Groundwater surface water interactions in a wetland rich, low relief Boreal environment

• Main Author: Tattrie, Kevin
• Other Authors: Gibson, John J.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: wetlands; groundwater; surface water; hydrology; isotopes; Boreal; Fort McMurray
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1828/3439

This study investigates surface water and groundwater interactions in a wetland/peatland region surrounding Fort McMurray, Alberta. This work measured local meteorology, water table variation, and isotope and geochemistry concentrations over a two year period. Results from vertical water budget calculations showed episodic runoff events ranging between 0 and 38 mm/yr. Groundwater evaluations showed limited groundwater gradients with mean hydraulic conductivities of 1.01*10-5 cms-1 (NE7) and 1.78 * 10-5 cms-1 (SM8). Overall, groundwater flux estimates were variable and heterogeneous across the catchments areas. Isotopic composition showed mixing between winter precipitation, groundwater and surface water, with groundwater representing the average input signature. This study showed that runoff events were largely associated with spring freshet and significant summer storm events. Graduate