Ionic Composition of Different Types of Natural Water Sources in the River Basins of the Crimean Mountains

Abstract

The results of generalization of field studies of the ionic composition of natural waters in the river basins of the Crimean Mountains during hydrological and hydrochemical expedition surveys in 2021–2022 are presented. The boundaries of catchment areas and their recharge areas have been estimated and five main types of water circulating in the river basins have been identified. The main patterns of change in ion concentrations in the water with change in runoff in the outlet sections of the Kuchuk-Uzenbash and Tonas rivers and karst aquifer systems (Karstovyi and Ayan springs and Kizil-Koba Cave (Red Cave)) have been identified. The typification of underground spring waters by chemical composition and altitudinal position of their discharge onto the surface of the catchment areas demonstrates their vertical hydrochemical zonality on the scale of a small river basin.