Hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of marble aquifer with point recharge from two deep sinkholes, Menderes Massive, western Turkey

Abstract

Menderes Massive is a NE–SW-trending metamorphic terrain in western Anatolia. The massive is composed of regionally metamorphosed rocks of mica-schist and marble. The Bozdag Mountain is the main horst system in Kucuk Menderes river basin. It is composed of several N-S oriented small horsts and grabens and contains important karst features, such as poljes and sinkholes. Ayvacik and Subatan Poljes are typical closed depressions draining into Ayvacik and Subatan sinkholes (ponors). Both are developed along the N-S directed fault system. The main objective of this study is to determine the karstification and hydrogeochemical features of water circulating in marble terrain and controlled by deep sinkholes in the Bozdag Mountain. Detailed speleological studies demonstrated that the degree of karstification of marble rock depends on the regional tectonic structure, the mineralogy of marble and the water recharge rate into the sinkholes. Tritium isotope and tracer tests indicate very fast flow and connection between Subatan surface water and a spring in lower elevations with high Ca and Mg ion concentration at the south of the study area.