A new study shows earthquakes can shake up permeability and change groundwater behavior. Groundwater systems generally are made up of layers of permeable rock called aquifers separated by low-permeability layers called aquitards. When an earthquake shakes things up, the structure of these layers can change and cause an increase in stream flow as water is released from the aquifer.
A new study of the effect of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan on groundwater systems in China investigates how earthquakes can change aquifer properties. Monitoring wells provided data that enabled researchers to quantify changes in the properties of the aquifer layers as well as the aquitard. This has implications for water quality, if after the earthquake, increased permeability causes contaminants to be released.
A commentary on the study notes that more research is needed and that available monitoring wells worldwide have the potential to provide insight into these types of changes. We often think of permeability as a static or slowly changing property – but this research shows that seismic events can cause big, far-reaching changes. -Beth Sciaudone, DTC Civil Water Resources & Environmental Instructor
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