Hydrogeological zoning of the southern part of the Central Federal District with clarification of the boundaries of structures of the II and III orders

Abstract

Introduction: Hydrogeological zoning is based on the structural and hydrogeological principle which determines the distinctive character of the formation of groundwater in various hydrogeological structures. Methodology and study subject: The identification of hydrogeological structures is based on tectonic structures which determine the character of the hydrogeological section, hydrodynamic features of hydrogeological units, and the conditions for underwater occurrence and formation. The area of the southern part of the Central Federal District and its representative part within M-37 sheet (Voronezh) is part of the East European complex artesian basin (hydrogeological structure of I order), which (in the observed area) includes fragments of three hydrogeological structures of the II order (Moscow, Dnieper-Donetsk, and Volga-Hopersk artesian basins with fragments of structures of the III order (Dnieper and Donetsk-Don artesian basins)). The boundaries and areas of hydrogeological structures of the second and third order were specified within the hydrogeological mapping with a scale of 1:1,000,000 of M-37 sheet (Voronezh). To solve the problem, a hydrogeological zoning scheme was created, which was based on the structural map of the surface of the crystalline basement. Results and Discussion: The article presents a detailed description of the hydrogeological structures of the II and III order and their place in tectonic structures, as well as the position of the boundaries according to the updated data. Conclusions: The authors provide an improved scheme aimed at specifying the boundaries of hydrogeological structures of the II and III orders. The improvements are strictly based on the principles of hydrogeological zoning and the analysis of hydrodynamic conditions of the area. They are recommended for further use.