Scholarlink

<p>Groundwater is an essential source of freshwater and also supports ecosystems. In the Katari Basin (~ 2500 km<sup>2</sup>), a semi-arid region where the city of El Alto (885,035 inhabitants) is located, rapid urban growth has increased pressure on this resource, both in terms of quantity (higher demand) and quality (pollution). Given the projected increasing reliance on groundwater, due to surface water contamination and climatic conditions, the current lack of knowledge poses challenges for sustainable water resources management. This study analyses the aquifer’s hydrodynamic behavior through numerical modeling, employing the basin-scale gravitational groundwater flow and water age theories to identify recharge areas, discharge areas and water transit times. Five main groundwater flow systems (GWFS) are identified: (1) the Lake system (GWFSL); (2) Mountain Range system (GWFSMR); (3) Wells system (GWFSW); (4) Katari system (GWFSK); and (5) South system (GWFSS). Recharge contributions to the Katari Basin are estimated to be derived from surface water streams (86%), Lake Titicaca (12%), glaciers (1%), and precipitation (1%). Transit times are estimated to be less than 60&#xa0;years in the El Alto sector and over 1000&#xa0;years in the lacustrine zone. The main conclusions highlight the significant role of surface water flows in the aquifer’s hydrodynamics and recharge processes, as well as the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination in the El Alto sector, due to relatively short transit times. This research provides a robust foundation for future hydrogeological studies and serves as a valuable resource for groundwater management and informed decision-making in the region.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Numerical modeling of aquifer hydrodynamics in the North Bolivian Altiplano: Application of basin-scale gravitational groundwater flow and groundwater age theories

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月2日

查看全文
  • Luis R. Hernández-Angulo,
  • Yvan Rossier,
  • Céline Duwig,
  • Michel Esteves,
  • Gabriela P. Flores Avilés,
  • Alvaro Soruco,
  • Hélène Guyard,
  • Jorge M. Claure-Pantoja

摘要

Groundwater is an essential source of freshwater and also supports ecosystems. In the Katari Basin (~ 2500 km2), a semi-arid region where the city of El Alto (885,035 inhabitants) is located, rapid urban growth has increased pressure on this resource, both in terms of quantity (higher demand) and quality (pollution). Given the projected increasing reliance on groundwater, due to surface water contamination and climatic conditions, the current lack of knowledge poses challenges for sustainable water resources management. This study analyses the aquifer’s hydrodynamic behavior through numerical modeling, employing the basin-scale gravitational groundwater flow and water age theories to identify recharge areas, discharge areas and water transit times. Five main groundwater flow systems (GWFS) are identified: (1) the Lake system (GWFSL); (2) Mountain Range system (GWFSMR); (3) Wells system (GWFSW); (4) Katari system (GWFSK); and (5) South system (GWFSS). Recharge contributions to the Katari Basin are estimated to be derived from surface water streams (86%), Lake Titicaca (12%), glaciers (1%), and precipitation (1%). Transit times are estimated to be less than 60 years in the El Alto sector and over 1000 years in the lacustrine zone. The main conclusions highlight the significant role of surface water flows in the aquifer’s hydrodynamics and recharge processes, as well as the vulnerability of groundwater to contamination in the El Alto sector, due to relatively short transit times. This research provides a robust foundation for future hydrogeological studies and serves as a valuable resource for groundwater management and informed decision-making in the region.