Hydrogeochemical processes controlling water and dissolved gas chemistry at the Accesa sinkhole (southern Tuscany, central Italy)

oleh: Franco Tassi, Gabriele Bicocchi, Jacopo Cabassi, Francesco Capecchiacci, Orlando Vaselli, Enrico Capezzuoli, Andrea Brogi

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: PAGEPress Publications 2014-05-01

Deskripsi

<p>The 38.5 m deep Lake Accesa is a sinkhole located in southern Tuscany (Italy) that shows a peculiar water composition, being characterized by relatively high total dissolved solids (TDS) values (2 g L<sup>-1</sup>) and a Ca(Mg)-SO<sub>4 </sub>geochemical facies. The presence of significant amounts of extra-atmospheric gases (CO<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>4</sub>), which increase their concentrations with depth, is also recognized. These chemical features, mimicking those commonly shown by volcanic lakes fed by hydrothermal-magmatic reservoirs, are consistent with those of mineral springs emerging in the study area whose chemistry is produced by the interaction of meteoric-derived waters with Mesozoic carbonates and Triassic evaporites. Although the lake has a pronounced thermocline, water chemistry does not show significant changes along the vertical profile. Lake water balance calculations demonstrate that Lake Accesa has &gt;90% of its water supply from sublacustrine springs whose subterranean pathways are controlled by the local structural assessment that likely determined the sinking event, the resulting funnel-shape being then filled by the Accesa waters. Such a huge water inflow from the lake bottom (~9ยท10<sup>6</sup> m<sup>3</sup> yr<sup>-1</sup>) feeds the lake effluent (Bruna River) and promotes the formation of water currents, which are able to prevent the establishment of a vertical density gradient. Consequently, a continuous mixing along the whole vertical water column is established. Changes of the drainage system by the deep-originated waters in the nearby former mining district have strongly affected the outflow rates of the local mineral springs; thus, future intervention associated with the ongoing remediation activities should carefully be evaluated to preserve the peculiar chemical features of Lake Accesa.</p>