Name
Hydrogeological and Geochemical Characterization of Springs within an Urban Landscape
Date & Time
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Description
Springs are natural groundwater discharge points that provide valuable insight into the state of aquifers. They often sustain stream baseflow during winter and dry periods and support unique ecological communities adapted to stable thermal and chemical conditions. In urban settings, springs can serve as both cultural and recreational features, as well as indicators of aquifer stress or contamination from development. In Calgary, Alberta, numerous springs occur within the city limits, where glacial and post-glacial sediments overlie bedrock shaped by river and glacial erosion into valleys, terraces, and uplands. Springs are commonly found along steep valley banks, discharging from fractured bedrock or sediment–bedrock contacts, and at the toes of upland slopes. To investigate hydrogeological and geochemical processes influencing these systems, 59 springs in and around Calgary were sampled over two years. One spring was monitored weekly, four monthly, and several others seasonally. Field parameters included temperature, pH, Eh, and electrical conductivity, and analyses included alkalinity and radon-222, as well as periodic analyses of major ions, dissolved metals, and stable water isotopes. Over the monitoring period, bedrock springs showed minimal temperature variation, while contact springs exhibited greater variability, though other parameters remained stable. Radon concentrations varied spatially but showed little change over time. Stable isotopes plotted along the local meteoric water line, indicating a local recharge source. A few springs displayed elevated nitrate and chloride concentrations, suggesting anthropogenic influences. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of Calgary’s springs, establishing a baseline for understanding their hydrogeological dynamics and geochemical characteristics.
Location Name
McInnes Room
Full Address
Dalhousie University
Halifax NS
Canada
Session Type
Poster
Abstract ID
422
Speaker Organization
University of Saskachewan
Session Name
IAH-15
Co-authors
S. Jean Birks, Dept. of Earth, Energy, and Environment, University of CalgaryJohn J. Gibson, Water Management, InnoTech AlbertaMatthew B.J., Lindsay, Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan
Presenting Author
Michael C. Moncur, Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan