Hydrogeological study of Lorino Channel drainage and recharge

 

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Problem

Transform lands with shallow groundwater levels into farmlands with diverse drainage systems may generate a flow decrease of waters that feed superficial streams, along with detriment to users of this resource downstream.

This study shows the potential effect of this drainage works. It consisted in a hydrogeological characterization to define and quantify the impact of works in the place where groundwater outcrop and feed Lo Campo waterway, which is from where Lorino channel is born in Aconcagua river valley, Catemu sector.

Proposal

To elaborate a hydrogeological conceptual model that shows the interaction between groundwater and surface water in the area of interest.

The above mentioned is based on the analysis of hydrometeorological information, available rainfall and flowmetry statistics to establish a possible correlation between the drainage works and the flow fluctuation of the surface stream.

Besides, the flow fluctuation among channels in the area is contrasted with the study of satellite images through time to check its evolution on land.

Results

This study concluded in the hydrogeological characterization of the area, the interaction between groundwater and surface water, the analysis of the drainage works and its potential effect on the surface stream and also recommendations on monitoring and mitigation.

Aquist