Modeling the Hydrologic Cycle in a Mediterranean High-Relief Karst

Abstract

The Sierra de las Nieves karst aquifer (Southern Spain) is a Mediterranean high-relief karst with an important geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological and ecological value. It has a spectacular landscape and a well-developed endokarst, as well as a number of important karst springs that are the origin of three important rivers in the region. In this work, we present the conceptual model of the aquifer and its mathematical model. The latter quantifies the hydrologic cycle in the aquifer, from recharge to discharge at the karst springs. The mathematical model has taken into account the particularities of karst aquifers in general (presence of a soil-epikarst layer and a well-developed network of karst conduits as well as the dichotomy of recharge, flow and discharge) and of this aquifer in particular (an important vadose zone with thickness of up to 1000 m and an important system of karst depressions with preferential recharge). The model will allow the analysis of the response of the karst system against climate change (modification of the rainfall and temperature regimes) and will assist the environmental managers in planning corrective actions.