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Widespread potential for streamflow leakage across Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • José Gescilam S. M. Uchôa

    (University of São Paulo, São Carlos)

  • Paulo Tarso S. Oliveira

    (University of São Paulo, São Carlos
    Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul)

  • André S. Ballarin

    (University of São Paulo, São Carlos
    University of Calgary)

  • Antônio A. Meira Neto

    (Colorado State University)

  • Didier Gastmans

    (São Paulo State University)

  • Scott Jasechko

    (University of California)

  • Ying Fan

    (Rutgers University)

  • Edson C. Wendland

    (University of São Paulo, São Carlos)

Abstract

River-aquifer interactions play a crucial role in water availability, influencing environmental flows and impacting climate dynamics. Where groundwater tables lie below river water levels, stream water can infiltrate into the underlying aquifer, reducing streamflow. However, the prevalence of these “losing” rivers remains poorly understood due to limited national-wide in situ observations. Here we analyze water levels in 17,972 wells across Brazil to show that most of them (55%) lie below nearby stream surfaces, implying that these nearby streams are likely seeping into the subsurface. Our results demonstrate the widespread potential for stream water losses into underlying aquifers in many regions of the country, especially in areas with extensive groundwater pumping. Our direct observations underscore the importance of conjunctively managing groundwater and surface water, and highlight the widespread risk of streamflow losses to aquifers, which could impact global water access and ecosystems that rely on rivers.

Suggested Citation

  • José Gescilam S. M. Uchôa & Paulo Tarso S. Oliveira & André S. Ballarin & Antônio A. Meira Neto & Didier Gastmans & Scott Jasechko & Ying Fan & Edson C. Wendland, 2024. "Widespread potential for streamflow leakage across Brazil," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54370-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54370-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Augusto Getirana & Renata Libonati & Marcio Cataldi, 2021. "Brazil is in water crisis — it needs a drought plan," Nature, Nature, vol. 600(7888), pages 218-220, December.
    2. Scott Jasechko & Hansjörg Seybold & Debra Perrone & Ying Fan & James W. Kirchner, 2021. "Widespread potential loss of streamflow into underlying aquifers across the USA," Nature, Nature, vol. 591(7850), pages 391-395, March.
    3. J. S. Famiglietti, 2014. "The global groundwater crisis," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 4(11), pages 945-948, November.
    4. M. Rodell & J. S. Famiglietti & D. N. Wiese & J. T. Reager & H. K. Beaudoing & F. W. Landerer & M.-H. Lo, 2018. "Emerging trends in global freshwater availability," Nature, Nature, vol. 557(7707), pages 651-659, May.
    5. Scott Jasechko & Hansjörg Seybold & Debra Perrone & Ying Fan & Mohammad Shamsudduha & Richard G. Taylor & Othman Fallatah & James W. Kirchner, 2024. "Rapid groundwater decline and some cases of recovery in aquifers globally," Nature, Nature, vol. 625(7996), pages 715-721, January.
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