No description available.

During the Illinoian glaciation (approximately 180,000 to 125,000 years ago) glacial lobes advancing into Illinois deposited an extensive till sheet (i.e., the Vandalia Member till). However, very little is known about the retreat phase that followed this major ice advance. Erosional events and the heterogeneous sediments associated to the Illinoian deglaciation may also have important hydrogeologic implications. Specifically, the occurrence and emplacement of these heterogeneous deposits, informally referred to as the Glasford deglacial unit, into and overlying the Vandalia Member till, may impact the integrity of this extensive till aquitard, and possibly influence groundwater flow to the deeper and regionally important Mahomet aquifer. Thus, the purpose of this research is to improve knowledge of the heterogeneous character of the Glasford deglacial sediments and their three-dimensional (3-D) hydrostratigraphic architecture. The methodology to study the Glasford deglacial unit relies on the detailed analysis of 7 continuous cores and interpretations of 4 geophysical profiles, which provide key stratigraphic control to estimate unit geometry and establish the vertical succession of facies assemblages in the unit. A 3-D geological model was created using gOcad®, a geomodelling software, across a 2642 square kilometer study area and the deglacial unit having a subsurface volume domain of 5.70E+9 cubic meters. Utilizing all available data sources including 38 continuous cores, 69 downhole geophysical logs, 799 driller’s logs, and 4 near-surface geophysical profiles; triangulated surfaces were interpolated representing the top and bottom of the Glasford deglacial unit and key internal layers. These surfaces provided a framework for a 3-D cellular partition, where descretizing the model allowed for mapping of hydrofacies assemblages that represented mappable heterogeneities of coarse- and fine-grained sediment in the Glasford deglacial unit. Results of the subsurface facies analysis led to the identification of three main facies types that form the Glasford deglacial unit: 1) massive, matrix-supported diamicton; 2) interstratified sand and gravel; and 3) fine-grained massive and/or bedded sediment. Using key seismic reflectors and interpretations based on near-surface seismic profiles as well as geologic logs from numerous boreholes, these facies were assigned to two features of possible regional extent: 1) a broad channelized erosion surface informally named the Champaign valley; and 2) an extensive tabular unit overlying the valley fill and extending across the entire study area. Grouping of facies into distinct facies assemblages was useful to distinguish sediments that in-fill either the Champaign valley or compose the tabular unit. Major heterogeneities have been recognized in these features and mapped at regional scale represented by fine- and coarse-grained sediment assemblages that comprise 46% and 54% respectively of the Glasford deglacial unit volume. Laterally continuous coarse-grained sediment assemblages are primarily located in the Champaign valley and potentially represent local aquifers of limited but usefully productivity for east-central Illinois. These small aquifers are characterized by hydraulic conductivities ranging from 1.07E-3 m/s to 1.78E-6 m/s. Fine-grained sediment assemblages have an average hydraulic conductivity value of 4.38E-8 m/s and thus may represent discontinuous aquitards impeding water flow. However, these fine-grained sediment assemblages cannot be considered homogeneous aquitards because of their textural variability and limited lateral continuity. The geological model developed in this study contributes to better understanding the complex subsurface geology in east-central Illinois. Results of this study confirm the high degree of heterogeneity in the Glasford deglacial unit that includes features of glacial erosion, and these findings question, at least locally, the integrity of the underlying Vandalia Member till as a regional aquitard unit. Overall, the Glasford deglacial unit is a complex subsurface ice-marginal package of sediments, which challenges the aquifer-aquitard concept. It is argued herein that some ice-contact or ice-marginal sediments units may be laterally extensive as a whole, yet internally too heterogeneous to be mapped as an aquifer or aquitard at a regional scale. A new conceptual hydrostratigraphic layer, the hybrid layer (part-aquifer/ part-aquitard), is thus proposed to better describe these units. This new hybrid layer is meant to augment the traditional aquifer/aquitard concept representing hydrostratigraphic bodies that may not form laterally extensive aquifer or aquitard units. These hybrid layers may better represent conceptually the complex ice-marginal deposits that are found across east-central Illinois, and perhaps other similar areas affected by glacial lobe fluctuations during multiple glaciations.

