|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- geothermal and mineral resources
- basin evolution and petroleum potential
- groundwater resources, quality and processes
- fisheries and seafood
Secure supplies of quality groundwater are fundamental to the wellbeing of New Zealand. Many cities such as Christchurch, Lower Hutt, Napier, Hastings and Wanganui are wholly dependent on wells for their water supply. The GNS Science Groundwater team provides research and consulting services for a wide range of clients so that they can better manage groundwater resources to meet the needs of future generations. The team includes hydrogeologists, chemists, isotope scientists, modellers, geophysicists and field staff.
Many cities, towns and communities in New Zealand rely on an available supply of quality groundwater. GNS Science provides research and consulting services to assist in the management of this vital resource.
Measuring the Effects of Stormwater Runoff
Dealing with urban stormwater is an increasingly important issue. In Auckland, GNS Science is leading an investigation into the impact of stormwater and road runoff on aquifers in the central city region. Some of the stormwater flows into soakage pits that infiltrate directly into the aquifer.
By measuring the concentrations of heavy metals, organic substances, and nutrients entering the groundwater as runoff - both before and after rainfall - the study is able to illustrate the effect of stormwater on the aquifer. This understanding contributes to the sustainable management of aquifers in the Auckland region.
GNS Science scientists use chemical and isotopic techniques to determine the age of the groundwater and sources of contamination. So far only low levels of heavy metals and organic substances have been found in the groundwater, but higher concentrations of these substances occur in soakage pit sediment. The study is now focusing on finding out how effective the soakage pit sediments are at preventing contamination of the aquifer. Further research will give a more complete picture of contamination sources and flow dynamics.
[overview]
[earth & oceans resources]
[geological hazards]
[environment & land use]
[isotoope technologies]
[schools]
[coal]
[ironsands]
[JAGO]
[industrial minerals]
[aggregates]
[GNS]
[volcanoes]
[base & precious metals]
[rehabilitation]
[site map]
[overview]
[about NZMIA]
[minerals industry in New Zealand]
[resources for schools]
[research & development]
[mineral moments]
[what's new?]
[downloads]
[links to other sites]