Intrapermafrost Water Resource Assessment in Central Yakutia According to Observations of Spring Run-off (Case Study of Eruu Spring)

Abstract

Results of long-term observations of icing formation at year-round groundwater spring in Central Yakutia are analyzed. The spring has a high potential for the utility and drinking water supply. Permafrost and hydrogeological field studies were conducted at the areas of recharge, transit and discharge of the intrapermafrost groundwater. Field studies included monitoring of the winter and low flow spring discharges, exploration drilling, measurements of the ground temperature in boreholes, sampling of surface and underground water for hydrochemical analysis. The value of natural water resources of the intrapermafrost aquifer was assessed on the basis of analysis of conducted measurements of icing volume and spring discharge. Materials that confirm stability of the groundwater chemical composition of the studied intrapermafrost aquifer were obtained on the basis of the hydrochemical sampling results. Conclusion about stability of the natural water resources of the intrapermafrost aquifer for the long-term period (1965–2014) was drawn on the basis of analysis of precipitation amount, icing volume and spring discharge.