Recharge mechanism using electromagnetic ground conductivity survey and tritium concentration analyses of groundwater in salt affected area, Northeast Thailand

Hydrogeological survey and geochemical analysis were carried out in Phra Yun area, Northeast Thailand, which is a typical salt-affected area for an understanding of hydrogeological groundwater behaviours. Geological survey reveals the presence of G1 and F1 faults. Electromagnetic ground conductivity prospecting shows that the high conductivity zones of 15 mS/cm or more are distributed at underground of the G1 and F1 faults where saline groundwater is discharged. The distribution patterns of tritium concentration show that high tritium concentration zones of groundwater were recharged from pond and river. On the assumption that the annual average tritium concentration of precipitation in Northeast Thailand is same as tritium concentration of precipitation in Tokyo and groundwater flows as piston flow, the age of recharging precipitation of groundwater with 15 TU in 1997 could be estimated at 1967-1970 years. The velocity of groundwater flow was calculated to be $5.3{\times}10^{-7}\;m/s\;and\;2.1{\times}x10^{-6}\;m/s$ respectively from a duration time of 30 years and distance of groundwater flow 500m -2000m from the pond and river to the investigation wells. Because the estimated values of velocity of groundwater flow are compatible with the hydraulic conductivities, it is considered that 30 years is a reasonable period for recharging groundwater.