Based on the Tingskullen drillcore, we present the first continuous carbon isotope stratigraphy from the Lower–Middle Ordovician “orthoceratite limestone” of Öland, Sweden. The extremely condensed Tremadocian and Floian stages include large gaps as well as the Ceratopyge Regressive Event and the widespread Evae transgression accompanied by prominent shifts in the δ ¹³C record. The Dapingian and Darriwilian stages are characterised by low sedimentation rates and a relatively complete sedimentary record. A total of 99 whole-rock samples were analysed for carbon isotope geochemistry from the Ordovician part of the succession (46 m thick). The most striking anomaly detected is the middle Darriwilian isotope carbon excursion (MDICE) that appears unusually well developed and complete for the region, and thus forms an important proxy for intercontinental correlation of the succession.

The Island of Gotland (3000 km²), east of mainland Sweden, suffers from insufficient water availability each summer. Thin soils and lack of coherent reservoirs in the sedimentary bedrock lead to limited reservoir capacity. The feasibility of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is explored by identifying suitable areas and estimating their possible contribution to an increased water availability. MAR is compared to alternative water management measures, e.g., increased groundwater abstraction, in terms of costs and water availability potential. Results from GIS analyses of infiltration areas and groundwater storage, respectively proximity to surface water sources and surface water storage were classified into three categories of MAR suitability. An area of ca 7700 ha (2.5% of Gotland) was found to have good local conditions for MAR and an area of ca 22,700 ha (7.5% of Gotland) was found to have moderate local conditions for MAR. These results reveal the MAR potential on Gotland. The water supply potential of MAR in existing well fields was estimated to be about 35% of the forecasted drinking water supply and 7% of the total water demand gap in year 2045. It is similar in costs and water supply potential to increased surface water extraction.

This paper reports on the geochemistry of the mid-Silurian Grötlingbo Bentonite, a ca. 0.1–0.4-m-thick and regionally important bentonite bed in Sweden and the East Baltic area. A series of eight samples, spaced by 5 cm, were taken from the Hunninge-1 drillcore in Gotland, Sweden, and were analysed in order to establish the vertical element composition and variation in the bentonite. The results show that the Götlingbo Bentonite originates from one source magma and from one single eruption. The lowermost 0.1–0.15 m of the bentonite (compacted) was deposited from air-transport fall-out, whereas the upper portions have been reworked in a shallow-marine environment and re-deposited. Vertical differences in Ti and Zr within the Grötlingbo Bentonite mean that regional correlation of the bed may need several samples at each locality to be reliable.

Glaciokarst is widespread in the Silurian carbonate bedrock on the Island of Gotland. Grikes and limestone pavements are the most common karst features. Although, less well documented, caves and subsurface channels also contribute to the complex hydrogeology in the bedrock. The karst is interpreted to have been formed, primarily, before the Pleistocene when the landscape was covered with acidic organic soils. Glacial erosion and postglacial karstification have also played significant roles in sculpturing the epikarst morphology we see today. The study presents quantitative and qualitative characterization of karst within several pilot areas on the island of Gotland. High resolution aerial photographs were acquired over the pilot areas using a drone. These images were then analysed in GIS-software to provide a statistical evaluation of length, width, and relative area with karst. As well as providing a statistical understanding of the occurrence and geometry of karst, the results also help to clarify the impact of karst on the sensitive and limited groundwater resources on Gotland. Since a large part of the carbonate bedrock surface is barren or covered by thin quaternary deposits the epikarst provides important pathways for the percolation of meteoric water and recharge to the groundwater. It also locally provides guided pathways for surface runoff. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the presence of karst often is in conjunction with sensitive ecosystems such as temporary wetlands. Extensive development of grikes and limestone pavements also provide conditions for periodically hanging aquifers, which not only promotes groundwater recharge but also the formation of unique habitats for a variety of often threatened ecosystems. This study, which includes both biologists and earth scientists highlights the importance of the identification of catchment areas and mapping of karst. It also emphasises that investigations into the hydrogeology (including aspects such as groundwater recharge, surface runoff and subsurface transport pathways) is essential for a better understanding of wetland dynamics and their protection. The presence of karst and spreading of contaminations in the ground is also discussed. The work summarizes early results from a collaboration between authorities working with Natura 2000 karst habitats and geological classification and mapping of karst.