During the Illinoian glaciation (approximately 180,000 to 125,000 years ago) glacial lobes advancing into Illinois deposited an extensive till sheet (i.e., the Vandalia Member till). However, very little is known about the retreat phase that followed this major ice advance. Erosional events and the heterogeneous sediments associated to the Illinoian deglaciation may also have important hydrogeologic implications. Specifically, the occurrence and emplacement of these heterogeneous deposits, informally referred to as the Glasford deglacial unit, into and overlying the Vandalia Member till, may impact the integrity of this extensive till aquitard, and possibly influence groundwater flow to the deeper and regionally important Mahomet aquifer. Thus, the purpose of this research is to improve knowledge of the heterogeneous character of the Glasford deglacial sediments and their three-dimensional (3-D) hydrostratigraphic architecture. The methodology to study the Glasford deglacial unit relies on the detailed analysis of 7 continuous cores and interpretations of 4 geophysical profiles, which provide key stratigraphic control to estimate unit geometry and establish the vertical succession of facies assemblages in the unit. A 3-D geological model was created using gOcad®, a geomodelling software, across a 2642 square kilometer study area and the deglacial unit having a subsurface volume domain of 5.70E+9 cubic meters. Utilizing all available data sources including 38 continuous cores, 69 downhole geophysical logs, 799 driller’s logs, and 4 near-surface geophysical profiles; triangulated surfaces were interpolated representing the top and bottom of the Glasford deglacial unit and key internal layers. These surfaces provided a framework for a 3-D cellular partition, where descretizing the model allowed for mapping of hydrofacies assemblages that represented mappable heterogeneities of coarse- and fine-grained sediment in the Glasford deglacial unit. Results of the subsurface facies analysis led to the identification of three main facies types that form the Glasford deglacial unit: 1) massive, matrix-supported diamicton; 2) interstratified sand and gravel; and 3) fine-grained massive and/or bedded sediment. Using key seismic reflectors and interpretations based on near-surface seismic profiles as well as geologic logs from numerous boreholes, these facies were assigned to two features of possible regional extent: 1) a broad channelized erosion surface informally named the Champaign valley; and 2) an extensive tabular unit overlying the valley fill and extending across the entire study area. Grouping of facies into distinct facies assemblages was useful to distinguish sediments that in-fill either the Champaign valley or compose the tabular unit. Major heterogeneities have been recognized in these features and mapped at regional scale represented by fine- and coarse-grained sediment assemblages that comprise 46% and 54% respectively of the Glasford deglacial unit volume. Laterally continuous coarse-grained sediment assemblages are primarily located in the Champaign valley and potentially represent local aquifers of limited but usefully productivity for east-central Illinois. These small aquifers are characterized by hydraulic conductivities ranging from 1.07E-3 m/s to 1.78E-6 m/s. Fine-grained sediment assemblages have an average hydraulic conductivity value of 4.38E-8 m/s and thus may represent discontinuous aquitards impeding water flow. However, these fine-grained sediment assemblages cannot be considered homogeneous aquitards because of their textural variability and limited lateral continuity. The geological model developed in this study contributes to better understanding the complex subsurface geology in east-central Illinois. Results of this study confirm the high degree of heterogeneity in the Glasford deglacial unit that includes features of glacial erosion, and these findings question, at least locally, the integrity of the underlying Vandalia Member till as a regional aquitard unit. Overall, the Glasford deglacial unit is a complex subsurface ice-marginal package of sediments, which challenges the aquifer-aquitard concept. It is argued herein that some ice-contact or ice-marginal sediments units may be laterally extensive as a whole, yet internally too heterogeneous to be mapped as an aquifer or aquitard at a regional scale. A new conceptual hydrostratigraphic layer, the hybrid layer (part-aquifer/ part-aquitard), is thus proposed to better describe these units. This new hybrid layer is meant to augment the traditional aquifer/aquitard concept representing hydrostratigraphic bodies that may not form laterally extensive aquifer or aquitard units. These hybrid layers may better represent conceptually the complex ice-marginal deposits that are found across east-central Illinois, and perhaps other similar areas affected by glacial lobe fluctuations during multiple glaciations.

