Hydrogeological characterization of heterogeneous volcanic aquifers in the Canary Islands using recession analysis of deep water gallery discharge

Poncela, Roberto Poncela; Cerezal, Juan Carlos Santamarta; García‐Gil, Alejandro; Cruz‐Pérez, Noelia; Skupien, Elzbieta; García-Barba, Javier

doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2022.127975

Cited by 11 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Table 2 is a comparison of the averaged concentration values of the NMWs in La Mina and El Molinillo springs, in relation to the NMWs of waters from the Canary Islands and Spain (Poncela et al 2013), where the pristine conditions are evidenced by generally presenting lower values in major ions concentrations, as well as in EC. In particular, the low sodium ion values (<20 mg/L) make these waters especially suitable for people needing to adhere to a poor‐sodium diet.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heterogeneity‐Driven Hydrodynamics Conditions the Hydrochemistry of Spring Water in Volcanic Islands

et al. 2022

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Perched aquifers represent significant unexploited groundwater reserves in volcanic islands and contain valuable freshwater resources. These water reserves provide critical resources to indigenous populations suffering water scarcity. Groundwater discharged from a perched aquifer into two adjacent (14 m) springs in the volcanic summits constituted by basaltic and pyroclastic deposits of Gran Canaria Island (Spain) was examined. Based on springs discharge data, a three‐dimensional groundwater flow and solute transport model of the investigated perched aquifer was calibrated to reproduce its hydraulic regime, as well as to explain the hydrochemical and isotopic composition of its main discharge systems, the studied springs. Groundwater flow simulations effectively replicated flow paths of the two springs affected by the existing geological heterogeneities, with differential travel times of 246 and 130 years, respectively, and with a convergent flow toward them partially explaining the averaged differences in electrical conductivity, δ18O, and tritium observed between the springs. It can be concluded that, although water quality in both springs is similar and homogenous, as they come from the same aquifer system, geological heterogeneities in the upper elevation volcanic areas is likely the cause for the differences in the residence times of the two springs, which suggests that the flow regimes for the two springs are independent. The chemistry of the two springs, however, is essentially the same, with the exception of tritium, which is used to ascertain residence time.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%