Multidisciplinary Hydrogeological Study of a Folded Karst Aquifer Under Intensive Exploitation: The Bedmar-Jódar Aquifer (Southern Spain)

Abstract

The adequate management of small aquifers located in structurally complex areas requires detailed geological and hydrogeological knowledge of the system. The analysis may include features related to the aquifers ' 3D geometry, their lateral connection with other aquifers, their hydraulic parameters, and their storage and recovery capacities during dry periods. To accomplish such a study is complex, and it involves even more uncertainties in the case of karst aquifers due to their special features. In this paper we present a multidisciplinary hydrogeological approach to explore a carbonate aquifer of southern Spain subjected to intensive exploitation. The study allowed us to redefine its geometry and its limits through the acquisition of geological and geophysical (gravity) data. New hydrodynamic, hydrogeochemical and isotopic information led to a new conceptual model and the definition of guidelines for a more efficient management.