Is it that in hard-rock formations, groundwater character is essentially determined by hydraulic gradient rather than chemical rock-water interaction ?
In case of hard rock formations, the ground-waters tend to have more uniform compositions because they obtain their character through mixing along fairly rapid conductive flow paths, i.e., mainly determined by the hydraulic gradient, rather than by chemical rock-water interaction.
If it is so, then, the concept of "fracture density" (number of fractures available per unit volume) would play a crucial role in deciding the resultant groundwater character?
Well,
hydraulic gradient, means difference in water pressures head between two points as spatial in space dimension,used for water velocity and hydraulic properties of aquifer, while rock-water interaction is one of the hydrogeochemical processes.
Sincerely
According to me, groundwater character means - hydraulic; hydro chemical; and hydro physical. Hence depending on this, one tries to study the character of groundwater. Hydro-chemistry is not only rock-water interaction; but also for point source pollution; source of groundwater recharge; age of groundwater; interaction between shallow and deeper aquifer; etc. Hydraulic properties such as groundwater gradient; transmissivity; etc, are controlled by density and inter-connectivity of fractures; inclination of rock layers; etc.
and do not forget the 3rd type of interactions, with atmosphere. Of special importance in arid terrains
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