Relevance of spatio-temporal rainfall variability regarding groundwater management challenges under global change: case study in Doñana (SW Spain)

Abstract

Rainfall is the major contribution for groundwater recharge in arid and semiarid climates, therefore a key factor in water resources estimation. This work presents the results of an in-depth study in Doñana National Park concerning groundwater recharge behavior over a long period (1975–2016). The spatio-temporal kriging algorithm was used as a supportive tool to improve the reconstruction of the spatio-temporal rainfall variability. One of the main findings was that monthly recharge estimations range between 21 and 91% of the maximum rainfall, being overestimated in areas that also demonstrate spatial heterogeneity in rainfall distribution. In the light of these results, for water management purposes in the Mediterranean area, rainfall spatio-temporal scale is a critical aspect and it must be taken into account in groundwater reservoir allocation. Moreover, it is highlighted that local studies of rainfall and recharge, in an area of high ecological fragility, are essential to developing management strategies that prevent climate change effects and guarantee optimal conditions for groundwater resources in the future.