A Contribution to the Interpretation of 14C Groundwater Ages Considering the Example of a Partially Confined Sandstone Aquifer

Abstract

Previously described models and a new model were compared to determine the initial 14C content of groundwater in a partially-confined and unconfined sandstone aquifer (Fränkisches Albvorland, Germany). Isotope and chemical data were derived from samples of water, soil-CO2, and solid carbonates. The various 14C models lead to important differences in resulting groundwater ages.From the relationship between 14C and 2H or 18O concentrations of groundwater, it must be assumed that chemical and/or physical carbon isotope exchange between the DIC and the solid carbonate has occurred provided the groundwater with lower 18O and 2H concentrations was generated during the Pleistocene. Groundwater ages deduced from 14C and 39Ar concentrations showed discrepancies which can be explained if carbon isotope exchange between DIC and solid carbonate as well as mixing of recent and fossil waters is considered.