Matrix hydrogeological properties of Devonian carbonate rocks of Olkusz (Southern Poland)

The limestone matrix of the Olkusz region (S Poland) does not present good conditions for water transmission and storage, according to a laboratory st udy of 165 core samples from 4 boreholes. The mean values obtained for open porosity, specific yield and hydraulic conductivity for limestone were 0.0 15, 0.00006 and 1.94 x 10(-10) m/s, respectively; for dolomites they were 0 .011, 0.0013 and 2.77 x 10(-10) m/s respectively. No clear relationship bet ween hydraulic conductivity and depth was identified. Nevertheless, it was established that the matrix can retain small quantities of water, with the dolomite matrix exhibiting more favourable conditions for storing and trans mitting water. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.