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Characterization of Carbonate Aquifers (Sierra de Grazalema, S Spain) by Means of Hydrodynamic and Hydrochemical Tools

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Hydrogeological and Environmental Investigations in Karst Systems

Part of the book series: Environmental Earth Sciences ((EESCI,volume 1))

Abstract

Hydrodynamic and hydrochemical monitoring of springs has been largely used to study carbonate aquifers and to determine their hydrogeological functioning. In this work, temporal evolutions regarding flow discharge, major components, and natural soil tracers (Total Organic Carbon and NO3 ) of four springs draining karst aquifers located in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (Southern Spain) have been analyzed. Results show the existence of aquifers with a high degree of karstification in which recharge water rapidly infiltrates and causes sharp water dilutions and steep flow increases. These aquifers coexist with others characterized by a lower development of karstification processes, but higher natural attenuation capacities.

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Acknowledgments

This work is a contribution to the projects CGL2008-06158 and CGL-2012-32590 of DGICYT and IGCP 598 of UNESCO, and to the Research Group RNM-308 of the Junta de Andalucía. The authors wish to thank the Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía for its support in the development of this research.

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Correspondence to D. Sánchez .

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Sánchez, D., Andreo, B., López, M., González, M.J., Mudarra, M. (2015). Characterization of Carbonate Aquifers (Sierra de Grazalema, S Spain) by Means of Hydrodynamic and Hydrochemical Tools. In: Andreo, B., Carrasco, F., Durán, J., Jiménez, P., LaMoreaux, J. (eds) Hydrogeological and Environmental Investigations in Karst Systems. Environmental Earth Sciences, vol 1. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17435-3_20

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