Deciphering groundwater flow-paths in fault-controlled semiarid mountain front zones (Central Chile)

Figueroa, Ronny; Viguier, Benoît; Taucare, Matías; Yáñez, Gonzalo; Arancibia, Gloria; Sanhueza, Jorge; Daniele, Linda

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145456

Cited by 15 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 144 publications

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“…On the one side, such a fault can provide a good source of groundwater where the source is connected to a deeper conducting zone with appreciable resistivity in contrast with the surrounding quartzite rock. On the other side, the fault can also act as a groundwater flow barrier as explained by [41]. The delineated graben-like structures created by faulting may be associated with the reservoir compartmentalization (fluid/pressure compartments created by sealed boundaries) as described by [2].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrogeophysical Characterization of Fractured Aquifers for Groundwater Exploration in the Federal District of Brazil

et al. 2022

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The present study applies a geophysical approach to the Federal district of Brazil, a challenging hydrogeologic setting that requires improved investigation to enhance groundwater prospecting to meet the rising water demand. The geophysical characterization of a complex hard-rock aquifer sub-system was conducted using direct current (DC) electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) integrated with surface geological information. With a total of twenty-seven ERT profiles, the resistivity acquisition was carried out using a dipole-dipole array of electrodes with an inter-electrode spacing of 10 m. Based on resistivity ranges, the interpretation of the inverted resistivity values indicated a ground profile consisting of upper dry soil, saprolite, weathered, and fresh bedrock. Along with this layered subsurface stratigraphy, the approach allowed us to map the presence of significant hydrogeological features sharp contrasting anomalies that may suggest structural controls separating high-resistivity (≥7000 Ω m) and low-resistivity (<7000 Ω m) conducting zones in the uppermost 10 m of the ground. The assumed impacts of these features on groundwater development are discussed in light of the Brasilia aquifer settings.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrogeophysical Characterization of Fractured Aquifers for Groundwater Exploration in the Federal District of Brazil

et al. 2022

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“…Low K fault scenario (corresponding to the measurements on the western part A-A'), acting as a barrier in MBR processes (Bresciani et al, 2018;Figueroa et al, 2021).…”

Section: Permeability and Flow Behaviors In Fault Zonesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Diffuse MBR occurs widely within mountain blocks, including the mountain front area (Markovich et al, 2019;Wilson and Guan, 2004). Focused MBR corresponds to groundwater flow through permeable colluvium-alluvium corridors in gullies or canyons joining the adjacent basin, and oblique basement faults crossing the mountain front area, which may promote groundwater flow into the adjacent basin (Figueroa et al, 2021;Markovich et al, 2019;Wilson and Guan, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…If some MBR exists, major faults near the mountain front can potentially either impede or enhance MBR. Theoretically, major faults oriented at a high angle to the MBR flow paths might act as barriers to MBR as the groundwater must flow across the fault zone to enter the adjacent aquifers (Chowdhury et al, 2008;Delinom, 2009;Figueroa et al, 2021;Kebede et al, 2008). In contrast, obliquely oriented faults (more parallel to MBR flow paths) within the bedrock could act as conduits for groundwater flow and promote MBR (Figueroa et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Theoretically, major faults oriented at a high angle to the MBR flow paths might act as barriers to MBR as the groundwater must flow across the fault zone to enter the adjacent aquifers (Chowdhury et al, 2008;Delinom, 2009;Figueroa et al, 2021;Kebede et al, 2008). In contrast, obliquely oriented faults (more parallel to MBR flow paths) within the bedrock could act as conduits for groundwater flow and promote MBR (Figueroa et al, 2021). However, the results from field examination, hydrochemical, and groundwater age assessment provide evidence that the orientations of faults do not determine their role in mountain block hydrogeological processes (Caine et al, 2017;Kebede et al, 2008), and the oblique oriented faults could act as barriers to MBR.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Characteristics of hydraulic conductivity in mountain block systems and its effects on mountain block recharge: Insights from field investigation and numerical modeling

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Improving school children’s understanding of water scarcity with a co-produced book on groundwater in Central Chile

Vargas-Payera,

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et al. 2023

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Self Cite

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Water scarcity is a critical issue worldwide, and Chile is no exception. Since 2010, Central Chile has been enduring an ongoing water crisis due to the coupled effects of a severe drought and the overuse of water resources, especially groundwater. Rural communities have been strongly impacted, mainly because wells from which drinking water is supplied show a dramatic drop in water levels, and some have even dried up. The water scarcity scenario requires the integration of actors and disciplines to increase awareness of groundwater; however, how to make this valuable element visible in society is an issue that remains open to debate. This paper describes and reflects on the process of making educational material about groundwater and water scarcity for children to promote public awareness. Based on transdisciplinary and co-designing processes, this work describes the social perceptions of groundwater among children and community leaders, as well as how scientific information and local knowledge of water scarcity could be integrated into a book for the young population. This research finds that educational projects on groundwater resources increase people’s awareness of the role of this hidden resource in the water cycle. Such projects encourage the creation of grounded and contextualised materials that incorporate the knowledge and experience already present in the communities, increasing public awareness of the role of groundwater and associated water scarcity issues, thereby integrating academia and society. This approach could be a tool to lay the foundations for successfully addressing the water crisis in Chile over generations.

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Deciphering groundwater flow-paths in fault-controlled semiarid mountain front zones (Central Chile)

Cited by 15 publications

References 144 publications

Hydrogeophysical Characterization of Fractured Aquifers for Groundwater Exploration in the Federal District of Brazil

Hydrogeophysical Characterization of Fractured Aquifers for Groundwater Exploration in the Federal District of Brazil

Characteristics of hydraulic conductivity in mountain block systems and its effects on mountain block recharge: Insights from field investigation and numerical modeling

Improving school children’s understanding of water scarcity with a co-produced book on groundwater in Central Chile

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