Natural attenuation of trichloroethene (TCE) and technetium (99Tc) was studied for five consecutive seasons (from January 2002 to January 2003) in Little Bayou Creek. The stream receives ground water discharge from an aquifer contaminated by past waste disposal activities at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP), a uranium enrichment facility near Paducah, Kentucky. Results from stream gaging, contaminant monitoring, tracer tests (with bromide, nitrate, rhodamine WT and propane) and simulation modeling indicate the TCE is naturally attenuated by volatilization and dilution, with volatilization rates related to the ambient temperature and surface discharge rate. The only apparent mechanism of 99Tc attenuation is dilution. Travel times of non-gaseous tracers were found to be similar and have highest values in October and lowest in June. It was also estimated from modeling that the transport of the solutes in the stream was mostly one-dimensional with insignificant secondary storage.

Increased groundwater withdrawals associated with agricultural irrigation in the Jackson Purchase have prompted questions related to groundwater availability and sustainability. Key factors in addressing these questions are understanding the extent and variation in thickness of the local hydrostratigraphic system, which is the upper part of the Mississippi Embayment aquifer system. Correlations of 70 gamma-ray well logs, and 49 resistivity logs were made across parts of the Jackson Purchase in Fulton and Hickman Counties in order to delineate the upper Claiborne aquifer and middle Claiborne confining unit. Commercial software (i.e. Petra 3.8.3) was used to generate cross sections, structure and isopach maps of the upper Claiborne aquifer, middle Claiborne confining unit, and middle Claiborne aquifer. The structure and isopach maps show the upper Claiborne aquifer and middle Claiborne confining unit thickening and dipping southwest into the embayment. In an effort to test different methods for mapping these hydrostatic units in the shallow sub-surface, surface electrical resistivity and a seismic walkaway sounding were acquired and compared with downhole geophysical logs at two well-constrained sites to test their limits for resolving these hydrostratigraphic units. Both electric resistivity and seismic geophysical methods were best able to image the Claiborne aquifer system when used together.

This study aims to integrate groundwater geochemistry and mathematical modeling to determine the dominant geochemical processes and groundwater residence time within the Wilcox aquifer in the northern Gulf Coastal Plain. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major ion chemistry, stable isotopes (18O, 2H, and 13C), and radioisotope 36Cl content. Geochemical modeling enabled the identification of major sources and sinks of solutes in the aquifer. A two-dimensional, finite-difference, numerical model was used to determine the deep groundwater flow rate and transport of 36Cl in the aquifer. Major ion chemistry shows a chromatographic pattern along the flow path in which a gradual increase of Na+ and decrease of Ca2+ and Mg2+ is evident. The most plausible inverse models in the downgradient section of the aquifer indicate that oxidation of organic matter (OM), which may be associated with discontinuous lenses of lignite, and consequent release of CO2 sustain the reduction of Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides and sulfate and the dissolution of carbonate minerals (calcite and, in some instances, siderite). These processes, in turn, result in pyrite precipitation and exchange of Ca2+ for Na+ on clay-mineral surfaces. Models constrained with 13C are consistent with mole transfers between pairs of wells in close proximity, but not for the entire flow path. The observed range of δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon (-7.3‰ to -12.4‰) is interpreted as a result of both oxidation of OM and dissolution of carbonates. Calculated values of 36Cl/Cl show an abrupt discontinuity between the upgradient and downgradient sections that was also observed in δ18O and δ2H data. The gradual enrichment of 18O and 2H along the flow path could be the result of diffusion. The distinct differences in δ18O and δ2H between the upgradient and downgradient Wilcox aquifer suggest that the latter preserves a paleoclimatic signal.

