Fresh-water/salt-water distribution in the aquifer system above the Gorleben salt dome: results of the Gorleben site investigation programme
Klinge, H.; Boehme, J.; Ludwig, R. (1999). Fresh-water/salt-water distribution in the aquifer system above the Gorleben salt dome: results of the Gorleben site investigation programme. Natuurwet. Tijdschr. 79(1-4): 172-177 In: Natuurwetenschappelijk Tijdschrift. L. Walschot/Natuur- en Geneeskundige Vennootschap: Gent. ISSN 0770-1748, more Also appears in:De Breuck, W.; Walschot, L. (Ed.) (1999). Proceedings of the 15th Salt-Water Intrusion Meeting Ghent (Belgium), 25-29 May 1998. Natuurwetenschappelijk Tijdschrift, 79(1-4). Natuurwetenschappelijk Tijdschrift: Gent. 307 pp., more |  |
| Keywords | Geological structures > Folds > Structural domes > Salt domes
Water > Fresh water
Water > Ground water
Water > Saline water
Germany, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern [Marine Regions]
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| Authors | | Top | - Klinge, H.
- Boehme, J.
- Ludwig, R.
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| Abstract | The Gorleben salt dome in northern Germany has been investigated for its suitability as a repository for radioactive wastes since 1979. The cover deposits above and around the salt dome consist of unconsolidated Quaternary and Tertiary sediments up to 250 m thick. A subglacial erosion channel, the Gorleben Channel, crosses the salt dome. In this channel permeable Quaternary sediments are separated by an up to 1OO-m-thick aquitard, the Lauenburg Clay, into a confined lower aquifer, and an unconfined upper aquifer system. The lower aquifer directly overlies the cap rock or is in contact with the salt itself. Brines are found in these areas. The area of the Gorleben Channel is, therefore, of particular interest for the long-term safety of the planned repository. On the basis of the present distribution of the salt concentrations in this particular region, the following conclusions can be drawn with respect to salt-water transport out of the Gorleben Channel. In the lower aquifer of the Gorleben Channel, highly salinized groundwater flows north in the direction of the regional groundwater flow. Due to its higher density, this salt water remains at the base of the aquifer system. The amount of salt water transported into the shallow fresh-water aquifer is negligible. Additionally -due to locally high vertical permeabilities and local flow conditions of the Lauenburg Clay -salt water vertically flows from the Gorleben Channel into the upper aquifer system as far as the surface. |
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