Factor analysis in hydrogeochemistry of coastal aquifers – a preliminary study

Abstract

 This paper examines the results of R-mode factor analysis performed on major ion data from a hydrogeochemical survey over the coastal Quaternary deltaic aquifer of the Cauvery Basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Seven major ions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO₃, Cl, and NO₃) were analyzed from each of the 126 water samples collected in two seasons (pre- and post-monsoon 63 each). A set of factors was found both in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon data which explained the source of the dissolved ions and the chemical processes which accompany the intrusion of seawater.