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Hydrogeological characteristics of a groundwater‐dependent ecosystem (La Lantejuela, Spain)
Author(s) -
RodríguezRodríguez Miguel,
Moral Francisco,
Benavente Jose
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2007.00092.x
Subject(s) - groundwater , hydrogeology , aquifer , hydrology (agriculture) , drainage basin , water framework directive , environmental science , groundwater flow , water balance , structural basin , geology , geomorphology , geography , ecology , water quality , geotechnical engineering , cartography , biology
By means of a simple water balance model, together with hydrogeochemical and morphological interpretation, the hydrogeological characteristics of a series of playa lakes forming an endorheic complex within the Guadalquivir river basin in Southern Spain (La Lantejuela) have been evaluated. The lakes are demonstrated to be groundwater‐dependent ecosystems. The main source of groundwater input to the lakes is from an unconfined detritic aquifer, the playa lakes being the natural discharge points from the aquifer within the endorheic complex. High rates of evaporation from the lakes induce a centripetal groundwater flow pattern. This water body has been disturbed by a combination of extensive drainage works and intensive groundwater abstraction. There is a need for a sustainable water management strategy for the whole catchment area. It is hoped this will be an issue addressed within the Guadalquivir river basin management plan in accordance with the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD).