Forming of water chemistry in active layer, Steinvik River catchment, SW Spitsbergen

The objective of this work is to demonstrate the results of hydrogeochmical studies carried out in the Steinvik River catchment for the first time, in order to provide detailed information regarding the chemical composition of groundwater in the Hornsund region, SW Spitsbergen. The water chemistry in the non-glaciated Steinvik River catchment is largely controlled by hydrological processes related to thaw of the near surface permafrost. Groundwater runoff is generated from the fast flow through well-permeable active layer. Recharge from melting snow, permafrost and rain, together with short residence time of groundwater, favors the forming of low-mineralized water, reaching 41 and 50 & mu;S/cm for surface and groundwater, respectively, with the dominance of HCO3-, Cl-, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Na+ ions. In some water samples, increased concentrations of aluminum (up to 268 & mu;g/L ) were found. The highest concentrations of phosphate, nitrite and ammonium in water seem to be related to the presence of bird colonies. Groundwater of active layer in the studied catchment belongs to young meteoric water with the age limited to one summer season.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study is to present the results of hydrogeochemical research conducted in the Hornsund region, SW Spitsbergen, specifically in the Steinvik River catchment area, which provides detailed information on the chemical composition of groundwater. The water chemistry in the non-glaciated Steinvik River catchment is mainly influenced by hydrological processes associated with the thawing of the near surface permafrost. Groundwater runoff is produced by the rapid flow through permeable active layers, with recharge from melting snow, permafrost, and rain resulting in low-mineralized water. The age of groundwater in the studied catchment is limited to one summer season.