The hydrogeological conceptual model of aluvium aquifer of Niğde (city centre)

The most important usable water source of Niğde is groundwater. Due to many factors such as increasing population, agricultural and industrial activities, uncontrolled use is increasing day by day, and in addition, the effects of global warming and climate change threaten groundwater in terms of quantity and quality. In this study, the conceptual hydrogeological model of the alluvial aquifer in the city center of Niğde was created and groundwater was examined in terms of quantity and quality. Within this scope, the groundwater level measurements and chemical analysis results carried out in the 2023-2024 period, the level measurements and analysis results carried out in the 2016-2017 period and long-term monitoring studies of 2 DSI wells were evaluated, and it was observed that groundwater levels were decreasing. The clastic levels of the alluvial units in the center have a permeable character and show aquifer characteristics. The waters are generally Ca-HCO3 in character, but they are enriched in SO4, Mg and Na in places. While these enrichments are relatively low at the alluvial aquifer border, they increase within the alluvial aquifer center. In terms of pollution parameters, it has been understood that water quality decreases due to land use and anthropogenic activities on alluvial units.