Burial-induced groundwater flow system

No perfectly homogeneous isotropic sedimentary basin exists in nature, though certain parts of existing basins may be considered homogeneous, favouring burial-driven vertical upward flow of groundwater. 

Shallow subsystem of burial-incluced groundwater flow Groundwater flow is vertically upwards and cross-formational 

Intermediate subsystem of burial-induced groundwater flow Lateral flow of groundwater is away from the depocentre and focussed along unconformities and through relatively permeable, sandy, silty and limestone units 

The shallow and intermediate subsystems of burial-induced groundwater flow may develop in shaly basins with moderate subsidence rates (0.1 mm - 1 mm/year). In rapidly subsiding shaly basins (burial rates 1 mm/year), all three subsystems may occur. 

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Figure 2.30 Calculated distribution of gravity- and burial-induced groundwater flow systems in the Gulf of Mexico Basin for present-day and Miocene times (after Harrison and Summa, 1991, American Journal of Science, Vol. 291, Fig. 25. Reprinted by permission of American Journal of Science).

The resolution of groundwater dating (e.g., by 14C) in through-flow systems is reduced by dispersion and other flow-induced disturbances, such as deviation from piston flow. In this respect stagnant systems are advantageous because they carry the age signal of the time of burial with no further dispersion effects. 

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