Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) as a new age-dating tool for shallow groundwater : methods and first results

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) was measured in shallow groundwater from the upper limestone aquifer near Stuttgart, Germany, in order to determine the time since the groundwater was recharged. Technical preconditions for dating groundwater with SF6 are described. Plausible water ages. can be deduced from SF6 measurements. Results are presented and discussed.