Using environmental isotopes to investigate the groundwater recharge mechanisms and dynamics in the North-eastern Basin, Palestine

This study aims to differentiate the potential recharge areas and flow mechanisms in the North-eastern Basin, Palestine. The results differentiate the recharge into three main groups. The first is related to springs and some of the deep wells close to the Anabta Anticline, through the Upper Aquifer (Turonian) formation, with depleted delta O-18 and delta H-2. The second is through the Upper Cenomanian formation surrounding the Rujeib Monocline in the southeast, where the lineament of the Faria Fault plays an important role, with relatively enriched delta C-13(DIC) values of about -4 parts per thousand (VPDB). The third is the Jenin Sub-series, which shows higher delta C-13(DIC) values, with enriched delta O-18 and delta H-2 and more saline content. The deep wells from the Nablus area in the south of the basin indicate low delta C-13(DIC) values due to their proximity to freshwater infiltrating faults. The deep wells located to the northwest of the basin have delta C-13(DIC) values from -8 to -9 parts per thousand (VPDB), with enriched delta O-18 signatures, indicating slow recharge through thick soil.