A funcionalidade de um sistema aqüífero é dependente dos atributos do reservatório, em especial as suas heterogeneidades, associadas às propriedades intrínsecas da rocha e descontinuidades relacionadas à compartimentação estrutural. O presente estudo teve como objetivo principal identificar e mapear a organização espacial dos componentes estratigráficos e compartimentos estruturais do Sistema Aqüífero Guarani, localizado na bacia do Paraná, a fim de verificar os efeitos na sua distribuição na organização e funci- onalidade. Foram observadas as variações na salinidade, as zonas de recarga e de des- carga, visando contribuir para os estudos que estabelecem prioridades de uso, mapea- mento, monitoramento e redução das atividades potencialmente contaminantes. A extensa seção siliciclástica do aqüífero foi formada por sistemas deposicionais eólicos e fluviais, de idade triássica e jurássica, englobados principalmente pelas forma- ções Pirambóia e Botucatu (Brasil), Misiones (Paraguai e Argentina) e Taquarembó (Uruguai). Levantamentos de seções estratigráficas ao longo da faixa de afloramentos e análise e interpretação de perfis geofísicos de poços para petróleo na bacia permitiram compor um novo quadro estratigráfico para o sistema aqüífero. A compartimentação estrutural do aqüífero foi definida a partir da integração de mapas morfoestruturais previamente publicados, traçados por interpretação de imagens de radar, satelitárias, modelos digitais de elevação e mapas regionais aeromagnetométri- cos e gravimétricos. Um novo mapa de lineamentos estruturais, interpretado a partir de um modelo digital de terreno, teve a precisão avaliada por comparação com mapas pré- vios gerados por diferentes autores e métodos. A sucessão sedimentar que compõe o aqüífero é objeto de diferentes correlações e classificações estratigráficas, com implicações na organização das unidades hidroestrati- gráficas. Caracteriza-se por associações de fácies cujos elementos arquiteturais e geo- metria permitem subdividí-lo em unidades de fluxo. Três unidades de fluxo principais foram reconhecidas, identificadas e denominadas conforme a fácies genética: duna (DU), interdunas (ID) e canais (CH). Secundariamente, duas outras unidades: crevasse (CR), lacustre e planície de inundação (FF) ambém foram identificadas. Estas unidades apresentam diferentes condutividade hidráulica e desempenham, conseqüentemente, papéis diferentes no funcionamento do aqüífero. Para as unidades de fluxo foi possível estimar a condutividade hidráulica média com base na seleção e tamanho médio dos grãos e na argilosidade dos sedimentos. Em termos de litoestratigrafia, o SAG é composto pelas formações Santa Maria, de ocorrência restrita ao Rio Grande do Sul, espacialmente sotoposta e justaposta às forma- ções flúvio-eólicas Guará (No oeste do Rio Grande do sul) e Pirambóia (leste do Rio Grande do Sul, e toda a parte central e norte da Bacia do Paraná). Todas estão extensa- mente superpostas, ora discordantemente, ora transicionalmente, pela Formação Botu- catu, caracterizada por depósitos dunares de desertos super-áridos. Tal fácies apresenta grande homogeneidade, boa porosidade e permeabilidade efetiva, caracterizando-se como a mais importante unidade hidroestratigráfica. Na interpolação dos contornos estruturais e espessuras das rochas do aqüífero, os lineamentos reconhecidos revelaram grandes blocos tectônicos que restringem o fluxo e a formação de células hidrogeológicas. A anisotropia sedimentar e a compartimentação estrutural foram consideradas na avaliação das unidades de fluxo e do sistema e no cál- culo do fluxo potencial dinâmico. Mapas de fluxo potencial e de direção de fluxo perm- tem visualizar a forte influência estrutural nas áreas preferenciais de recarga e descarga e os controles das entradas e saídas do sistema. A distribuição espacial das unidades mostra o zoneamento dos valores de condutividade hidráulica, com efeito direto na qua- lidade e na condutividade do fluxo da água dentro do aqüífero regional. Como resultado, conclui-se que apesar de se constituir um reservatório idealmente contínuo, a compartimentação e diferenciação interna do Sistema Aqüífero Guarani apon- tam para uma complexidade que parece ultrapassar a concepção de um sistema único. / The functionality of an aquifer system