The application of radium isotopes in the evaluation of saline water circulation in the Dead Sea aquifer

Y. Kiro, A. Starinsky, Y. Yechieli, C. I. Voss, Y. Weinstein

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Radium isotopes in the Dead Sea Lake and the surrounding aquifer were studied in order to define the processes controlling their activities in the lake and in the groundwater. 226Ra activities in the groundwater show a significant removal of 226Ra from the lake water as they enter the aquifer. Short-lived radium isotopes show a nonlinear relation with salinity which is caused by the effect of salinity on the adsorption of radium. Simulations of radium distribution in the aquifer, using the code of SUTRA-MS, were done in order to estimate the adsorption distribution coefficient of radium in the aquifer. 228Ra activities in the Dead Sea water are much higher than the expected activities according to the radium sources to the Dead Sea. These observations together with the removal of 226Ra in the Dead Sea groundwater may indicate a large-scale saline water circulation in the aquifer.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWater-Rock Interaction - Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-13
Pages75-77
Number of pages3
StatePublished - 2010
Event13th International Conference on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-13 - Guanajuato, Mexico
Duration: 16 Aug 201020 Aug 2010

Publication series

NameWater-Rock Interaction - Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-13

Conference

Conference13th International Conference on Water-Rock Interaction, WRI-13
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityGuanajuato
Period16/08/1020/08/10

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