Hydrogeological Characterization of a Geologically Complex Karst Aquifer Using Natural Responses: An Example from Andalusia, Southern Spain

Abstract

Knowledge of groundwater flow in mountain karst aquifers is crucial because these are main contributors to many rivers of southern Spain. Analysis of natural responses (hydrodynamic, hydrochemical, and isotopic data -delta C-13(TDIC)-) from two nearby karst springs located in the Sierra de Jarastepar aquifer have allowed deducing the considerable hydrogeological heterogeneity existing in the southern border of the aquifer. The natural responses of springs located in the southern edge of Jurassic limestones are different from the springs situated in Triassic dolostones. The existence of low-permeability materials in a geologically complex zone between them contributes to modulate the input signal coming from catchment area.