Spatial Radiocarbon and Stable Carbon Isotope Variability of Mineral and Thermal Waters in Slovakia

Abstract

Isotope hydrology investigations were carried out with the aim to study isotope variability in mineral and thermal waters (MTW) of Slovakia. The aquifers of MTW were formed by Triassic limestones and dolomites, which are found in the mountains as well as in the pre-Tertiary substratum of depressions and lowlands. The MTW were of artesian and/or open structures. At present, there are only boreholes available, as natural outflows have already been captured by them. Large spatial isotope variability (14C between 2 and 33.6 pMC, δ18O between -11.8‰ and -9.8‰, and δ13C between -12.7‰ and -3.4‰ for bicarbonates and -21‰ and -4.9‰ for free CO2) and heterogeneity of MTW was observed, indicating different origins of MTW. Corrected radiocarbon apparent ages of MTW indicate that they mostly infiltrated during the W?rm and Holocene periods.