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Land Cover Changes and Their Influence on Recharge in a Mediterranean Karstic Aquifer (Alicante, Spain)

Author

Listed:
  • María Candela Ruiz

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

  • Javier Valdés-Abellán

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

  • Concepción Pla

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

  • Miguel Fernández-Mejuto

    (Hydrologic Cycle, Diputación Provincial de Alicante, 03006 Alicante, Spain)

  • David Benavente

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain)

Abstract

Groundwater plays a key role in the subsistence of people and their activities throughout the globe, particularly in arid zones. In the highly dynamic context of the Mediterranean landscape, a deep understanding of aquifer systems is essential for their optimal management. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of land cover on recharge in the Almudaina-Segaria aquifer, through the simulation of different land cover scenarios. The results showed a 32% decrease in the total water volume + entering the aquifer when extensive agriculture was replaced by natural forests, with a remarkable drop in the water table elevation for a large portion of the aquifer, depending on geology and topography. Considering the demographic evolution and ongoing climatic changes, it is fundamental to incorporate a management perspective where surface and underground processes are integrated as a fundamental part of a sustainable system.

Suggested Citation

  • María Candela Ruiz & Javier Valdés-Abellán & Concepción Pla & Miguel Fernández-Mejuto & David Benavente, 2022. "Land Cover Changes and Their Influence on Recharge in a Mediterranean Karstic Aquifer (Alicante, Spain)," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2022:i:1:p:128-:d:1021211
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