s10040-012-0918-3