Geochemical characteristics of salinization-zones in the Coastal Aquifer Test Field (CAT-Field) in North-Germany

Abstract

The geochemical characteristics of a near shore inland aquifer system have been investigated in the Coastal Aquifer Test Field (CAT-Field) between Bremer-haven and Cuxhaven in the Northern Part of Germany which is described by Kessels et al.(this issue). Groundwater and sediment samples from the aquifer were taken at different locations on the flank of a glacial channel at depths between 5 and 100 m. Analyses of groundwater samples were carried out to determine possible zones of salinization, their origin, and associated geochemical processes in the transition-zone between salt and fresh water. Samples of aquifer material were used for a simulation of these processes in column experiments. Their results were modeled, using the computer program PHREEQC [Parkhurst and Appelo, 1999], and compared with the geochemical field data.