• Admin
    UC Research Repository
    View Item 
       
    • UC Home
    • Library
    • UC Research Repository
    • College of Science
    • Science: Theses and Dissertations
    • View Item
       
    • UC Home
    • Library
    • UC Research Repository
    • College of Science
    • Science: Theses and Dissertations
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Browse

    All of the RepositoryCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Hydrogeology of the Waipara alluvial basin

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    loris_thesis_vol1.pdf (45.19Mb)
    loris_thesis_vol2.pdf (11.87Mb)
    Figure 1.3b Geological Map of the Omihi -Spye Area.pdf (573.3Kb)
    Figure 1.5 Geomorphic Surfaces of the Waipara Alluvial Basin.pdf (421.4Kb)
    Figure 4.1 Location of Selected Wells in the Waipara Alluvial Basin.pdf (401.2Kb)
    Figure 4.28 Schematic Diagram of the Hydrogeology of the Waipara Alluvial Basin.pdf (462.3Kb)
    Author
    Loris, Phoebe
    Date
    2000
    Permanent Link
    http://hdl.handle.net/10092/7655
    Degree Grantor
    University of Canterbury
    Degree Level
    Masters
    Degree Name
    Master of Science

    The Waipara alluvial basin, located 50 kilometres north of Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand is experiencing rapid transformation in land use from pastoral farming to horticulture. In the last five years the use of the groundwater resources has increased significantly. Knowledge is lacking about the availability and sustainability of the groundwater resources. Groundwater resources can be found throughout the basin in the Quaternary Canterbury and Teviotdale Gravels, and the late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene Kowai Formation. The hydrogeological system can be described as a complex network of discrete, lithologically and hydraulically heterogeneous and aniosotropic semipermeable to permeable channels. The physical and hydraulic nature of the aquifers (or water-bearing units) makes identification and characterisation of the resources difficult. However, the resources can be distinguished in terms of the observed hydrogeologic properties (i.e. lithology, yield, transmissivity, and chemistry). Chemical and isotope sampling indicate that recharge to the basin aquifers is occurring through the uplifted and fractured Tertiary sequences formed along the eastern and western margins of the basin, and through infiltration of local rainfall in the unconfined and semi-confined portions of the aquifer. Groundwater residence times are long (20- 40+ years). Long residence times, slow recharge, and low hydraulic conductivity suggests that if the groundwater resources are not properly monitored and managed, there is great potential for 'mining' the resource(s), or in other words for depleting the resource faster than it can be recharged. Long term monitoring and management strategies have been recommended for future work to help gain more knowledge and understanding of the Waipara hydrogeological system, and ensure sustain ability for future development.

    Collections
    • Science: Theses and Dissertations [3298]
    Rights
    http://library.canterbury.ac.nz/thesis/etheses_copyright.shtml

    UC Research Repository
    University Library
    University of Canterbury
    Private Bag 4800
    Christchurch 8140

    Phone
    364 2987 ext 8718

    Email
    ucresearchrepository@canterbury.ac.nz

    Follow us
    FacebookTwitterYoutube

    © University of Canterbury Library
    Send Feedback | Contact Us