Abstract
The scarcity of water resources in semiarid regions is usually accompanied by brief periods of quite intense precipitation that can generate potentially catastrophic floods. In such regions, the use of runoff water for aquifer recharge can contribute to both flooding prevention and effective management of water resources. This paper presents the results of a study undertaken in southeastern Spain focusing on the recharge induced by a number of engineering structures (check dams) and gravel pits. The current network of check dams consists of 107 dams, of which 64 are located over permeable substrates and so we can induce recharge of the storm runoff retained therein. The hydrological model was performed using the curve number method (CN) of the Service for the Conservation of Soils, utilizing code HEC-HMS. Results indicate that the proportion of runoff infiltrated through the check dams varies from 3% to more than 50%, according to the effective volume of water dammed and the substrate. In addition, hydrological modelling was carried out in a subbasin taking advantage of the presence of one of a number of gravel pits. The gravel pits are situated in the apical sectors of alluvial fans that overlie hydrogeological units that are widely overexploited, and so they are well positioned for use for artificial recharge. In this case, we conclude that a pit is capable of retaining and infiltrating the combined runoff volumes for various return periods (5, 25, 50, and 100 years). Furthermore, the simulation carried out suggests that the recharge processes in these environments are intimately linked to episodic storm events. The incorporation of hydrogeological criteria in the design and construction of check dams could therefore be very useful for the optimum management of water resources in semiarid zones.
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Acknowledgments
This paper was prepared within the framework of Spanish projects REN 2001-3378/RIES and REN2002-04517-CO2-01 financed by the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia. Christine Laurin is thanked for editing the English version.
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Martín-Rosales, W., Gisbert, J., Pulido-Bosch, A. et al. Estimating groundwater recharge induced by engineering systems in a semiarid area (southeastern Spain). Environ Geol 52, 985–995 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-006-0541-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-006-0541-5