Hydrogeochemical Characters of Karst Aquifers in Central Italy and Relationship with Neotectonics

Groundwater from karst circulation systems of Central Italy were sampled and analyzed,
in 2018, for delineating a preliminary, general geochemical framework of their relationship with
neotectonics, in an area characterized by a frequent and often destructive seismicity. We determined
field physical-chemical parameters, concentrations of main dissolved ions and gases and isotopic
composition of water ( 18O, D) and total dissolved inorganic carbon ( 13C TDIC). We discriminated
between “normal” hydro-karst systems and multi-component aquifers, composed of meteoric
groundwater that have also interacted with rocks of di erent lithological nature and/or deep fluids.
These multicomponent aquifers are of potential interest in the monitoring of neotectonics activity,
because changes in the stress field associated with the preparatory phase of an earthquake may
a ect the permeability of rocks, in turn causing variation of their chemical-isotopic character.
The geographical distribution of these aquifers seems to be controlled by tectonics. In fact,
the Olevano–Antrodoco–Sibillini thrust separates the more anomalous sites, located westwards
of it, from the groundwater bodies at its eastern side, showing a more typical karst character.