Groundwater

The Czech Geological Survey (CGS) focuses, among other things, on groundwater research and on studying the principles of groundwater flow in hydrogeological structures. The research also involves studies that determine the hydraulic properties of rocks and chemical composition of groundwater, including the residence time of groundwater in the rock environment. As a result, the research activities define the conditions for the formation of groundwater reserves and establish appropriate conditions for their use and protection.

The main directions of CGS research currently include the following:

Impact of climate change and drought on groundwater

The CGS focuses on evaluating the status and development of natural groundwater sources using measured groundwater levels in combination with groundwater (base) flow. The research includes the preparation of a method for assessing groundwater levels and the development of groundwater flow models for predicting groundwater supply trends with regard to climate change and drought.

Groundwater in karst areas

CGS experts focus on determining the impacts of human activity and climate change on groundwater in karst systems, specifically by studying the Moravian, Mladeč and Javoříčko, Hranice and Chýnov karsts. Thematic hydrogeological maps with delineated karst areas were compiled.

Groundwater in crystalline rocks

Research conducted in metamorphic and igneous rock environments aims to:

• compile maps as a basis for measures to stabilize the hydrological cycle,
• identify sites suitable for constructing groundwater sources,
• develop a method for evaluating natural groundwater sources.

Studies are being conducted in three hydrogeological zones: the Middle Vltava River basin, the Jihlava River basin, and the Kutná Hora Crystalline Complex.

Mineral water

The CGS deals with aspects associated with mineral water structures, specifically with regard to their geological structure. A well-defined conceptual model of the formation, accumulation and springs of mineral water is crucial for delineating effective protection zones for natural curative sources.

The  research work includes re-evaluations of known mineral water sources and the mapping of new natural springs. Subsequently, this information serves as a basis for safeguarding these valuable natural sources. Mapping of mineral water sources is currently underway in the Slavkovský les Mts Protected Landscape Area in West Bohemia.

Hydrogeological mapping

Průběžně vznikají hydrogeologické mapy ČR měřítka 1 : 25 000 a jejich doprovodné vysvětlivky. Hydrogeologické mapování probíhá také v zahraničí, byla sestavena např. mapa Etiopie v měřítku 1 : 1 000 000. Účelové hydrogeologické mapy jsou výstupem celé řady aplikovaných projektů.

Turów Mine and groundwater

The CGS monitors the groundwater and surface water levels in the Hrádek area and Frýdlant Salient in the Liberec Region and continuously evaluates the levels with regard to historical data. Ongoing research activities gather geological-hydrogeological and hydrological information and data documenting the impact of lignite mining in the Polish Turów mine or other impacts on groundwater and surface water in the above-mentioned border area of the Czech Republic.

The CGS inspects and documents the effectiveness of mitigation measures concerning groundwater and surface water. It monitors groundwater and surface water in the Czech part of the border area, including the maintenance of monitoring facilities, checks groundwater levels in selected wells in the Polish territory, and conducts regular monitoring work at the Turów mine, including the evaluation of measured data. It provides the Ministry of the Environment with documents on tasks being performed according to a bilateral agreement concluded on 3 February 2022 between the governments of the Czech Republic and the Republic of Poland on cooperating to address the impacts that the mining at the Polish Turów opencast lignite mine has on the territory of the Czech Republic.

Hydrogeological research related to underground repositories

Hydrogeological mapping, preparations for hydrogeological monitoring, and the collection of data for optimizing subsequent technical projects are underway at the four sites selected for an underground repository

Research activities in underground laboratories include the monitoring of changes in the regime and chemical composition of groundwater in the vicinity of on-site mock-ups of the repository. Hydrogeological documentation is being carried out by the CGS during the excavation of a new laboratory in the Rožná Mine.

Hydrogeological aspects of geothermal energy

Harnessing geothermal energy from the Earth‘s interior and storing heat in the rock environment is currently a major research challenge related to the need for energy transition to renewable energy sources. Hydrogeological aspects are an integral part of geothermal research, either from a perspective of heat transfer via groundwater or, conversely, from a perspective of protecting groundwater sources. The topic is currently being addressed by the Push-it and SYNERGYS research projects.