Evidence of deep-water inflow in a tectonic window of the northern Apennines (Italy)

Water samples from the river network and from some shallow and brackish springs located in a tectonic window of the northern Apennines of Italy were studied in the frame of a comprehensive hydrogeological investigation in order to better understand the origin and the mixing processes between the two water types noticed also in previous studies (Ca–HCO3 and Na–Cl). A sampling campaign covering the drought period during year 2010 was planned to gather electric conductivity, temperature and redox potential data along the river network and on groundwater occurrences located inside the tectonic structure. Additionally, eight water samples were collected for hydrochemical (major anions and cations: Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3 −, Cl−, SO4 2− and trace ion Btot) and isotopic (δ18O, δ2H, 3H) analyses and compared with other eighteen samples from shallow and brackish springs collected near the study site during the period 2005–2012. Moreover, river discharge and water balance estimations were carried out. Results confirmed the presence of old Na–Cl water with salinity progressively increasing up to 5.5 g l−1 at the northern termination of the tectonic window. These values are in agreement with the ions contents of the most mineralized spring (Macognano spring: salinity of 7.6 g l−1), which has been considered as having the deepest and longest flow-path. Stable isotopes and trace ions contents are consistent with rainfall and snowmelt water mixed with brines associated with a hydrocarbon reservoir hosted at depth. Considering as end-member the more mineralized Na–Cl water, a cumulate inflow in the range of 12.9 ± 5.9 l s−1 has been estimated. This aliquot is released into the river network with different mixing proportions by the groundwater occurrences discharging from the autochthonous flysch unit.