depends on attributes of the reservoir, spe- cially those heterogeneities associated to intrinsic properties of the rock and to structural compartmentation discontinuities. The main objective of the study was to identify and to map the stratigraphic components and structural compartments of the Guarani Aquifer System, located in the Paraná Basin, to verify the effect of their distribution on the aquifer organization and functionality. Variations in the salinity, the discharge and recharge zones were also studied as a contribution to the studies that aim to establish priorities in the use, mapping, monitoring and in the reduction of potentially contami- nant activities. The extensive siliciclastic section, with a maximum thickness of 600 m, was formed by aeolian and fluvial depositional systems of Triassic and Jurassic age and referred to mainly as the Pirambóia and Botucatu (Brazil), Misiones (Paraguay and Argentina) and Taquarembó (Uruguay) formations. Survey of stratigraphic sections throughout the out- crop belt and analysis and interpretation of geophysical profiles of wells drilled for oil in the basin had allowed a new stratigraphic and structural picture of the water-bearing system to be drawn. The structural compartmentation of the aquifer was defined based on the integration of morphostructural maps previously published, traced from interpretation of radar and satellite images, digital terrain models of rise and aeromagnetometric and gravimetric regional maps. A new map of structural lineaments, interpreted from a digital elevation model, had its precision and accuracy evaluated by comparint it to previous maps gener- ated by different authors and methods. The sedimentary succession that form the water-bearing unit is object of different correlations and stratigraphic classifications – with implications in the spatial configura- tion and regional connectivity of the hydrostratigraphic units. The succession is charac- terized by associations of facies whose architectural elements and geometry allow it to be subdivided in units of flow. Three main units of flow were recognized, identified and referred to as genetic facies: dune (DU), interdune (ID) and canals (CH). Secondarily, two other units: flooding plain crevasse (CR), lacustrine and (FF) were identified. These units show different hydraulic conductivities and play, consequently, different roles in the functioning of the aquifer. For the units of flow, it was possible estimate the average hydraulic conductivity on the basis of the selection and average size of its grains and in the mud content of the sediments. In litostratigraphic terms, the Guarani Aquifer System is represented by the forma- tions Santa Maria, restricted to Rio Grande do Sul state, bellow and spatially justaposed to the fluvial-aeolian formations Guará (in western Rio Grande do Sul) and Pirambóia (eastern Rio Grande do Sul, and all the central and north parts of the Paraná Basin). All units are extensively superposed, in some places unconformably, in other places transi- tionally, by the Botucatu Formation, which is characterized by dune deposits of super- arid deserts. Such facies present a great homogeneity, a good porosity and permeability, being the most important hydrostratigraphic unit. In the interpolation of the structural contours and thicknesses of the rocks of the water-bearing unit, the recognized lineaments revealed large tectonic blocks that restrict the flow and the formation of hydrogeologic cells. The sedimentary anisotropy and the structural compartments have been considered in the evaluation of the units of flow and the system and in the calculation of the dynamic potential flow. The obtained potential flow and direction of flow maps allowed the strong structural influence in the preferen- tial areas of recharge and discharge and the controls of the inputs and outputs of the sys- tem to be identified. The spatial distribution of the units shows a hydraulic conductivity zoning with direct effect in the quality and the regional conductivity. As result, it can be concluded that although it consists of an ideally continuous reservoir, the compartmentation and the internal differentiation of the Guarani Aquifer System point to a complexity that seems to exceed the conception of a single system.

Accessibility to consistent subsurface hydrostratigraphic information is crucial for the development of robust groundwater flow and contaminant transport models. However, full three-dimensional understanding of the subsurface geology is often the missing link. Construction of watershed-scale hydrostratigraphic models continues to be limited by the quality and density of borehole data which often lack detailed geologic information. This can become a serious problem where rapid sediment facies changes and intricate sediment architecture occur. This research is motivated by the idea that if we can understand more about the distribution of sediments and structures of complex deposits, we learn more about depositional processes and how they affect the internal geometry of a deposit and the distribution of hydraulic properties. One approach is to study surficial excavations (e.g. sand and gravel pits) that often punctuate shallow aquifers. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a method of integrating high-resolution georeferenced stratigraphic and sedimentologic information from sand and gravel pits as a means to better document sedimentologic data and improve understanding of the depositional environments. The study area is located within the Waterloo Moraine, in southwestern Ontario, and is an unconsolidated shallow aquifer system with a complex internal architecture and sediment heterogeneity. The method involves the integration of high-resolution field data with borehole and geophysical information in a computer-based 3D environment. A total of fourteen virtual sedimentary sections were constructed by georegistering digital photographs within a framework of georeferenced positions collected using a reflectorless total station and GPS. Fourteen sediment facies have been described in the field. These include crudely stratified gravel beds, planar and cross-laminated sandy strata (ripple and dune scales), along with laminated and massive silty and clayey beds. Calculated hydraulic conductivities span over seven orders of magnitude. The analysis of a single excavation has shown contrasting sediment assemblages from one end of the pit to the other, highlighting the complexity of the Waterloo Moraine. The heterogeneous and deformed layers of gravel, sand, and mud may be the product of an ice-contact to ice-proximal environment, whereas the extensive sandy assemblages may reflect an intermediate subaqueous fan region. The results also suggest that the borehole database overestimates the amount of fine-grained material in the study area. Finally, this research demonstrates that it is possible to build in a timely manner a 3D virtual sedimentologic database. New emerging technologies will lead to increased resolution and accuracy, and will help streamline the process even further. The possibility of expanding the 3D geodatabase to other excavations across the region in a timely manner is likely to lead to improved hydrostratigraphic models and, by extension, to more efficient strategies in water resources planning, management and protection.

Accessibility to consistent subsurface hydrostratigraphic information is crucial for the development of robust groundwater flow and contaminant transport models. However, full three-dimensional understanding of the subsurface geology is often the missing link. Construction of watershed-scale hydrostratigraphic models continues to be limited by the quality and density of borehole data which often lack detailed geologic information. This can become a serious problem where rapid sediment facies changes and intricate sediment architecture occur. This research is motivated by the idea that if we can understand more about the distribution of sediments and structures of complex deposits, we learn more about depositional processes and how they affect the internal geometry of a deposit and the distribution of hydraulic properties. One approach is to study surficial excavations (e.g. sand and gravel pits) that often punctuate shallow aquifers. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a method of integrating high-resolution georeferenced stratigraphic and sedimentologic information from sand and gravel pits as a means to better document sedimentologic data and improve understanding of the depositional environments. The study area is located within the Waterloo Moraine, in southwestern Ontario, and is an unconsolidated shallow aquifer system with a complex internal architecture and sediment heterogeneity. The method involves the integration of high-resolution field data with borehole and geophysical information in a computer-based 3D environment. A total of fourteen virtual sedimentary sections were constructed by georegistering digital photographs within a framework of georeferenced positions collected using a reflectorless total station and GPS. Fourteen sediment facies have been described in the field. These include crudely stratified gravel beds, planar and cross-laminated sandy strata (ripple and dune scales), along with laminated and massive silty and clayey beds. Calculated hydraulic conductivities span over seven orders of magnitude. The analysis of a single excavation has shown contrasting sediment assemblages from one end of the pit to the other, highlighting the complexity of the Waterloo Moraine. The heterogeneous and deformed layers of gravel, sand, and mud may be the product of an ice-contact to ice-proximal environment, whereas the extensive sandy assemblages may reflect an intermediate subaqueous fan region. The results also suggest that the borehole database overestimates the amount of fine-grained material in the study area. Finally, this research demonstrates that it is possible to build in a timely manner a 3D virtual sedimentologic database. New emerging technologies will lead to increased resolution and accuracy, and will help streamline the process even further. The possibility of expanding the 3D geodatabase to other excavations across the region in a timely manner is likely to lead to improved hydrostratigraphic models and, by extension, to more efficient strategies in water resources planning, management and protection.

A funcionalidade de um sistema aqüífero é dependente dos atributos do reservatório, em especial as suas heterogeneidades, associadas às propriedades intrínsecas da rocha e descontinuidades relacionadas à compartimentação estrutural. O presente estudo teve como objetivo principal identificar e mapear a organização espacial dos componentes estratigráficos e compartimentos estruturais do Sistema Aqüífero Guarani, localizado na bacia do Paraná, a fim de verificar os efeitos na sua distribuição na organização e funci- onalidade. Foram observadas as variações na salinidade, as zonas de recarga e de des- carga, visando contribuir para os estudos que estabelecem prioridades de uso, mapea- mento, monitoramento e redução das atividades potencialmente contaminantes. A extensa seção siliciclástica do aqüífero foi formada por sistemas deposicionais eólicos e fluviais, de idade triássica e jurássica, englobados principalmente pelas forma- ções Pirambóia e Botucatu (Brasil), Misiones (Paraguai e Argentina) e Taquarembó (Uruguai). Levantamentos de seções estratigráficas ao longo da faixa de afloramentos e análise e interpretação de perfis geofísicos de poços para petróleo na bacia permitiram compor um novo quadro estratigráfico para o sistema aqüífero. A compartimentação estrutural do aqüífero foi definida a partir da integração de mapas morfoestruturais previamente publicados, traçados por interpretação de imagens de radar, satelitárias, modelos digitais de elevação e mapas regionais aeromagnetométri- cos e gravimétricos. Um novo mapa de lineamentos estruturais, interpretado a partir de um modelo digital de terreno, teve a precisão avaliada por comparação com mapas pré- vios gerados por diferentes autores e métodos. A sucessão sedimentar que compõe o aqüífero é objeto de diferentes correlações e classificações estratigráficas, com implicações na organização das unidades hidroestrati- gráficas. Caracteriza-se por associações de fácies cujos elementos arquiteturais e geo- metria permitem subdividí-lo em unidades de fluxo. Três unidades de fluxo principais foram reconhecidas, identificadas e denominadas conforme a fácies genética: duna (DU), interdunas (ID) e canais (CH). Secundariamente, duas outras unidades: crevasse (CR), lacustre e planície de inundação (FF) ambém foram identificadas. Estas unidades apresentam diferentes condutividade hidráulica e desempenham, conseqüentemente, papéis diferentes no funcionamento do aqüífero. Para as unidades de fluxo foi possível estimar a condutividade hidráulica média com base na seleção e tamanho médio dos grãos e na argilosidade dos sedimentos. Em termos de litoestratigrafia, o SAG é composto pelas formações Santa Maria, de ocorrência restrita ao Rio Grande do Sul, espacialmente sotoposta e justaposta às forma- ções flúvio-eólicas Guará (No oeste do Rio Grande do sul) e Pirambóia (leste do Rio Grande do Sul, e toda a parte central e norte da Bacia do Paraná). Todas estão extensa- mente superpostas, ora discordantemente, ora transicionalmente, pela Formação Botu- catu, caracterizada por depósitos dunares de desertos super-áridos. Tal fácies apresenta grande homogeneidade, boa porosidade e permeabilidade efetiva, caracterizando-se como a mais importante unidade hidroestratigráfica. Na interpolação dos contornos estruturais e espessuras das rochas do aqüífero, os lineamentos reconhecidos revelaram grandes blocos tectônicos que restringem o fluxo e a formação de células hidrogeológicas. A anisotropia sedimentar e a compartimentação estrutural foram consideradas na avaliação das unidades de fluxo e do sistema e no cál- culo do fluxo potencial dinâmico. Mapas de fluxo potencial e de direção de fluxo perm- tem visualizar a forte influência estrutural nas áreas preferenciais de recarga e descarga e os controles das entradas e saídas do sistema. A distribuição espacial das unidades mostra o zoneamento dos valores de condutividade hidráulica, com efeito direto na qua- lidade e na condutividade do fluxo da água dentro do aqüífero regional. Como resultado, conclui-se que apesar de se constituir um reservatório idealmente contínuo, a compartimentação e diferenciação interna do Sistema Aqüífero Guarani apon- tam para uma complexidade que parece ultrapassar a concepção de um sistema único. / The functionality of an aquifer system depends on attributes of the reservoir, spe- cially those heterogeneities associated to intrinsic properties of the rock and to structural compartmentation discontinuities. The main objective of the study was to identify and to map the stratigraphic components and structural compartments of the Guarani Aquifer System, located in the Paraná Basin, to verify the effect of their distribution on the aquifer organization and functionality. Variations in the salinity, the discharge and recharge zones were also studied as a contribution to the studies that aim to establish priorities in the use, mapping, monitoring and in the reduction of potentially contami- nant activities. The extensive siliciclastic section, with a maximum thickness of 600 m, was formed by aeolian and fluvial depositional systems of Triassic and Jurassic age and referred to mainly as the Pirambóia and Botucatu (Brazil), Misiones (Paraguay and Argentina) and Taquarembó (Uruguay) formations. Survey of stratigraphic sections throughout the out- crop belt and analysis and interpretation of geophysical profiles of wells drilled for oil in the basin had allowed a new stratigraphic and structural picture of the water-bearing system to be drawn. The structural compartmentation of the aquifer was defined based on the integration of morphostructural maps previously published, traced from interpretation of radar and satellite images, digital terrain models of rise and aeromagnetometric and gravimetric regional maps. A new map of structural lineaments, interpreted from a digital elevation model, had its precision and accuracy evaluated by comparint it to previous maps gener- ated by different authors and methods. The sedimentary succession that form the water-bearing unit is object of different correlations and stratigraphic classifications – with implications in the spatial configura- tion and regional connectivity of the hydrostratigraphic units. The succession is charac- terized by associations of facies whose architectural elements and geometry allow it to be subdivided in units of flow. Three main units of flow were recognized, identified and referred to as genetic facies: dune (DU), interdune (ID) and canals (CH). Secondarily, two other units: flooding plain crevasse (CR), lacustrine and (FF) were identified. These units show different hydraulic conductivities and play, consequently, different roles in the functioning of the aquifer. For the units of flow, it was possible estimate the average hydraulic conductivity on the basis of the selection and average size of its grains and in the mud content of the sediments. In litostratigraphic terms, the Guarani Aquifer System is represented by the forma- tions Santa Maria, restricted to Rio Grande do Sul state, bellow and spatially justaposed to the fluvial-aeolian formations Guará (in western Rio Grande do Sul) and Pirambóia (eastern Rio Grande do Sul, and all the central and north parts of the Paraná Basin). All units are extensively superposed, in some places unconformably, in other places transi- tionally, by the Botucatu Formation, which is characterized by dune deposits of super- arid deserts. Such facies present a great homogeneity, a good porosity and permeability, being the most important hydrostratigraphic unit. In the interpolation of the structural contours and thicknesses of the rocks of the water-bearing unit, the recognized lineaments revealed large tectonic blocks that restrict the flow and the formation of hydrogeologic cells. The sedimentary anisotropy and the structural compartments have been considered in the evaluation of the units of flow and the system and in the calculation of the dynamic potential flow. The obtained potential flow and direction of flow maps allowed the strong structural influence in the preferen- tial areas of recharge and discharge and the controls of the inputs and outputs of the sys- tem to be identified. The spatial distribution of the units shows a hydraulic conductivity zoning with direct effect in the quality and the regional conductivity. As result, it can be concluded that although it consists of an ideally continuous reservoir, the compartmentation and the internal differentiation of the Guarani Aquifer System point to a complexity that seems to exceed the conception of a single system.