Uncovering the hidden world of riverbed sediments: The role of sediment heterogeneity and cross-bar channel fills in the hydrogeochemical dynamics of the hyporheic zone.

ABSTRACT: Groundwater-surface water interaction (hyporheic exchange) is critical in numerous hydrogeochemical processes; however, hyporheic exchange is difficult to characterize due to the various spatial (e.g., sedimentary architecture) and temporal (e.g., stage fluctuations) variables that influence it. This interdisciplinary study brings forth novel insights by integrating various methodologies including geophysical surveys, physical and chemical sediment characterization, and water chemistry analysis to explore the interplay of the numerous facets governing hyporheic zone processes within a compound bar deposit. The findings reveal distinct sedimentary facies and geochemical zones within the compound bar, driven by the sedimentary architecture. Cross-bar channel fills are identified as critical

SUBMITTER: McGarr JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11960729 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature