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Rivers Don't Block Groundwater Flow
Granada, Spain (SPX) Nov 16, 2007 The research team from the Geodynamics Department at the University of Granada and the Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining (which is part of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science) has studied the hydrogeology of the karst aquifers in the Mediterranean climate. It has been found that, contrary to popular belief, rivers do not act as insurmountable barriers for groundwater flow. This pioneering study was carried out by Antonio Gonz�lez Ramon and directed by doctors Manuel Lopez Chicano and Juan Carlos Rubio Campos. They based their research on the karst aquifer situated in the Pegalajar and the Mojon Blanco ranges. It occupies the northern side of the Betica mountain range and was provisionally declared overexploited in 1992 because of the complete drying up of the La Reja spring - whose source is situated in the centre of the village of Pegalajar - due to the exploitation of the water resources in order to supply the villages of Mancha Real, Pegalajar and La Guardia, which are all situated in the province of Jaen, Spain. These scientists have proven that important rivers such as Guadalbullon are not insurmountable barriers for groundwater flows, as previously believed. The analysis of piezometric, hydrochemical and isotopic data from groundwater flows revealed that they cross the Guadalbullon River from one bank to the other due to a certain geological structure which prevents the groundwater from being influenced by the river flow.
The analysed data The analysis of all this information has made it possible to create a new hydrogeological model which explains most of the current mysteries. It has also made it possible to accurately identify which water resources depend on these aquifers and to design a new exploitation model which does not affect important springs such as the one at La Reja. "The hydrogeological model which results from this research has been a useful basis for the development of a programme which controls the exploitation of the Mancha Real - Pegalajar aquifer. This programme aims to solve the social problems related to the exploitation of the groundwater in that area," according to the author of this study. After having proven their success, some measures included in this programme have already been put into practice. Also, other measures are being implemented in order to restore the spring of La Reja. The research carried out at the University of Granada has shown the importance of accurate knowledge of geological structures to explain the stages of storage and circulation of groundwater in karst aquifers severely folded and fractured. Related Links University of Granada Water News - Science, Technology and Politics
World must help protect vital Mekong river: activists
Bangkok (AFP) Nov 13, 2007International donors must use their influence and push Southeast Asia's Mekong River Commission to speak out against six potentially devastating dams on the vital waterway, environmental groups said Tuesday. |
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