Monitoring and modelling groundwater flow systems in sedimentary and ophiolitic aquifers: experiences from Northern Apennines (Italy). In "Fractured aquifers", J.Sharp & U. Trogger (Eds), Green Book Series of the International of Hydrogeologists

The paper deals with hydrogeological characterization and springs/upreach streams monitoring activity on different test sites in Northern Apennines (Italy) where turbiditic and ophiolitic hard rock aquifers occur. The presented work aimed to define the investigation tools able to parameterize the aquifer and build-up a methodology for hydrogeological mapping. Hydrological analysis of base-flow, tracer testing with fluorescent dyes and numerical flow modeling by Equivalent Porous Medium (EPM) approach were used for: evaluation of direct recharge, quantification of flow and transport parameters and implementation of numerical models, calibrated by continuous discharge monitoring, finalized to locate spring contribution and protection areas. The ratio between direct recharge and total precipitation resulted in the range 0.13-0.17 for turbidites and 0.35-0.40 for igneous ophiolites. Groundwater average effective velocity ranges from 3.6 m/d in the thin-bedded pelitic turbidites to 39 m/d in the calcareous turbidites.