The Impact of Gravitational Torque, Agricultural and Industrial Practices on Carbonate Aquifers. Mike Buchanan 2025



Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between gravitational torque, tidal forces and agricultural or industrial practices, particularly focusing on their combined effects on carbonate aquifers. As groundwater extraction for irrigation or industry increases, understanding the dynamics of gravitational forces becomes essential for sustainable groundwater management. This study highlights the potential risks associated with lowered groundwater tables, structural integrity of carbonate rocks, and the implications of tidal influences.

Introduction

Carbonate aquifers, primarily composed of limestone, dolomite and chalks (Guo et al., 2024), are vital sources of freshwater in many regions. Their unique geological characteristics, including high porosity and permeability, make them susceptible to various environmental factors. This paper examines how gravitational torque, particularly during tidal events, interacts with agricultural irrigation or industrial practices to influence the stability and sustainability of carbonate aquifers.

Gravitational Torque and Tidal Forces

Tidal Pull from the Moon

The gravitational pull of the moon creates tidal forces (Li et al., 2000; Shabani et al., 2023) that affect water bodies, including groundwater systems. These tidal forces lead to fluctuations in groundwater levels, which can influence the stress on host rocks and adjunctly aquifers. During periods of high tidal pull, such as full moons and new moons, the gravitational torque acting on the Earth’s carbonate water bodies is at its highest.

Enhanced Gravitational Torque

During high tidal events, the gravitational torque can lead to increased hydrostatic pressure within the aquifer, affecting water movement and flow dynamics. The additional gravitational force can cause temporary rises and falls in the groundwater table, exacerbating the effects of regular irrigation practices (Maréchal et al., 2010; Rahi et al., 2013).

Agricultural Irrigation and Groundwater Extraction

Lowering the Groundwater Table

Continuous extraction of groundwater for agricultural irrigation (McGuire, 2017) can lead to a significant drop in the water table. This reduction creates a pressure imbalance within the aquifer, affecting the hydraulic head and the natural flow of water.

Stressors on carbonate rocks can lead to:

  • Fracturing: Increased stress (D’Angeli et al., 2023) may develop new fractures or enlarge existing ones, altering the aquifer's structure.
  • Subsidence: The loss of water (Wong et al., 2011) can cause the ground above the aquifer to sink, leading to subsidence and further compromising the structural integrity of the carbonate formations.

Accelerated Dissolution

The increased stress on carbonate rocks can enhance the dissolution process, as the rocks are more likely to fracture and create pathways for water flow. This can lead to the formation of sinkholes or other karst features, destabilising the aquifer.

Interaction of Gravitational Torque and Agricultural, industrial Practices

Combined Effects

When agricultural irrigation or industrial drawdown is practiced alongside periods of high tidal pull (Guo et al., 2024; D’Angeli et al., 2023), the combined effects can lead to significant stress on carbonate aquifers. The lowering of the groundwater table due to irrigation, mining or industrial use coupled with fluctuations caused by tidal forces, creates a dynamic environment where:

  • Structural Integrity is Compromised: The carbonate rocks may experience increased fracturing, thereby enhancing exposed surface area of rock in question, increasing dissolution, as the stress from both irrigation or industrial drawdown and tidal forces can exceed the natural equilibrium of the aquifer.
  • Increased Risk of Subsidence: The combination of lowered water levels and tidal fluctuations heightens the risk of subsidence, leading to further fracturing and instability in the aquifer structure.

Potential for Sinkhole Formation

The enhanced gravitational torque during tidal events may contribute to the formation of sinkholes, especially in areas where the carbonate rock is already weakened by irrigation or groundwater drawdown practices.




Conclusion

The interplay between gravitational torque, tidal forces agricultural irrigation or industrial drawdown practices (Hunt et al., 2008), significantly impacts the stability and sustainability of carbonate aquifers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective water management and ensuring long-term health of these vital water resources. Implementing monitoring and management strategies that consider both irrigation practices and tidal influences can help mitigate the risks associated with groundwater extraction and maintain the structural integrity of carbonate aquifers.

 

References

D’Angeli, I.M., Tisato, N., Bontognali, T.R.R., et al., 2023. Tidal modulation of CO₂ degassing in a coastal carbonate aquifer. Journal of Hydrology, 617, 129013. doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2023.129013.

Guo, W., Chen, Z., Zhang, J., et al., 2024. Combined effects of tide and pumping on groundwater level fluctuations in a coastal multi-layer aquifer system. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, 1382206. doi:10.3389/fmars.2024.1382206.

Hunt, R.J., Feinstein, D.T., Pint, C.D., and Anderson, M.P., 2008. Simulating ground water–surface water interactions with the modified MODFLOW ground water flow model. Ground Water, 46(5), pp. 669–674. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6584.2008.00457.x.

Li, L., Barry, D.A., Pattiaratchi, C.B., 2000. Modeling coastal groundwater response to seasonal ocean level variations. Water Resources Research, 36(1), pp. 119–130. doi:10.1029/1999WR900240.

MarĂ©chal, J.C., Dewandel, B., Ahmed, S., et al., 2010. Establishment of earth tide effect on water‐level fluctuations in an unconfined hard rock aquifer using spectral analysis. Journal of Hydrology, 387(3–4), pp. 341–351. doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.04.022.

McGuire, V.L., 2017. Water-level and recoverable water in storage changes, High Plains aquifer, predevelopment to 2015 and 2013–15. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report, 2017–5040, 14 p. doi:10.3133/sir20175040.

Rahi, K.A., Halihan, T., Paxton, S., 2013. Evidence of Earth tides in the Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer, south-central Oklahoma. Hydrogeology Journal, 21(3), pp. 587–601. doi:10.1007/s10040-012-0948-0.

Shabani, M., Werner, A.D., Simmons, C.T., 2023. Influence of beach slope on tidal propagation in coastal aquifers: Numerical and analytical perspectives. Journal of Hydrology, 619, 129395. doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2023.129395.

Wong, C.I., Mahler, B.J., Musgrove, M., et al., 2011. Investigating potential anthropogenic impacts on karst aquifers: A case study of groundwater-surface water interactions in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer, central Texas. Environmental Earth Sciences, 64(1), pp. 131–143. doi:10.1007/s12665-010-0832-5.

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