Chemical composition of groundwater and surface water in the Arctic environment (Petuniabukta region, central Spitsbergen)

SummaryThe groundwater chemistry that occurs in the active layer, and the chemistry of the surface water that recharges the active layer in the Ebba Valley area (Central Spitsbergen), were examined in order to explain the geochemical processes that influence water chemistry. The most important factor that controls both surface water and groundwater chemistry is the dissolution of freshly weathered, easily soluble rocks (mainly gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and limestone). Biological contamination of the water manifested by very high concentrations of nutrients was also documented. This was caused by deep refreezing of the active layer and the activation of the flushing of birth faeces, which was accumulated in the ground environment during recent years. The investigation performed in two totally different hydrological years (the ablation seasons of 2007 and 2008) shows distinct water chemistry differentiation caused by different hydrological conditions. All these findings were then used to formulate a conceptual model of water circulation within the catchment.