Characteristics and genesis of karst water flow system around Huangling anticline

Abstract

The study of the karst water flow system is helpful for the reasonable evaluation and utilization of groundwater resources.In this paper, the spatial characteristics, hydrological dynamic response, temperature field, and conductivity characteristics of the typical karst water flow system were calculated and quantified by referring to the methods of hydrology research.Four groundwater systems, i.e., fan-shaped, branch-shaped, flat-shaped, and comb-shaped, were divided to comprehensively reflect the surface-underground karst characteristics of the karst flow system.The main pipelines of the first two are perpendicular to the stratigraphic trend, and the structural fractures play a role in catching water.The main pipelines of the latter two are parallel to the stratigraphic trend, and the horizontal fractures play a role in collecting water.The northwest, west, and south wings of the Huangling anticline are branch-shaped and flat-shaped, while the east and north wings are fan-shaped and flat-shaped water systems.The formation and regional differences of different groundwater systems are closely related to the spatial relationship and hierarchy of aquifer systems and water systems which show different dynamic characteristics.The fan-shaped and flat-shaped karst flow system are the most sensitive to rainfall response, while the comb-shaped karst flow system has the slowest response and attenuation process.Based on the obvious correlation between karst groundwater temperature and exposed elevation and circulation depth, the groundwater temperature line in the mountainous area of western Hubei province is established.This study could provide certain theoretical support for karst groundwater flow system research and local engineering practice.

Keywords

• huangling anticline
• karst water flow system
• underground river structure
• groundwater temperature line